Keto Meatloaf Casserole (Meatloaf Meets Mashed Cauliflower)

When you cannot decide between meatloaf and a casserole, do not choose, make both at once. Keto meatloaf casserole layers a beefy, Southern-inspired filling under a garlicky, creamy cauliflower topping.

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This is a genuine complete meal in one dish, and it comes together without much fuss.

Use fresh cauliflower for the topping, not frozen. Frozen cauliflower ends up far too runny once mashed.

Chef Jenn’s Take on Keto Meatloaf Casserole

Let the pulsed cauliflower mixture cool before adding the egg yolks, adding them while still hot would scramble them right in the food processor.

Boil or steam the cauliflower until very soft, drain well, then pulse with the butter, garlic, and cream until very smooth. Let that cool, then add the egg yolks, chives, and salt, and pulse again until well combined. Sautee the onion, bell pepper, and celery first until the onion is translucent, then brown the beef and drain off excess fat before adding the tomato and Worcestershire sauce. Layer the beef in the casserole dish first, then spread the cauliflower topping over it without pressing down too hard. Bake uncovered so the topping gets a bit of golden brown color.

If making this in individual ramekins instead of one big dish, they bake faster, about 15 minutes instead of 25. One reader roasted the cauliflower instead of boiling it, and said it worked out beautifully. A half cup of Parmesan stirred into the mash is another easy way to build on the base recipe.

What You’ll Love About Keto Meatloaf Casserole

• Works as individual ramekins for easy, personal-size reheating.
• A genuine complete meal, meatloaf and casserole in one dish.
• Comes together without much fuss, using ingredients you likely have.

Ingredients

For the cauliflower topping:

• Cauliflower – Fresh, not frozen. One whole head.
• Heavy whipping cream – Full fat.
• Butter – Salted.
• Egg yolks – Added only once the cauliflower mixture has cooled.
• Garlic – Fresh.
• Dried chives – Fresh works too, in a slightly larger amount.

For the beefy layer:

• Lean ground beef – Grass-fed if you can. A mix of pork, chicken, or turkey also works.
• Onion, bell pepper, and celery – Diced.
• Crushed tomato – Canned.
• Worcestershire sauce – Regular.
• Parsley – Fresh, optional, for garnish.

How to Make Keto Meatloaf Casserole

Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.

Boil or steam the cauliflower until very soft. Drain well. Put the cauliflower, butter, garlic, and cream into a food processor. Pulse until very smooth. Let cool.

Sautee the onion, bell pepper, and celery in the oil until the onion is translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Once cool, add the egg yolks, chives, and salt. Pulse until well mixed. Set aside.

Add the beef and brown, draining off any excess fat. Add the crushed tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well, and season with salt and pepper.

Add the beefy layer to the bottom of a 9×9-inch casserole dish, pressing it down lightly.

Spread the cauliflower topping over the beef, without pressing it down too hard.

Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Make It A Meal

This is hearty enough to stand on its own, but Asparagus & Green Beans with Lemon & Pecans or Cucumber, Tomato & Avocado Salad both round out the meal nicely.

For more casseroles, King Ranch Casserole and Philly Cheesesteak Casserole are both worth adding.

Storage

This freezes well. Cool it thoroughly, then package in a freezer-friendly container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the microwave, or in the oven covered with foil.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you love recipes and cooking for your keto lifestyle, be sure to check out breakfast favorites like these tasty egg bites, or whip out your Instant Pot for this set-it-and-forget-it sauerkraut and sausage dish. Other tasty picks include this delish soup, or this meaty sausage dish.