Baked Cheddar and Ground Beef Keto Casserole
A hearty keto casserole layering seasoned ground beef with sharp cheddar and creamy cream cheese, baked to bubbly perfection. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground beef, cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, shredded for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp dried thyme.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low and stir in 4 oz cream cheese and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a greased 8x8-inch baking dish and evenly sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cheddar and Ground Beef Keto Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Cheddar and Ground Beef Keto Casserole?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cheddar and Ground Beef Keto Casserole?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Cheddar and Ground Beef Keto Casserole for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Baked Cheddar and Ground Beef Keto Casserole low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a busy weeknight. The cheddar melted perfectly and the beef was flavorful.
- ★★★★★
This is my new favorite keto dinner! Easy and delicious, my family loved it.
- ★★★★☆
It was a bit bland for my taste, so I added extra garlic powder. Still a great base for keto.
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