This rich casserole features browned ground beef coated in a thick, garlic-infused white sauce made from cream cheese and heavy cream. Because there are no vegetables or pasta to water it down, the dish remains dense and savory, focusing entirely on the saltiness of the parmesan and the melted mozzarella topping. It comes out of the oven with a bubbly, golden cheese crust and a velvety interior that holds together well on the plate.

About This Recipe

The ground beef is pan-fried in butter and drained thoroughly before the cream base is added, ensuring the sauce stays thick and doesn’t get oily. Stirring the softened cream cheese directly into the warm meat allows it to melt into a smooth glaze, while the heavy cream loosens it just enough to coat every crumble of beef. The parmesan goes in last, acting as a natural thickener that gives the white sauce a slight graininess and a lot of extra salt.

You’ll notice a very heavy, creamy mouthfeel that is balanced by the sharp garlic and onion powder mixed throughout the beef. The mozzarella on top browns into a firm layer that helps trap the steam, keeping the meat underneath moist while the edges of the casserole get slightly crisp. There isn’t any thin liquid at the bottom of the dish, just a concentrated, ivory-colored sauce that clings to the protein.

When you scoop into the pan, the mozzarella pulls away in thick strings, revealing the pale, garlic-scented meat underneath. Letting the dish sit for a few minutes helps the dairy stabilize, making it easier to lift out clean, square portions that don’t collapse. It’s a very straightforward, white-on-white dish that looks indulgent and feels incredibly filling due to the high fat content of the cream and cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

White-sauce beef casserole
No pasta and no tomato
Thick cream cheese base
Oven browns fast
High protein and high fat
Meal prep compatible
Clean ingredients
No vegetables releasing water

What You’ll Need for This Keto Creamy Garlic Ground Beef Casserole

Beef

1 tablespoon butter
1 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

Cream Mixture

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated parmesan

Topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella

Step-by-Step Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Place a skillet over medium heat and add butter.
When butter melts, add ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Break beef apart with a spatula and cook until browned.
Continue cooking until no pink remains.
Drain excess grease from the skillet.
Reduce heat to low.
Add softened cream cheese to the beef and stir until cream cheese begins to melt.
Pour heavy cream into the skillet and stir to form a creamy sauce.
Add grated parmesan and stir until the mixture thickens and coats the beef.
Spoon beef mixture into a small baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella across the top.
Place baking dish uncovered into the oven.
Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until mozzarella melts and lightly browns.
Remove from oven and let rest 3 to 5 minutes before serving.

FAQ

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes. Sauté 1 teaspoon minced garlic in butter before adding beef.
Can I add spinach?
Yes. Stir into beef after draining.
Will the sauce separate?
No, cream cheese stabilizes the fat.
Can I freeze this?
Yes. Reheat uncovered.
Can I add spice?
Use crushed red pepper.

Variations & Substitutions

Swap mozzarella for pepper jack
Replace parmesan with asiago
Add cooked bacon on top
Stir spinach into beef
Add a dash of paprika for color

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a standalone entrée
Pair with a keto salad
Portion for meal prep
Add extra parmesan on top

Print Pin