Description
This Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole combines spicy jalapeños, rich cheeses, and savory ground beef or sausage into a creamy, low-carb dish perfect for keto diets. It’s easy to prepare, baked to golden perfection, and makes for a flavorful, satisfying meal or appetizer that’s both comforting and packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables & Extras
- 4–5 fresh jalapeños (diced, seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature by the time your casserole is ready to bake.
- Cook Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage thoroughly until browned. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, diced jalapeños, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well blended and smooth.
- Combine Meat and Cheese: Fold the cooked meat into the cheese mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the combined mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to promote uniform cooking.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top becomes golden brown and bubbly, indicating it’s well cooked.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like for added color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the casserole hot and enjoy this hearty, spicy keto-friendly meal.
Notes
- For less spicy flavor, remove seeds and membranes from jalapeños before dicing.
- Use full-fat cheeses to keep the casserole creamy and keto-compliant.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- This casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated as needed.
- Add a side of fresh avocado or a simple green salad for a complete keto meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: keto jalapeño popper casserole, keto casserole, low carb casserole, jalapeño cheese casserole, keto dinner, keto recipe, low carb, spicy casserole