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Keto Hamburger Casserole - Cozy, Low-Carb Comfort Food

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets (about 4 cups), or 12 oz riced cauliflower
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for a little heat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste (no sugar added)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar-free ketchup (or an extra 1/2 tablespoon tomato paste + a splash of vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 3 tablespoons dill pickle relish or finely chopped dill pickles
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (or unsweetened almond milk for lighter sauce)
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, divided
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep and preheat: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the cauliflower: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon oil. Sauté the cauliflower florets (or riced cauliflower) with a pinch of salt and pepper for 6–8 minutes, until just tender and most moisture cooks off. Transfer to the baking dish.
  3. Brown the beef: In the same skillet, add remaining oil. Cook the ground beef with the diced onion and bell pepper (if using) over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add aromatics and spices: Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, chili powder (if using), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook 1 minute, until fragrant.
  5. Build the burger base: Stir in tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish. Cook 1–2 minutes to blend flavors. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  6. Make the creamy layer: Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and fully combined. Mix in 1 cup shredded cheddar until melted.
  7. Assemble: Pour the beef mixture over the cauliflower in the baking dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar.
  8. Bake: Bake 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. For a golden top, broil 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  9. Rest and serve: Let it rest 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with parsley or green onions if you like. Serve warm.