Description
This Cauliflower Rice Casserole is a comforting, low-carb dish combining sautéed ground beef, onions, and garlic with creamy cauliflower rice and rich cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole makes a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 (14.11 ounces) package frozen cauliflower rice
Seasonings & Oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for the final baking step of the casserole.
- Season Beef: Season the ground beef evenly with 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper to enhance its flavor.
- Sauté Beef and Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic, cooking until the beef loses its pink color and onions soften, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Add Cauliflower Rice: Stir in the frozen cauliflower rice with the beef mixture and cook together for 2 minutes while stirring to combine flavors and slightly soften the cauliflower. Drain any excess moisture or grease.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese and Cream: Add 8 ounces of cream cheese and 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to create a creamy mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat.
- Prepare for Baking: If your skillet is ovenproof, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the mixture in the skillet. If not, transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish, then top with the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, garnish if desired, and serve hot for a delicious and creamy cauliflower rice casserole experience.
Notes
- Use an ovenproof skillet to save time and dishes by baking directly in the cooking pan.
- Drain excess grease during cooking to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Adjust seasoning after adding cream and cheese for best flavor balance.
- Frozen cauliflower rice works well, but fresh riced cauliflower can be substituted.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with lighter alternatives.
