Description: A creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy casserole that captures the irresistible flavor of jalapeño poppers in a hearty and satisfying dish. This recipe is perfect for a keto-friendly meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving family, friends, or looking for a comforting dish for yourself.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz canned diced jalapeños, drained (or fresh jalapeños, diced)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning. Drain any excess fat. Excess fat can make the casserole greasy, so this step is crucial.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Ensure the cream cheese is thoroughly softened to avoid lumps. A hand mixer or stand mixer can make this step easier.
Step 4: Stir in the diced jalapeños, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese into the cream cheese mixture. Mix until well combined, ensuring the jalapeños are evenly distributed for consistent spice throughout the casserole.
Step 5: Add the cooked ground beef to the mixture and stir until well combined. Make sure the beef is evenly dispersed, so every bite is flavorful.
Step 6: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly. A greased dish prevents sticking and makes serving easier.
Step 7: Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Distribute the cheese evenly to ensure a beautiful, golden-brown topping.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole is a game-changer for anyone following a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a low-carb, high-flavor meal. It brings together the creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness of jalapeño poppers in a convenient casserole form.
- Keto-Friendly: With only a few net carbs per serving, this casserole fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and jalapeños creates an explosion of flavor that will satisfy your cravings.
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep time and simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, adding extra spices, different cheeses, or even bacon!
- Comfort Food: This casserole is warm, comforting, and satisfying, making it a great choice for a cozy night in.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Pair it with keto-friendly sides like celery sticks, cucumber slices, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Serve it as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for extra flavor and richness.
Tips:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the heat level. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For extra heat, use fresh jalapeños instead of canned, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses. Pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses would all work well in this recipe.
- Meat Options: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or a mixture of chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25-30 minutes Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving – approximately 1/6 of the casserole)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 24g
- Net Carbs: 3g
- Fat: 28g
Conclusion
The Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings the beloved flavors of jalapeño poppers to your table in a convenient and keto-friendly form. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a comforting dish to enjoy on a cozy evening, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and spicy goodness in every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or when you’re expecting guests. Just ensure that the baking dish is well covered to prevent the casserole from drying out.
- How can I adjust the spice level of this casserole?
- You can easily adjust the spice level by controlling the amount and type of jalapeños you use. For a milder flavor, use canned jalapeños and remove the seeds and membranes before dicing. For a spicier kick, use fresh jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture. You could also include a dash of hot sauce for added heat.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with this casserole?
- This casserole pairs well with a variety of keto-friendly side dishes. Some great options include steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, a fresh garden salad with a vinaigrette dressing, cauliflower rice, or celery and cucumber sticks with a creamy dip. These sides add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
- Absolutely! While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage. Each type of meat will add its own unique flavor profile to the dish, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination. Be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking the meat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of this casserole?
- Yes, you can easily create a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with a plant-based alternative. Crumbled tofu, sautéed mushrooms, or a mixture of chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini would all work well. Be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender and the tofu is heated through. You might also consider adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans for added protein and fiber.
