Thursday, January 1, 2026

Creamy Jalapeño Popper Casserole


 A low-carb, keto-friendly dish that packs all the creamy, cheesy, spicy goodness of jalapeño poppers into a hearty, comforting bake. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing potluck.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

  • 4 oz canned diced jalapeños, drained

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

  3. Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.

  4. Add Insides: Fold in drained jalapeños, ½ cup cheddar, and ½ cup mozzarella.

  5. Combine: Mix the creamy jalapeño cheese mixture with the cooked beef. Spread evenly in the baking dish.

  6. Top & Bake: Sprinkle remaining cheeses on top. Bake 25–30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

  7. Serve: Let cool 5 minutes, garnish with green onions, and enjoy.

Serving Ideas & Tips

  • Make it Lighter: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.

  • Add Crunch: Top with crushed pork rinds or almond flour before baking.

  • Meal Prep: Assemble ahead and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to a day, or freeze for later. Bake from chilled, adding 5–10 extra minutes as needed.

  • Serve With: A crisp side salad, steamed veggies, or cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.

Let me know if you’d like a simplified ingredient list, a spicier version, or alternative add-ins like bacon or cauliflower!

0 comments:

Post a Comment