Name: Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 cups cauliflower rice; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s secretly healthy, my Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice is just what you need. It’s savory, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—plus, it’s a breeze to whip up for busy weeknights or make ahead for meal prep. Whether you’re low-carb or just hunting for a lighter take on classic casseroles, this recipe’s got you covered. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice

Low-carb and keto-friendly—great for keeping things healthy and light.
Ready in under an hour, so it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Creamy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying for the whole family.
Versatile: easy to customize with spices, cheeses, or veggies you love.
Great for meal prep and makes delicious leftovers!

Ingredients for Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice

1 pound ground beef (preferably lean, 90/10)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
3 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen and thawed)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions: How to Make Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, then sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs, then drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and cauliflower rice. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until most of the moisture evaporates and everything is heated through.
Remove skillet from heat. Fold in half the shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup) along with the sour cream to create a rich and creamy texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the beef and cauliflower mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Top with remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a gooey, bubbling crust.

Step 4: Bake

Bake uncovered for 20-22 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes for Making the Best Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice

If using frozen cauliflower rice, make sure to thaw and drain it well to prevent extra liquid. Learn more about preparing cauliflower rice.
Like it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños with the beef.
For a thinner casserole, add 1/4 cup of beef or chicken broth before baking.

Variations on Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice

Tex-Mex: Swap Italian herbs for taco seasoning and use pepper jack cheese; top with sliced olives and jalapeños.
Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and up the veggies (try bell peppers and zucchini).
Pesto Style: Stir 2 tablespoons of pesto into your beef mixture and swap mozzarella for parmesan.

Required Equipment for Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice

Large skillet or sauté pan
Spatula
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
9×13-inch casserole dish
Oven mitts

Storage Instructions: Keeping Your Casserole Fresh

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
For freezer storage, tightly wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice

Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for a satisfying, balanced meal.
Serve with keto-friendly dinner rolls or garlic bread for extra comfort.
Top each serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt or fresh salsa for a zingy twist.

Pro Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice

Drain any excess fat from your beef to keep the casserole from getting greasy. Read up on proper beef browning technique.
Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for the most irresistible cheesy crust.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing, so it holds together beautifully.

FAQ: Ground Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake just before serving.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?
Absolutely. Just substitute for the ground beef with an equal amount; you may want to add a splash more olive oil for leaner meats.
How do I prevent cauliflower rice from being watery?
Make sure to sauté it first to cook off excess moisture, and drain well before adding to your casserole. More about cauliflower rice benefits.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Serves: 6