Ground Beef Casserole

This Ground Beef Casserole with cauliflower rice is a delightful dish that combines comfort and nutrition in one easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals, it offers a delicious way to enjoy lean beef and veggies. With its creamy texture and cheesy topping, this casserole will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s simple enough that you can whip it up any night of the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This ground beef casserole can be put together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices and fresh spinach adds depth and richness to the dish.
• Nutritious Option: With the inclusion of cauliflower rice and spinach, this meal is packed with nutrients while keeping carbs low.
• Feeds a Crowd: Serving four hearty portions, it’s ideal for family gatherings or meal prep for the week.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

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Tools and Preparation

Before you start making this ground beef casserole, gather your tools for a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large 12-inch skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Skillet: Provides ample space for browning the ground beef and sautéing vegetables evenly.
• Baking Dish: The right size ensures even cooking and allows for easy serving directly from the oven.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for breaking up the meat without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

This ground beef casserole with cauliflower rice is easy to put together and perfect for feeding a crowd! It’s a comforting dish made with simple ingredients.

For the Casserole

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 6 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 10 ounces frozen cauliflower rice (cooked according to the directions on the bag)
• 1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon butter (room temperature)
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (if needed)
• 8 ounces shredded Italian blend cheese (or any other shredded cheese that you have/prefer)

How to Make Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375˚F. This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and thoroughly.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
1. Add diced onions and cook for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook Ground Beef

Add the lean ground beef to the skillet along with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
1. Cook while breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until it is completely browned.

Step 4: Add Spinach

Stir in fresh baby spinach. Depending on your skillet size, you might need to add it in batches.
1. Cook while stirring frequently for about 1 minute or until wilted.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish Mixture

Remove from heat and drain excess liquid from the skillet. Set aside.
In a separate bowl or directly in a 9×13-inch baking dish:
1. Combine cooked cauliflower rice, sour cream, butter, and dried basil.
2. Mix until creamy; if needed, add milk to achieve desired consistency.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add prepared beef mixture into the baking dish with cauliflower rice mixture.
1. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Top generously with shredded cheese.

Step 7: Bake Casserole

Bake in preheated oven for about 22 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Step 8: Serve

Remove from oven and let stand for about 7 to 10 minutes before cutting into portions and serving hot.

Enjoy this comforting Ground Beef Casserole as part of a delicious meal!

How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole

This ground beef casserole is a fantastic dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, serving suggestions can enhance the experience.

Family Style

• Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a casual family meal. Let everyone help themselves!

Individual Portions

• Spoon servings into individual bowls for a more refined presentation. This works great for dinner parties.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Add chopped fresh parsley or basil on top before serving to elevate the dish’s appearance and flavor.

Accompanied by Salad

• Pair with a light green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect for scooping up any remaining cheesy goodness.

How to Perfect Ground Beef Casserole

To make your ground beef casserole even better, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter and reduce excess grease.
• Mix Up the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors. Cheddar or mozzarella works well!
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture.
• Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning! Adjust salt and spices according to your taste preferences.
• Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to sit after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Casserole

Complement your delicious ground beef casserole with these tasty side dishes that make a complete meal.

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every bite of casserole.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crisp lettuce and creamy dressing, providing a fresh contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients, balancing the richness of the casserole.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and acidity, making it a refreshing counterpoint to the warm dish.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli is nutritious and keeps things healthy while adding vibrant color.
6. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are comforting and pair beautifully with the savory flavors of beef casserole.
7. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad offers a healthy twist that complements the main dish wonderfully.
8. Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans provide a delightful contrast, enhancing your meal’s overall flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make simple mistakes when preparing a ground beef casserole. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef properly can lead to a bland flavor. Always ensure the meat is fully browned before adding other ingredients.
• Ignoring moisture levels: Failing to drain excess liquid from the meat can make the casserole watery. Drain any fat and liquid after cooking the beef to maintain a good texture.
• Overcooking or undercooking the spinach: Adding spinach too late or cooking it too long can affect its flavor and texture. Add it at the right time and cook just until wilted.
• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold sour cream or butter can prevent them from mixing well into your casserole. Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother consistency.
• Neglecting cheese topping: Not adding enough cheese or omitting it altogether can rob your casserole of creamy goodness. Generously sprinkle cheese on top before baking for that perfect melt.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the casserole to cool completely before sealing it.

Freezing Ground Beef Casserole

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Consider portioning it out for easy reheating later.

Reheating Ground Beef Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about ground beef casseroles that may help you.

What variations can I make with Ground Beef Casserole?

You can customize your ground beef casserole by adding different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Swapping in various cheeses can also provide new flavors.

Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as alternatives in this casserole recipe. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly based on the meat used.

How do I know when my Ground Beef Casserole is done baking?

The casserole is ready when it’s bubbly around the edges, and the cheese has melted and is slightly golden brown on top.

What sides pair well with this Ground Beef Casserole?

Serve your casserole with a fresh salad or crusty bread. Roasted vegetables also complement this dish nicely.

Final Thoughts

This ground beef casserole with cauliflower rice offers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Its versatility allows for endless customization, making it perfect for any family meal. Give this easy recipe a try, and enjoy creating your own unique variations!