Ingredients
Scale
For the Hamburger Mixture:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Hamburger Mixture
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
- Once the beef is nearly cooked, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onions soften.
- Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
- Add the cauliflower rice and cook for 3-4 minutes, until it softens and most of the moisture evaporates.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cream cheese together.
- Add the heavy cream and stir until the mixture becomes smooth.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- In a baking dish, spread the hamburger and cauliflower rice mixture evenly.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the top, spreading it evenly with a spoon or spatula.
- Sprinkle a layer of extra shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on the edges.
- Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the Parmesan melts and becomes slightly crispy.
Step 5: Serve
- Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 27g