Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole

By deiv3 on September 13, 2024

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup sugar-free ketchup
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Cook the ground beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Make the sloppy joe sauce:
- Once the beef is cooked, stir in the sugar-free ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the egg and cheese mixture:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream. This mixture will help bind the casserole and add richness.
- Set aside 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for the topping.
Assemble the casserole:
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread the cooked beef mixture evenly.
- Pour the egg and cream mixture over the top of the beef, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole for a cheesy finish.
Bake the casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish and serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

This Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole delivers all the comforting flavors of the classic sandwich, without the carbs. The combination of tangy, rich sloppy joe filling and melted cheese creates a satisfying, hearty meal that's perfect for any keto-friendly dinner. Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with a simple green salad for a complete meal.