✅ Prep Time: 10 minutes
✅ Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
✅ Total Time: 40 minutes
✅ Servings: 6
✅ Keto Level: Very Low Carb
🧾 Ingredients (Full List)
For the Beef Layer:
- 1.5 lb (700g) ground beef
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, very low amount)
- 1/3 cup sugar-free marinara (optional)
For the Creamy Layer:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp parmesan (optional)
Optional Add-ins (Keto Friendly):
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup cauliflower rice (for more volume)
👩🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a pan on medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add onion + garlic and cook 2 minutes.
- Add salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning.
- Add tomato paste and marinara (optional).
- Mix well and turn off heat.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a bowl, mix:
- heavy cream
- cream cheese
- sour cream
- garlic powder
- chili flakes
- Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Grease a baking dish (9×13).
- Add beef mixture as the first layer.
- Pour creamy sauce over it.
- Add mozzarella + cheddar on top.
- Sprinkle parmesan (optional).
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes
- Broil for 2 minutes (optional) for golden cheesy top.
🍽️ Serving Ideas (Keto)
Serve with:
- Cauliflower mash
- Garlic butter broccoli
- Keto salad
- Zucchini noodles
❄️ Storage & Meal Prep
✅ Fridge: 4 days
✅ Freezer: up to 2 months
✅ Reheat: microwave or oven
📌 Keto Tips (Very Important)
- Use 80/20 beef for best taste
- Avoid regular ketchup or sugary sauces
- Use sugar-free marinara if needed
- Cheese makes it filling (perfect for keto)