Cheesy Low Carb Mexican Beef and Spinach Bake
Discover the rich flavors of this Cheesy Low Carb Mexican Beef and Spinach Bake. This hearty casserole combines seasoned ground beef, creamy cheeses, and nutritious spinach for a satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. With hints of spice from taco seasoning and the tang of pickled jalapeños, this dish is not just healthy but utterly delicious. Perfect for lunch or as a savory snack, this recipe is easy to prepare and can be shared with friends and family. Serve it warm and enjoy the comfort of homemade goodness without the carbs.
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
onion
1/2 cup (diced)
frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (thawed and well-drained)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
sour cream
1/3 cup (none)
taco seasoning
2 teaspoons (none)
Rotel Tomatoes
10 ounces (drained)
canned sliced pickled jalapeno pepper
1/4 cup (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the thawed and well-drained chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, drained Rotel tomatoes, and pickled jalapeños. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4
Add the browned beef and onion mixture to the bowl and stir until everything is evenly combined.
5
Transfer the mixture into a greased 2 1/2-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
7
Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
27g
Fat
5g
Carbs
23g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Low Carb Mexican Beef and Spinach Bake?
It is a hearty casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy cheeses, and nutritious spinach, perfect for a low-carb lifestyle.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be low-carb, containing only 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This bake provides 23g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 27g of fat per serving in this casserole.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The dish should bake for approximately 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
What size casserole dish is required?
A 2 1/2-quart casserole dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
What amount of ground beef is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef.
How do I prepare the beef and onions?
Brown the ground beef and 1/2 cup of diced onion in a large skillet and drain any excess fat before proceeding.
How much spinach is used in the bake?
You will need 10 ounces of frozen chopped spinach.
How should the spinach be prepared before mixing?
The spinach must be thawed and well-drained to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
How much cream cheese is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
Is sour cream used in this dish?
Yes, 1/3 cup of sour cream is mixed in to add creaminess.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Use 10 ounces of drained Rotel Tomatoes for a bit of spice and flavor.
What seasoning gives the dish its Mexican flavor?
The dish is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste.
Are jalapeños included in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of canned sliced pickled jalapeño peppers are included.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of pickled jalapeños or taco seasoning to suit your heat preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it is easy to prepare and can be served for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 10 ingredients: beef, onion, spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, jalapeños, salt, and pepper.
Can I serve this as a snack?
Yes, while it is a hearty meal, it can also be served as a savory snack or appetizer.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The bake is ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Should I let it cool before serving?
Yes, letting it cool for a few minutes allows the cheese to set slightly for better serving.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of Rotel?
You can, but Rotel is recommended for the specific flavor profile and green chilies it provides.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free, but always check your taco seasoning label to ensure no gluten fillers are used.
Can I substitute the beef for another protein?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken would also work well in this casserole format.
What type of onion should I use?
A standard yellow or white onion works best for dicing and browning with the beef.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
The nutritional data indicates no significant sugar content, making it keto-friendly.
Is there fiber in this dish?
While the specific fiber count is not provided, the spinach and tomatoes offer some dietary fiber.
What is the overall texture of the dish?
It has a creamy, rich texture with savory beef and tender spinach throughout.