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Keto Ground Beef Enchilada Bake - Comforting, Low-Carb, and Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works well)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained well
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce (no added sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder (mild or hot, your choice)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but great)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 small bell pepper, diced (optional for texture)
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Sour cream and sliced green onions, for serving

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Warm oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and jalapeño and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Build the sauce: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne. Toast spices for 30 seconds. Add tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Simmer 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Make it creamy: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or heat.
  6. Assemble the bake: Spread half of the beef mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Add the remaining beef mixture, then top with the rest of the cheese.
  7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake 15–18 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  8. Finish and serve: Rest 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, and green onions. Spoon into bowls and enjoy.