Cheesy Ground Beef & Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Learn how to make this homemade cheesy ground beef & cauliflower casserole - the best low-carb comfort food alternative to traditional pasta bakes. This easy baking recipe combines seasoned ground beef, tender cauliflower, and a creamy cheese sauce for a hearty, protein-packed dinner that's family-friendly and keto-approved.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

35 mins

Serves:

6 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g lean ground beef</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium cauliflower (approximately 750g), cut into small florets</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 red bell pepper, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 teaspoons Italian seasoning</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g cream cheese, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250ml beef stock</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g cheddar cheese, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g mozzarella cheese, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g Parmesan cheese, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and pepper to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Large pot for blanching cauliflower</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Colander</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Cheese grater</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 190°C. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will be used to partially cook the cauliflower before it goes into the casserole.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water and blanch for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still firm (al dente). Be careful not to overcook as the cauliflower will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well in a colander and set aside. Good drainage is essential to prevent a watery casserole.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. The caramelization of the meat creates rich, savory flavors known as Maillard reactions that form the foundation of your dish's taste.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Season the beef mixture with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Stir well to distribute the spices evenly. The layering of seasonings at this stage infuses the meat thoroughly before adding wet ingredients.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts into the beef mixture. Pour in the beef stock gradually while stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce. The stock helps to both deglaze the pan (releasing any flavorful browned bits) and thin the cream cheese to the right consistency.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary – this is your last chance to perfect the flavor before assembly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the beef mixture to a casserole dish. Gently fold in the blanched cauliflower, being careful not to break up the florets too much. You want distinct pieces of cauliflower throughout the casserole for texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>In a bowl, combine the cheddar, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle two-thirds of the cheese mixture over the beef and cauliflower, then gently fold it in. The combination of different cheeses creates complex flavors and excellent melting properties.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Top the casserole with the remaining cheese mixture and sprinkle with the rest of the Parmesan. The top layer of cheese will create a beautiful golden crust during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown on top. For an extra golden top, switch to the grill/broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Remove from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set slightly and the flavors to meld together. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Cheesy Ground Beef & Cauliflower Casserole Recipe?

This low-carb casserole uses lean ground beef, cauliflower florets, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, cream cheese, beef stock, and a trio of cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan), all topped with fresh parsley.

How to cook Cheesy Ground Beef & Cauliflower Casserole Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Cheesy Ground Beef & Cauliflower Casserole by first blanching cauliflower until tender-crisp, then sautéing onions, garlic, and peppers before browning beef. Create a creamy sauce with cream cheese and stock, combine with cauliflower, top with a cheese mixture, and bake until golden and bubbling. Let it rest before serving for maximum flavour.

Can I prepare this low-carb casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Simply add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight before baking.

What can I substitute for cauliflower in this beef bake?

For a similar low-carb option, try broccoli, courgette chunks, or sliced cabbage. If carbs aren't a concern, you could use pasta, rice, or diced potatoes. Each alternative will change the texture and cooking time slightly, so adjust the blanching/pre-cooking accordingly.

Why is my cauliflower casserole watery?

Excess moisture typically comes from under-draining the blanched cauliflower. Ensure you drain thoroughly in a colander and pat dry if needed. Also, simmering the sauce until properly thickened before assembly and allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it set to the perfect consistency.

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