Ground Beef Cauliflower Casserole – Easy Low-Carb Cheesy Bake

There’s something comforting about a cheesy, bubbly casserole fresh from the oven—especially when it’s low in carbs but high in flavor.

This Ground Beef Cauliflower Casserole is my favorite weeknight dinner when I’m craving something warm, hearty, and guilt-free.

It’s a dish that feels indulgent without all the extra carbs, and honestly, nobody even misses the pasta or potatoes.

Why I Love This Recipe

Low-carb, keto-friendly comfort food

Easy to make in one dish

Satisfyingly creamy and cheesy

Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd

Family-approved and kid-friendly

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Ground Beef – The heart of the dish, flavorful and protein-packed.

Cauliflower – The perfect low-carb swap that adds great texture.

Cream Cheese – Creates a rich, velvety base.

Cheddar Cheese – For that gooey, golden topping and extra flavor.

Heavy Cream & Eggs – Binds everything together while keeping it creamy.

Steak Seasoning – Adds bold, savory notes to the beef.

Butter – Just enough to enrich the custard mixture and add depth.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Chop the cauliflower into small, uniform pieces so it cooks evenly.

Microwave the cauliflower to soften it before baking—don’t skip this step!

Let the butter cool slightly before mixing with eggs to avoid scrambling.

Use a well-greased casserole dish for easy serving and cleanup.

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to set nicely.

How to Make Ground Beef Cauliflower Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F and spray an 8×10″ casserole dish (or similar size) with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Soften the Cauliflower

Chop the cauliflower into small, bite-sized pieces.

Add to a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water.

Microwave for 5 minutes, then drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and season with steak seasoning.

Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart and brown it evenly.

Step 4: Combine with Cheese

Once the beef is browned, reduce heat to medium.

Stir in the cooked cauliflower, cream cheese, and ¼ cup of shredded cheddar.

Mix until combined and creamy.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spoon the beef and cauliflower mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 6: Make the Cream Mixture

In a bowl, whisk the beaten eggs with heavy cream and melted (slightly cooled) butter.

Step 7: Assemble & Bake

Pour the cream mixture over the casserole, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake & Broil

Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

If you like an extra browned top, place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end.

What to Serve It With

A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette

Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli

Pickled veggies for a tangy contrast

Low-carb garlic bread or almond flour biscuits

Variations / Substitutions

Use turkey or chicken – A leaner option that still works beautifully.

Add veggies – Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini would be great additions.

Spice it up – Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for some heat.

Dairy-free? – Use coconut cream and vegan cheese substitutes.

Swap seasonings – Try taco seasoning for a Mexican twist.

Storage & Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

This casserole also freezes well.

Cool completely, then freeze in portions.

Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Is it really low carb?
Yes—cauliflower replaces starchy ingredients, and no flour is used.

Can I skip the eggs?
The eggs help bind the casserole. You can reduce to 1 egg or use flax egg for an alternative.

What steak seasoning should I use?
Any store-bought blend works, or make your own with salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika.

Can I double the recipe?
Definitely—just use a larger baking dish and increase bake time by 5–10 minutes.

Does it taste like cauliflower?
Nope! The cheese and beef are the stars—the cauliflower blends in beautifully.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, just thaw and drain it well before adding to the skillet.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Cauliflower Casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to mean carb overload. It’s cozy, cheesy, satisfying, and easy enough for busy weeknights.

It’s one of those recipes I keep in my back pocket for days when I need something hearty, fast, and foolproof.