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Keto Ground Beef Bacon Ranch Bake - Creamy, Cheesy, And Seriously Easy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef, 80/20 or 85/15
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (optional, adds a few carbs)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning (store-bought or homemade, see note)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon butter or avocado oil, if needed for sautéing
  • Optional low-carb add-ins: 1 cup small broccoli florets or 1 small zucchini, diced

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8x10 or 9x9 baking dish.
  2. Crisp the bacon: Add chopped bacon to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned and crisp, 6–8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel–lined plate. Leave 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Sauté aromatics: If using onion, add it to the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds. If the pan looks dry, add butter or oil.
  4. Brown the beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, 5–7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Drain excess grease if needed, leaving a little for flavor.
  5. Steam or sauté veggies (optional): If using broccoli or zucchini, lightly sauté for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Keep them slightly crisp; they’ll finish in the oven.
  6. Make the creamy ranch sauce: In a bowl, whisk heavy cream, sour cream, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning until smooth. If the cream cheese is stiff, microwave the mixture for 10–15 seconds and whisk again.
  7. Combine in the pan: Stir the ranch sauce into the beef mixture. Fold in half the bacon and half the cheddar. Add optional veggies now. Taste and adjust salt.
  8. Assemble the bake: Transfer to the baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and the mozzarella. Sprinkle the rest of the bacon over the top.
  9. Bake: Place on the middle rack for 15–18 minutes, until bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  10. Finish and serve: Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives. Serve hot.