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Easy Low-Carb Ground Beef Casserole

Print Recipe
Prep Time 13 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/4 lb lean ground beef 567 g
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil 14 g
  • 1 small yellow onion diced (110 g)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper diced (150 g)
  • 2 medium zucchini diced (260 g)
  • 3 garlic cloves minced (9 g)
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste 32 g
  • 3/4 cup no-sugar-added marinara sauce 185 g
  • 3 cups baby spinach 90 g
  • 3 oz cream cheese softened (85 g)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 113 g
  • 1/2 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella 56 g
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning 4 g
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika 2 g
  • 1 tsp kosher salt 6 g, divided
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 g
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes 0.5 g, optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Brown the beef with half the salt and black pepper for 6–8 minutes.
  2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook uncovered for 6–8 minutes. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, seasonings, and remaining salt; cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add marinara and spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes. Reduce the heat and stir in cream cheese until smooth.
  4. Transfer to the baking dish, top with cheddar and mozzarella, and bake for 12–15 minutes. Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.