Struggling to get your family to eat their veggies? I’ve got the ultimate secret weapon! This incredibly creamy and cheesy ground beef skillet is so decadent and satisfying, no one will ever guess it’s packed with hidden spaghetti squash. It’s the perfect low-carb comfort food that comes together in minutes, making it a weeknight dinner hero. Get ready for clean plates and zero complaints!
Ingredients
• 0.7 oz / 20 g 85% lean ground beef, cooked
• 1.5 tbsp / 20 g heavy cream
• 1.5 tbsp / 21 g Hellmann’s mayonnaise
• 2 tsp / 10 g European-style butter
• 0.35 oz / 10 g Kraft block cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp / 11 g spaghetti squash, cooked and finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Measure all precisely using a gram scale for the most accurate results.
2. In a small nonstick skillet, combine the cooked ground beef, heavy cream, mayonnaise, butter, grated cheddar cheese, and finely chopped spaghetti squash.
3. Place the skillet over medium heat.
4. Stir constantly as the warm, ensuring everything combines and the cheese melts completely into a smooth sauce.
5. Remove from heat immediately once the sauce is unified. Do not bring to a boil or overheat, as this will cause the sauce to “break” and the oils to separate.
6. Season with salt and pepper to your liking and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• This recipe is designed as a single, rich serving, perfect for a ketogenic or low-carb diet. It’s high in healthy fats and protein while being extremely low in carbohydrates. Please note that nutritional values are an estimate and can vary based on the specific brands of used.
Pro Tips
• For the best “hidden veggie” effect, cook the spaghetti squash until it is very tender, then chop it finely or even puree it before adding it to the skillet.
• Use freshly grated block cheese instead of pre-shredded. It melts much more smoothly and avoids the anti-caking agents that can make a sauce grainy.
• For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of Worcestershire sauce when combining the .
• This sauce is very rich. It can be thinned slightly with a splash of unsweetened almond milk or a little more cream if you prefer a looser consistency.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different vegetable besides spaghetti squash
A: Absolutely! While spaghetti squash is perfect for this hidden veggie recipe, you can substitute it with other low-carb options like finely chopped or pureed cauliflower or zucchini. Just be sure to cook and drain any excess water from the vegetable before adding it to the skillet to maintain the creamy texture.
Q: Why did my sauce for the cheesy ground beef skillet get oily
A: An oily or separated sauce usually happens when the mixture gets too hot, causing the fats from the cheese, cream, and mayonnaise to break. To prevent this, heat everything gently over medium heat and stir constantly. Remove the skillet from the heat as soon as the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Do not let it boil.
Q: What can I serve with this keto ground beef skillet
A: This rich and creamy ground beef skillet is very satisfying on its own. To make it a more complete meal, you can serve it with a side of steamed green beans, a simple garden salad with a vinaigrette, or roasted asparagus to keep your dinner entirely low-carb and keto-friendly.
Q: Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe
A: For the creamiest possible sauce, we highly recommend grating your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly, potentially resulting in a grainy texture in your cheesy ground beef skillet.
