Low-Carb Beef & Cauliflower Bake

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If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that won’t weigh you down, this Low-Carb Beef & Cauliflower Bake is the perfect solution. It’s a healthier twist on the classic shepherd’s pie, replacing the traditional potato topping with creamy mashed cauliflower. Packed with lean ground beef, tender veggies, and rich flavors, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. It’s easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

  • 1lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp oregano
  • 1 head cauliflower, chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment I Used

How to Make It

Prepare the Cauliflower

Chop 1 head of cauliflower into small florets. Steam or boil the cauliflower in a large pot for about 10 minutes, or until tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the pieces.

Sauté the Vegetables

While the cauliflower is cooking, heat 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 small diced onion, 3 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they begin to soften.

Diced Onion, carrots, celery, and garlic sauteing in a skillet.

Cook the Ground Beef

Push the vegetables to the sides of the skillet, creating a space in the center. Add 1 lb of lean ground beef to the middle, breaking it up with a spatula, cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Mix the vegetables and beef together.

Stir in 1 tsp of salt, ¼ tsp of pepper, and 2 tsp of oregano. Mix everything together until the beef and vegetables are well seasoned and blended. Remove the skillet from heat.

Ground Beef added to the skillet.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into an 8×8 baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Do not drain the fat, as it adds flavor to the dish

Ground beef and vegetables added to an 8x8 baking dish.

Mash the Cauliflower

In a bowl, mash the cooked cauliflower with 2 tbsp of butter, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mash until smooth and creamy.

Spread the mashed cauliflower evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture in the baking dish, smoothing the top.

Mashed cauliflower added on top of beef and vegetables.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Remove from the oven and allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Partially served Low-Carb Beef & Cauliflower Bake in a white baking dish, showing the layers of ground beef, vegetables, and mashed cauliflower topping.

This Low-Carb Beef & Cauliflower Bake is a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite. It’s an easy, healthy option when you want something hearty without the extra carbs. Whether you’re making it for dinner or meal prep, it’s a simple way to enjoy classic comfort food in a lighter way. If you give it a try, let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share any tweaks or variations you made in the comments.

Low-Carb Beef & Cauliflower Bake

Low-Carb Beef & Cauliflower Bake served in white bowl.

Ingredients

  • 1lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp oregano
  • 1 head cauliflower, chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. Steam or boil cauliflower for about 10 minutes. Might take longer depending on the size of the pieces.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet add butter, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, cook for about 5 minutes.
  3. Push the vegetables to the sides, making a hole in the middle of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until no longer pink.
  4. Add salt, pepper and oregano and mix everything together until well blended.
  5. Remove from heat and place in an 8×8 baking dish, do not drain the fat.
  6. Mash cauliflower with 2 tbsp of butter, salt and pepper. Spread on top of the meat and vegetables.
  7. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

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