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Close-up of a cheesy ground beef and cauliflower casserole with melted cheese on top.
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Cheesy Ground Beef & Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 650
A comforting and flavorful casserole combining tender cauliflower, seasoned ground beef, and a rich cheese sauce, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Cauliflower

  • 1 large head Cauliflower (about 2-2.5 lbs or 900g-1.1kg, cut into bite-sized florets)

Olive Oil or Avocado Oil

  • 2 tablespoons Oil (for cauliflower, if roasting)

Ground Beef

  • 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (preferably 80/20 or 85/15 blend for flavor)

Onion

  • 1 medium Onion (finely chopped (about 1 cup))

Garlic

  • 3-4 cloves Garlic (minced (about 1 tablespoon))

Beef Broth or Stock

  • 1/2 cup Beef Broth (low-sodium recommended)

Diced Tomatoes

  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz or 411g, undrained)

Tomato Paste

  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste

Italian Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme)

Smoked Paprika

  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika

Salt

  • 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)

Black Pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (adjust to taste)

Red Pepper Flakes

  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for heat)

Butter

  • 4 tablespoons Butter (1/2 stick or 57g)

Cream Cheese

  • 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened and cubed)

Heavy Cream

  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream

Cheddar Cheese

  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded, about 8 oz or 226g)

Mozzarella Cheese

  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, about 4 oz or 113g)

Parmesan Cheese

  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated, optional for topping)

Fresh Parsley

  • 2 tablespoons Parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare cauliflower by cutting into bite-sized florets or steaming until tender. Reduce oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned, add onion and garlic, then stir in broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer 10-15 minutes.
  • Make cheese sauce by melting butter and cream cheese, then whisk in heavy cream and shredded cheeses until smooth. Season lightly.
  • Assemble casserole by placing cauliflower in a greased dish, topping with beef mixture, then pouring cheese sauce over. Sprinkle Parmesan if using.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest 5-10 minutes, garnish with parsley, then serve.

Notes

For a lower-carb version, omit the red pepper flakes and use less cheese.
Calories: 650kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cauliflower, Cheese, ground beef

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 35g | Sodium: 900mg