Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This ground beef casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with savory beef, fresh spinach, and creamy cauliflower rice, it’s topped with melted cheese for a satisfying finish. Easy to prepare and family-friendly, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe.

Ingredients

• 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
• 10 ounces frozen cauliflower rice (cooked according to package directions)
• 1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
• 1 tablespoon butter (room temperature)
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (if needed)
• 8 ounces shredded Italian blend cheese (or any shredded cheese you prefer)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375˚F.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook for about 2 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds.
3. Step 3: Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Cook the beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is completely browned.
5. Step 5: Add fresh baby spinach to the skillet, adding in batches if necessary. Cook while stirring frequently until the spinach is wilted, about 1 minute.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat. Drain any liquid from the mixture and set aside.
7. Step 7: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked cauliflower rice, sour cream, butter, and dried basil. Stir until fully combined and creamy. If the mixture seems too thick, stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk. The cauliflower rice should be warm enough to help the butter melt.
8. Step 8: Add the prepared beef and spinach mixture to the baking dish. Stir until evenly incorporated. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has melted.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven and let stand for 7 to 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef while cooking.
• Swap fresh spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green texture.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, protein-rich option.
• Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers with the onion for added vegetables.
• If you prefer, top the casserole with parmesan or mozzarella instead of an Italian blend.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350˚F until heated through or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. This casserole can also be frozen; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cauliflower rice instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh cauliflower rice. Just be sure to cook it until tender before mixing it in with the other ingredients to ensure the casserole has the right texture.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This casserole holds up well in the fridge and can be reheated easily, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping lunches or dinners.

Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 52 reviews

A comforting and hearty Ground Beef Casserole that combines savory seasoned beef, fresh spinach, and creamy cauliflower rice, topped with melted Italian blend cheese. This dish is easy to prepare and bakes to bubbly perfection, making it a great weeknight dinner option.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Beef Mixture

• 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 Casserole Base

• 10 ounces frozen cauliflower rice (cooked according to bag directions)
• 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 shredded cheese of your preference)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook for about 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and season with Italian seasoning, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned.
4. Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh baby spinach, adding it in batches if necessary. Cook while stirring frequently for about 1 minute or until the spinach is wilted.
5. Drain and Set Aside: Remove the skillet from heat and drain any excess liquid from the beef and spinach mixture. Set this mixture aside for later use.
6. Prepare Casserole Base: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked cauliflower rice, sour cream, butter, and dried basil. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well combined. If the mixture isn’t fully smooth and buttery, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk as needed, ensuring the cauliflower rice is warm enough to melt the butter.
7. Combine Beef and Cauliflower Mixture: Add the prepared ground beef and spinach mixture to the baking dish. Stir everything together until fully incorporated.
8. Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the shredded Italian blend cheese over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has fully melted and turned slightly golden.
10. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 7 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the casserole set for easier serving.

Notes

• You can substitute plain yogurt for sour cream to lighten the casserole.
• If you prefer, any shredded cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack can be used in place of Italian blend cheese.
• Make sure to drain excess liquid from the beef mixture to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
• Add milk gradually as needed to achieve a creamy texture without making it too runny.
• For a lower-carb version, ensure the cauliflower rice is well drained and cooked according to package instructions prior to assembling.

Keywords: ground beef casserole, cauliflower rice casserole, healthy beef casserole, low carb casserole, baked beef casserole, spinach and beef casserole