Ground Beef Casserole
This Ground Beef Casserole with cauliflower rice is a fantastic dish that combines comfort and flavor, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this casserole stands out as a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or something to impress guests, this recipe is versatile enough for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This casserole can be assembled in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of ground beef, spices, and creamy textures creates a comforting dish that warms the soul.
- Healthy Ingredients: Incorporating cauliflower rice adds nutrients while keeping the dish low in carbs.
- Feeding a Crowd: With generous servings, this casserole is ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or cheeses to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Ground Beef Casserole, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can greatly enhance your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for browning the ground beef evenly while allowing enough space for stirring in other ingredients.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect size for mixing and baking your casserole, ensuring even cooking throughout.
- Wooden spoon: Gentle on cookware and effective for breaking up meat without damaging non-stick surfaces.

Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare your Ground Beef Casserole:
For the Main Dish
- 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
For the Base
- 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)
For Topping
- 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 step ensures that your casserole bakes evenly once it’s ready.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onions and cook them for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cooking it for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet.
* Season it with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
* Cook while breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until it is completely browned.
Step 4: Incorporate Spinach
Add fresh baby spinach to the skillet.
* You may need to add it in batches if your skillet is smaller.
* Cook while stirring frequently for about 1 minute or until wilted.
Step 5: Prepare Cauliflower Rice Base
In a separate bowl or directly in a 9×13-inch baking dish:
* Combine cooked cauliflower rice, sour cream (or yogurt), room temperature butter, and dried basil.
* Mix until creamy; if needed, add milk to help melt the butter fully.
Step 6: Combine Mixtures
Add your cooked ground beef mixture into the baking dish with cauliflower rice.
Stir everything together until fully incorporated.
Step 7: Add Cheese Topping
Top your casserole with shredded cheese evenly across the surface.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 22 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Once done, remove from the oven and let it stand for about 7 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Casserole!
How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole
Ground beef casserole is a hearty dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
Personal Plates
- Individual servings allow for easy portion control and presentation. Simply scoop out the casserole into bowls for each guest.
Fresh Salad
- A light salad complements the richness of the casserole. Choose mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette to balance flavors.
Garlic Bread
- Serve alongside warm garlic bread for a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the creamy casserole.
Steamed Vegetables
- Bright, colorful vegetables like broccoli or carrots add nutrition and visual appeal. Steam them lightly to retain their texture and flavor.
Pickled Vegetables
- Offer pickled cucumbers or radishes as a tangy side that contrasts nicely with the savory casserole.
Fruit Salad
- A refreshing fruit salad adds sweetness and balances the meal. Use seasonal fruits for the best flavor.
How to Perfect Ground Beef Casserole
Perfecting your ground beef casserole involves a few simple techniques. Follow these tips to ensure a delicious outcome every time.
- Choose lean beef: Using lean ground beef reduces excess fat, making your casserole lighter and healthier.
- Season well: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Italian seasoning and paprika enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Cook spinach thoroughly: Make sure to wilt the spinach properly for better texture and flavor integration.
- Mix thoroughly: Ensure that all ingredients are well combined, so every bite of your casserole is flavorful.
- Adjust creaminess: If your mixture seems too thick, add milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to sit after baking helps it set, making serving easier.
Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Casserole
Pairing side dishes with ground beef casserole can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes add comfort and can soak up any extra sauce from the casserole.
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly roasted asparagus offers a nice crunch and complements the dish’s rich flavors.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides freshness and cuts through the heaviness of the casserole.
- Quinoa Salad: A nutritious quinoa salad adds protein and fiber, making it a wholesome side option.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and are packed with vitamins – simply bake until tender.
- Cucumber Tomato Salad: This refreshing salad is quick to prepare and adds brightness with its crisp textures.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is deliciously sweet and fun to eat alongside this comforting dish.
- Green Bean Almondine: Sautéed green beans topped with almonds provide crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs well with beef.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Ground Beef Casserole, it’s easy to overlook key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch for:
- Not seasoning properly: Failing to season your ground beef can lead to a bland casserole. Always taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Skipping the browning step: If you don’t brown the beef thoroughly, your casserole may end up greasy. Make sure to cook until the meat is nicely browned.
- Using cold ingredients: Adding cold sour cream or butter can prevent proper mixing. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before combining them.
- Overcooking spinach: Cooking spinach too long can make it soggy. Add it just until wilted for better texture and flavor.
- Neglecting to drain excess liquid: If you skip draining excess liquid from the cooked beef, your casserole may turn out watery. Always drain before combining with other ingredients.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Ground Beef Casserole
- Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Consider portioning into smaller containers for easy reheating.
Reheating Ground Beef Casserole
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes on high, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Ground Beef Casserole:
What is Ground Beef Casserole?
Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty dish made with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and creamy layers, baked until bubbly.
Can I use different vegetables in Ground Beef Casserole?
Yes! You can customize your casserole by adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms based on your preferences.
How do I make my Ground Beef Casserole healthier?
Consider using lean ground beef and adding more vegetables. You can also substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Can I prepare Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it beforehand and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just adjust baking time if cooking from frozen.
What sides pair well with Ground Beef Casserole?
Serving a simple green salad or steamed vegetables complements this rich dish perfectly!
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this comforting dish will surely please everyone at the table!
Ground Beef Casserole
This Ground Beef Casserole is a delightful combination of savory flavors and comforting textures, making it the perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings. With its hearty base of lean ground beef and nutritious cauliflower rice, this casserole is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare. In just under an hour, you can serve up a delicious meal that everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite veggies or cheeses for an extra touch!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately six servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 10 ounces frozen cauliflower rice (cooked)
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 8 ounces shredded Italian blend cheese
- Fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onions for about 2 minutes; add minced garlic and cook for another 20 seconds.
- Add ground beef, seasoning with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted, then mix cooked cauliflower rice, sour cream, butter, and basil in a separate bowl until creamy.
- Combine the beef mixture with the cauliflower rice mixture in a baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool for 7-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg