In my kitchen, experimentation is the secret ingredient to culinary success, even if it starts off with a few disasters.
Recently, I found myself with a package of ground pork and a craving for something new. Inspired by my husband’s Asian heritage and our shared love for hearty, low-carb meals, I set out to create a keto ground pork casserole recipe that would tickle our taste buds and fit our lifestyle. That is a “trying to be healthy while we are in a constant busy mode” lifestyle, to be clear. I know a few of you might be nodding your head right now, you know how it is!
This keto ground pork casserole marries the savory goodness of pork with keto-friendly ingredients, resulting in an easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. If you’re in search of a flavorful casserole that aligns with your low-carb diet, you’re in for a treat!
And hey while we are on the casserole topic, when you finish making this recipe, scroll down the page and take a look at a few other keto casseroles I have added at the bottom. Cause trust me, once you get on this casserole train with me, you will be hooked. They just make life so easy. I usually love using my Instant Pot Duo for most casserole recipes, but regular oven will work too. Instant Pot Pressure Cooker just makes it soooooo much faster.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This keto ground pork casserole recipe is a delicious combination of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Juicy ground pork is paired with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and cauliflower rice to make a hearty, low-carb dish that will satisfy your taste buds. The addition of soy sauce and sesame oil gives it an Asian-inspired twist, while garlic powder and onion powder add depth to the flavor.
Whether you’re cooking this in an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or oven, the result is always a savory casserole that’s perfect for meal prep or enjoying fresh out of the oven. The best part? It’s versatile enough to customize with another type of ground meat like ground turkey or ground chicken if you’re in the mood for variety!
Keto Ground Pork Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g ground pork or substitute with ground turkey or chicken
- 2 cups cauliflower rice fresh or frozen
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil or olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili powder or taco seasoning optional for extra flavor
- 1 leek thinly sliced (or you can use green onions instead)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Additions:
- Bell peppers diced
- Spinach chopped
- Green baby peas
Instructions
Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Method: True One-Pot Meal
- Set your Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode. Add sesame oil and brown the ground pork, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add sliced leeks and cook until slightly softened.
- Stir in soy sauce.
- Add cauliflower rice on top of the pork mixture. Do not stir.
- Close the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" on high for 1 minute.
- Once done, use quick release. Open the lid and carefully drain any excess liquid.
- Add 1/2 cup cream cheese, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese to the pot.
- Gently fold the cheeses into the cauliflower rice and pork mixture until well combined.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Close the lid (without sealing) and let sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Slow Cooker Method: Perfect for Busy Weeknights
- Brown the ground pork in a skillet with sesame oil. Transfer to your slow cooker. I made it in my Crock-Pot and it turned out lovely.
- Add soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, add sliced leeks and stir gently.
- Prepare the cauliflower mash by steaming cauliflower rice in a separate pot until tender.
- Mash the cauliflower with: 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese and salt and pepper
- Transfer the cooked pork mixture to a baking dish.
- Spread the cauliflower mash evenly over the pork mixture.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Oven Method: A Classic Approach
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground pork with sesame oil. Add garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add sliced leeks and cook until slightly softened.
- Stir in soy sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Steam cauliflower rice in a separate pot until tender.
- Mash the cauliflower with: 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese and salt and pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spread the cauliflower mash evenly over the pork mixture.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Nutrition
Customization Ideas: Make It Your Own!
The beauty of this keto ground pork casserole recipe lies in its versatility! Here are some ways to switch things up:
- Swap ground pork with other lean meat like ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.
- Add extra flavor by mixing parmesan cheese into the cauliflower rice layer.
- Include veggies like spinach, chopped green beans or bell peppers for added nutrients and color.
Did you Know this About Leek?
Leeks are more than just a flavorful addition to our keto ground pork casserole; they are a nutritional treasure trove with a rich history in traditional medicine! A comprehensive study highlights leeks as a primary defense mechanism against various diseases, thanks to their wealth of bioactive components.
This research emphasizes that leeks are packed with sulfuric compounds and flavonoids, including the potent kaempferol, known for its antioxidant properties. Leeks offer a range of benefits from antimicrobial and antidiabetic effects to cardiovascular and anti-cancer advantages. Leeks have traditionally been used in Persian, Chinese, and Indian medicine. So, by incorporating leeks into our recipes, we’re tapping into a rich source of health-promoting compounds that have been valued for centuries!
Why this Recipe is Perfect for Your Keto Lifestyle
This savory keto casserole is an excellent source of protein while keeping net carbs low—ideal for anyone following a ketogenic diet or looking for low-carb recipes that don’t skimp on flavor! With simple ingredients from your local grocery store and easy preparation methods tailored to your schedule, it’s the perfect way to enjoy comfort food without compromising your health goals.
The combination of ground pork, cauliflower rice, and cheese creates a satisfying meal that will keep you full and energized. Plus, the addition of leeks not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional profile of the dish.
Nutritional Benefits of This Keto Ground Pork Casserole
This keto ground pork casserole recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients that support your ketogenic lifestyle:
High-quality protein from ground pork helps maintain muscle mass and promotes satiety.
Cauliflower rice provides fiber and essential vitamins while keeping carb count low.
Cream cheese and cheddar add healthy fats crucial for keto dieters.
Leeks offer antioxidants and additional fiber to support digestive health.
By combining these ingredients, you’re creating a well-rounded meal that aligns perfectly with keto diet principles while ensuring you’re getting a variety of essential nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s dinner tonight or meal prep for the next day, this keto ground pork casserole recipe is bound to become your new favorite dish—and maybe even steal the spotlight at your dinner table! It’s a testament to how delicious and satisfying low-carb eating can be when you get creative with ingredients and flavors.
Remember, the key to success on any diet is finding meals you genuinely enjoy. This casserole proves that following a ketogenic lifestyle doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or comfort. So, grab your ingredients, choose your preferred cooking method, and get ready to savor every bite of this keto-friendly delight!
Let me know how yours turns out, and don’t hesitate to share your own twists on the recipe. Happy cooking!
