Description
This hearty Ground Beef Casserole combines lean ground beef, fresh spinach, and flavorful cauliflower rice into a creamy, cheesy bake that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. With a blend of Italian seasoning and melted cheese topping, it’s a delicious and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 6 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 10 ounces frozen cauliflower rice (cooked)
Seasonings and Dairy
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 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 preferred shredded cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375˚F to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean 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 it is completely browned and cooked through.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh baby spinach in batches if necessary, cooking and stirring frequently until the spinach is wilted, about 1 minute.
- Drain Excess Liquid: Remove the skillet from heat and carefully drain any excess liquid from the beef and spinach mixture. Set this aside.
- Prepare Cauliflower Mixture: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked cauliflower rice, sour cream, room temperature butter, and dried basil. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it becomes completely combined and creamy. If the mixture isn’t melting smoothly, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Combine Beef and Cauliflower: Add the prepared beef and spinach mixture to the baking dish and stir everything together until well incorporated.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly distribute the shredded Italian blend cheese over the top of the casserole mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 7 to 10 minutes. This resting period helps the casserole to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef reduces excess fat and keeps the casserole healthier.
- If fresh spinach is unavailable, frozen spinach can be used, but ensure it is thoroughly drained.
- Substitute sour cream with plain yogurt for a lighter option.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before baking for optimal flavor.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps maintain its structure and improves serving ease.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
