Name: Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups cauliflower rice; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup sour cream; ½ tsp paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 53 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction without weighing you down, this Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a cheesy, filling, and wonderfully low-carb casserole that blends hearty ground beef with light, fluffy cauliflower rice. Each bite delivers savory warmth, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious, easy, and nutritious all in one dish. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll be on repeat in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled cutting board holds a large, fresh cauliflower head in the center with a whole green bell pepper placed above it, and a small wooden bowl of chopped garlic to the left. Surrounding the board are several white dishes: on the top left, a bowl of sliced jalapeños; below it, a plate with four different spices neatly arranged in small piles: salt, oregano, cumin, and chili powder. At the bottom left corner, a white plate lined with brown parchment paper holds fresh ground beef. On the bottom right side, there is a whole yellow onion and two white bowls, one filled with diced tomatoes and the other with shredded cheddar cheese. A small glass container of olive oil sits to the upper right of the cutting board. The entire setup is on a wooden surface, but the background is changed to white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet flavor-packed ingredients. Each one is thoughtfully included to create a balanced dish with rich textures and vibrant tastes, from the savory beef to the creamy cheese and smooth sour cream.

1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a savory base for the casserole.
1 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the beef and onions evenly without sticking.
1 small onion, diced: Adds a sweet and aromatic flavor that compliments the beef perfectly.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a punch of depth and warmth to the dish.
3 cups cauliflower rice: The low-carb substitute for rice that keeps the casserole light but filling.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, adding gooey, cheesy richness.
½ cup sour cream: Brings creaminess and a slight tang that balances out the flavors.
½ tsp paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky warmth that ties everything together.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the ingredients.

How to Make Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Greasing your baking dish now ensures your casserole won’t stick, making cleanup easier and serving neater.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with diced onions and cook until the beef turns brown and onions become fragrant and slightly translucent. This step builds a flavorful foundation for the casserole.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Garlic cooks fast and releases its aroma quickly, so this brief step keeps it from burning while enhancing the overall flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Casserole Ingredients

In the skillet, mix in the cauliflower rice, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. This blend of ingredients not only gives the casserole its wonderful creamy texture but also infuses the whole dish with warmth and richness.

Step 5: Transfer and Bake

Pour the mixture evenly into your greased baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top develops a lovely lightly golden crust. This baking step melds all the ingredients perfectly and enhances the casserole’s comforting appeal.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes once out of the oven. This helps it settle, making it easier to cut and serve, while allowing flavors to harmonize beautifully.

How to Serve Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole Recipe

The image shows a black cast iron skillet filled with a layered, baked dish topped with melted golden-brown cheese. The cheese on top is bubbly and slightly crispy around the edges with small bits of browned texture. A silver spoon rests inside the skillet, slightly scooping the dish to reveal a creamy, orange-colored base underneath the cheese layer, which looks smooth and thick. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft blue and white striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts nicely with the creamy, cheesy casserole. You could also add a dollop of sour cream for that extra touch of indulgence.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables can round out your meal with some lightness and crunch. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple cucumber salad would be fantastic options.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch or layer it in a clear baking dish to show off its cheesy texture. For a fun twist, top with crushed pork rinds or crispy bacon bits to add crunch and contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. It’s an excellent choice for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Simply let it cool completely, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container, and label it. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat casserole portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw first to ensure even heating and maintain the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar provides a classic cheesy flavor, you can swap it for mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend for a different twist. Each cheese brings unique personality to the casserole.

Is cauliflower rice necessary or can I use regular rice?

Cauliflower rice is used here to keep this casserole low-carb and light. You can substitute with cooked white or brown rice if you prefer, but it will change the overall texture and carb count.

Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are fantastic additions. Just sauté them with the beef and onions to maintain the best texture before combining the rest of the ingredients.

How spicy is this casserole?

This recipe uses paprika for a mild smoky flavor and is generally not spicy. You can add chili powder or cayenne pepper if you want to introduce a bit of heat.

Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! This Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole Recipe is perfect for meal prepping as it stores well and tastes great even after reheating. It’s a convenient, flavorful option for busy days.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in search of a comforting, flavorful, and simple meal, I can’t recommend this Beef and Cauliflower Rice Casserole Recipe enough. It hits all the marks with its cheesy goodness, protein-packed beef, and light-but-satisfying cauliflower rice. Give it a try and watch it become your trusted go-to dish for those busy evenings needing something quick, tasty, and wholesome.