There’s a quiet magic in opening the oven to find a bubbling, golden casserole waiting for you, especially on a weeknight when time is short but your soul craves something deeply satisfying. Now imagine that same comfort, but without the hidden carbs, sugar-laden canned soups, or guilt. That’s exactly what this keto ground beef and green bean casserole delivers: rich, creamy, savory goodness that fits seamlessly into your low-carb lifestyle.
Unlike traditional green bean casserole, which leans heavily on condensed cream of mushroom soup (packed with starch and hidden sugars); this version swaps in a luscious, homemade keto-friendly sauce made from real ingredients: heavy cream, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and aromatic herbs. The result? A dish that’s comforting, nourishing, and unmistakably delicious, all while keeping net carbs under 5 grams per serving.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a hungry family, or simply craving a nostalgic bite with a modern twist, this recipe is your answer. And the best part? It comes together in under an hour, uses pantry staples, and can even be frozen for later; making it one of the most freezer-friendly keto meals you’ll ever make.
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Keto Ground Beef and Green Bean Casserole: The Low-Carb Comfort Classic You Need Tonight
A creamy, cheesy, low-carb twist on a classic comfort dish—this keto casserole is packed with savory ground beef, green beans, and a rich homemade sauce that keeps carbs low and flavor high.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 3 cups frozen green beans, blanched and dried
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Optional: 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (check label for keto-friendliness)
- Optional topping: 1/2 cup crushed pork rinds or 1/4 cup almond flour + 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, if desired. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire (if using).
- Lower heat and add heavy cream, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Whisk until smooth and thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in Dijon and thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Fold in the green beans and mix gently until fully coated.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Top with crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixture if using.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
To freeze, cool completely and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat covered at 350°F for 30–40 minutes. Swap green beans with broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
A Cozy Keto Classic: Why This Casserole Deserves a Spot on Your Weekly Menu
I’ll never forget the first time I served this casserole to my keto-skeptical in-laws. They expected “diet food”—bland, dry, or overly complicated. Instead, they got tender green beans nestled in a velvety cheese sauce, studded with savory ground beef and topped with a delicate crunch (thanks to crushed pork rinds; a keto game-changer). One bite, and my mother-in-law asked for the recipe. “This tastes like Sunday dinner,” she said, “but you made it on a Tuesday?”
That’s the power of this dish. It bridges the gap between traditional comfort food and modern low-carb living. For those following a ketogenic diet, finding meals that satisfy both the palate and the macros can be a challenge. But this casserole proves it’s possible, and easy.
It’s also incredibly versatile. Craving Tex-Mex? Add taco seasoning and pepper jack. In the mood for something Italian? Swap in marinara and mozzarella. The base remains the same, but the flavors can shift with your mood, your pantry, or the season. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and—when made with full-fat dairy; perfectly aligned with keto principles.
If you love easy keto casseroles that deliver on flavor without compromising your goals, this recipe will quickly become a staple.
Ingredients Breakdown: Simple, Accessible, Keto-Friendly
One of the reasons this casserole works so well is its reliance on whole, real ingredients; no processed shortcuts, no mystery additives.
Why Ground Beef Works Perfectly in Keto Meals
Ground beef is a cornerstone of low carb ground beef recipes for good reason. It’s affordable, widely available, and packed with high-quality protein and healthy fats; especially when you choose an 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat). That fat content isn’t just for flavor; it’s essential for maintaining ketosis. Beef also provides iron, zinc, and B vitamins, making it a nutrient-dense choice for any keto meal.
Pro tip: Brown your beef with a splash of Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of garlic powder for extra umami depth; no carbs, all flavor.
Green Beans: A Low-Carb Veggie Hero
Often overlooked in keto circles, green beans are a nutritional powerhouse with just 4g net carbs per cup. Unlike starchy vegetables like peas or corn, green beans offer fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants without spiking blood sugar. They’re also sturdy enough to hold their shape during baking, providing a pleasant contrast to the creamy sauce.
For best results, use frozen green beans (they’re flash-frozen at peak freshness) but blanch them first in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and pat dry. This removes excess moisture that can make your casserole soggy.
Creamy Base: Cheese, Cream, and Flavor Boosters
This is where the magic happens. Instead of canned soup, we create a rich, velvety sauce using:
- Heavy cream (for richness and body)
- Cream cheese (for tang and thickness)
- Shredded cheddar (for melt and depth)
Seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme, this sauce mimics the nostalgic flavor of classic casserole, but with clean ingredients and zero hidden carbs.
