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Cheesy Beef and Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Beef and Cauliflower Casserole

A comforting and cheesy casserole packed with lean beef and nutritious cauliflower rice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 12-inch skillet For browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
  • 9x13-inch baking dish For baking the casserole.

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 to taste salt
  • 1 to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 ounces fresh baby spinach
  • 10 ounces frozen cauliflower rice, cooked
  • 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon butter, at room temperature
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons milk if needed
  • 8 ounces shredded Italian blend cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 2 minutes until they become translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, seasoning it with Italian seasoning, sweet paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the beef until it is nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
  • Once the beef is browned, add the fresh spinach in batches if needed. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute or until the spinach is wilted. This step adds a great nutritional boost!
  • Remove the skillet from heat and drain any excess liquid. Set the mixture aside.
  • In a 9x13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked cauliflower rice, sour cream, room-temperature butter, and dried basil. Mix until creamy. If necessary, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk to help melt the butter and achieve a smooth consistency.
  • Add the prepared beef and spinach mixture to the baking dish, stirring until everything is well combined. Top the casserole with shredded cheese, spreading it evenly across the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has melted beautifully.
  • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 7 to 10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set a bit and make it easier to serve.

Notes

For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
Keyword Cheesy Beef and Cauliflower Casserole Recipe