Description
This Healthy Big Mac Casserole is a delicious low-carb twist on the classic fast food burger, featuring lean ground beef, cauliflower rice, and reduced-fat cheddar cheese baked to perfection. Enhanced with pickles, lettuce, and a blend of classic burger flavors, this casserole offers a balanced, hearty meal perfect for dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% or higher)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 2 tablespoons low-sugar ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Dairy and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
- 1/4 cup chopped iceberg lettuce (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Optional sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. This forms the flavorful base of the casserole.
- Add Seasonings and Sauces: Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, tomato paste, mustard, low-sugar ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook the mixture for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Incorporate Cauliflower Rice: Add cauliflower rice to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes just tender, making the casserole low-carb and nutritious.
- Mix in Dairy Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the plain Greek yogurt and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, creating a creamy texture throughout the mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped dill pickles, iceberg lettuce, green onions, and optional sesame seeds. Serve the casserole warm to enjoy the full flavor profile.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute with dairy-free cheese and coconut yogurt.
- This casserole can be meal-prepped and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Add chopped tomatoes or sugar-free Thousand Island dressing for an extra Big Mac flavor boost.