Want to elevate it further? Stir in a spoonful of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami boost, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for subtle warmth.
Love beef? Pair this casserole with our air fryer chuck roast for a hearty keto feast. And for a soothing post-dinner drink, try a warm cup of taro milk tea made with unsweetened almond milk, creamy, comforting, and keto-compliant.
How to Make Keto Ground Beef and Green Bean Casserole (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Sautéing the Ground Beef with Flavor
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1.5 lbs of ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if desired (though keeping a tablespoon enhances flavor and fat macros). Stir in 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp salt. Optional: add 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce for depth (check label for sugar).
Step 2 – Creating the Creamy, Cheesy Sauce
Reduce heat to low. Add ¾ cup heavy cream, 4 oz softened cream cheese, and 1 cup shredded cheddar. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened (3–4 minutes). Stir in 1 tsp Dijon mustard and ½ tsp dried thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 3 – Layering and Baking for Perfect Texture
Fold in 3 cups of blanched, dried green beans. Transfer mixture to a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. For a crispy, crunchy topping; a must for texture contrast; sprinkle with ½ cup crushed pork rinds or a mix of ¼ cup almond flour + 2 tbsp grated parmesan.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Pro Tips:
- Don’t skip blanching the green beans, it prevents a watery casserole.
- Use freshly shredded cheese (pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy).
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving, this helps the sauce set slightly for cleaner slices.
Flavor Variations to Keep Things Exciting
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Here are three globally inspired twists:
Mexican-Inspired Casserole
Add 2 tbsp taco seasoning to the beef, stir in diced jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese and avocado slices. Serve with lime wedges for brightness. Love bold flavors? Explore our receta de chilaquiles de guajillo for more authentic Mexican inspiration.
Italian Keto Casserole
Replace Dijon with 1 tbsp sugar-free marinara, swap cheddar for mozzarella, and finish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Add cooked ground Italian sausage for extra richness.
Spicy Asian-Inspired Version
Sauté beef with 1 tsp grated ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves. Use coconut aminos instead of Worcestershire, and finish with sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced green onions. Pair with cauliflower rice for a complete bowl.
These variations prove that easy keto casseroles don’t have to be boring, they can be vibrant, global, and endlessly creative.
Smart Pairings and Serving Suggestions
This casserole stands strong on its own, but it shines even brighter with the right sides.
- Air Fryer Sides: Try hash brown patties in air fryer made with daikon or jicama for a crispy, low-carb crunch (just 2–3g net carbs per patty).
- Fresh Salads: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
- Low-Carb Beverages: End the meal with Hokkaido milk tea (unsweetened) or a warm cup of black tea with a dash of grass-fed butter for a keto-friendly “fat bomb” finish.
Nutritional Breakdown & Keto Macros
Per serving (6 servings total):
- Calories: 420
- Net Carbs: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 32g
This ratio keeps you firmly in ketosis while providing satiety and energy. Using full-fat dairy and 80/20 beef ensures you’re getting enough healthy fats, the cornerstone of keto success.
Note: Swap in dairy-free alternatives (like coconut cream and nutritional yeast), and macros shift slightly, but it remains keto-friendly.
FAQs: Making the Most of Your Keto Casserole
Can I freeze keto ground beef and green bean casserole?
Absolutely! This is one of the best freezer-friendly keto meals. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 30–40 minutes until hot through.
Can I use other vegetables?
Yes! Broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, or riced cauliflower all work. Just ensure they’re not too watery, sauté or roast first if needed.
Is this casserole dairy-free?
It can be! Use full-fat coconut cream, cashew cream, and nutritional yeast in place of dairy. For more dairy-free ideas, see our guide to coconut milk green tea; a creamy, plant-based staple.
Final Thoughts: Comfort, Convenience, and Keto in One Dish
This keto ground beef and green bean casserole is more than a recipe, it’s a solution. It answers the universal question: “What’s for dinner?” with confidence, flavor, and nutritional integrity.
It’s perfect for busy parents, keto newcomers, and seasoned low-carbers alike. It’s budget-friendly, meal-prep ready, and family-approved. And unlike many “diet” dishes, it doesn’t ask you to sacrifice joy for health.
So tonight, skip the takeout. Preheat your oven, grab that pack of ground beef, and treat yourself to comfort food that loves you back; carb-free, guilt-free, and full of soul.
Whether you stick to the classic or experiment with global flavors, one thing’s certain: this casserole belongs in your regular rotation. After all, who says keto can’t be cozy?