Description
This Keto Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious low-carb twist on the classic comfort dish, featuring seasoned ground beef and creamy cheese sauce baked with crispy frozen cauliflower tots. It’s perfect for a satisfying keto-friendly meal that combines hearty flavors with a crispy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Creamy Sauce
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Topping
- 1 (12 oz) bag frozen cauliflower tots (keto-friendly substitute)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef and Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion together for about 6 to 8 minutes until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Stir frequently to break up meat evenly.
- Add Seasonings and Garlic: Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to the skillet and cook for another minute to release their flavors. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Make Creamy Cheese Sauce: Stir in the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream into the beef mixture. Continue cooking while stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is well combined.
- Incorporate Cheddar Cheese: Mix in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the beef and cream mixture until evenly blended.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the creamy beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Arrange a layer of frozen cauliflower tots over the top.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the layer of tots.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cauliflower tots have turned golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
- Choose low-carb cauliflower tots containing 1–2g net carbs per serving to keep it keto-friendly.
- Add green beans, mushrooms, or other low-carb vegetables to increase veggie content.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Drain excess grease after cooking the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
