Low Carb Sour Cream Beef Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Low Carb Sour Cream Beef Bake is a comforting, healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender cauliflower rice with savory ground beef and creamy cheese for a satisfying dish that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 12 oz cauliflower rice
• 1.5 lb lean ground beef
• 15 oz can tomato sauce (no sugar added)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (full fat recommended)
• 1 1/4 cups cottage cheese (full fat recommended)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Place the cauliflower rice in a 2.5-quart baking dish and microwave it for 4-5 minutes until tender but not mushy. Leave it in the dish and set aside. To avoid excess moisture, drain any water after microwaving if needed.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions. Mix well.
5. Step 5: Add the sour cream mixture to the cauliflower rice in the baking dish and stir until evenly mixed.
6. Step 6: Pour half of the beef mixture over the cauliflower and sour cream mixture. Spread it evenly with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Step 7: Add the remaining beef mixture over the cheese layer, then top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Step 8: Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Drain excess moisture from the cauliflower rice by pressing it in a clean kitchen towel after microwaving to prevent a soggy bake.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
• Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra veggies and flavor.
• Use spicy cheddar or add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dish freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of cauliflower rice?

Yes! Simply pulse fresh cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice. Microwave it slightly longer as fresh cauliflower may contain more moisture.

Is this recipe suitable for keto diets?

Absolutely. This bake is low in carbs and rich in healthy fats and protein, making it a great fit for ketogenic or low-carb eating plans.

Low Carb Sour Cream Beef Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 120 reviews

A comforting low-carb casserole combining cauliflower rice, lean ground beef, and a creamy blend of sour cream and cottage cheese, topped with melted cheddar cheese. This baked dish offers a satisfying and flavorful meal perfect for those watching their carbohydrate intake.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cauliflower Rice Base

• 12 oz cauliflower rice

Beef Mixture

• 1.5 lb lean ground beef
• 15 oz can tomato sauce (no sugar added)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper

Creamy Mixture

• 1/2 cup sour cream (full fat)
• 1 1/4 cups cottage cheese (full fat)
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions

Topping

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare Cauliflower Rice: Place the 12 oz of cauliflower rice into a 2.5-quart baking dish and microwave it for 4-5 minutes until tender but not mushy. After microwaving, set it aside in the same casserole dish. To prevent excess moisture, drain any water released from the cauliflower rice before mixing.
3. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, cook 1.5 lb of lean ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in a 15 oz can of tomato sauce (sugar-free), 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp ground black pepper to season the beef mixture.
4. Mix Creamy Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups full-fat cottage cheese and 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream. Stir in 1/2 cup sliced green onions until evenly incorporated.
5. Combine Cauliflower and Cream Mixture: Pour the creamy cottage cheese mixture into the cauliflower rice in the casserole dish. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Layer Beef and Cheese: Spoon half of the beef mixture over the cauliflower and cream mixture in the dish. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Repeat Layering: Add the remaining beef mixture over the first layer, spreading evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to create a cheesy crust.
8. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• To avoid a watery casserole, drain excess liquid from the cauliflower rice after microwaving by pressing it gently with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth.
• Using full-fat sour cream and cottage cheese provides a richer flavor and better texture for this bake.
• You can shred your own cheddar cheese for optimal melt and freshness, but pre-shredded cheese works as well.
• This dish can be customized with additional herbs or spices like garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.

Keywords: low carb beef casserole, sour cream beef bake, cauliflower rice bake, gluten free casserole, easy beef bake, keto-friendly dinner