Nutritious Cuban Beef Casserole Recipe

Introducing a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Cuba to your table in a wholesome and satisfying way – Healthy Cuban Beef Casserole. This recipe takes the essence of a classic Cuban sandwich and transforms it into a hearty casserole that is both comforting and full of zesty excitement. Picture tender shredded beef mingling with the tang of pickles, the creaminess of cheese, and a hint of mustard, all baked to perfection for a dish that’s as cozy as it is flavorful.

When the craving for something beyond the ordinary strikes, this Healthy Cuban Beef Casserole steps in to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a delicious weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing recipe for gatherings, this casserole ticks all the boxes. The golden, bubbly cheese crust, the bright bursts of pickles, and the rich savory beef come together harmoniously to create a dish that captures the essence of Cuban cuisine while keeping things light and wholesome.

With leftovers that taste even better the next day and the option to freeze portions for later enjoyment, this Healthy Cuban Beef Casserole is a versatile and convenient addition to your repertoire. Embrace the flavors of a Cuban sandwich in a new and exciting format that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on a cozy night in. Give this recipe a try and watch as it becomes a cherished favorite at your table, bringing the spirit of Cuba right to your home.

Quick Benefits

• Low carb and high protein: Perfect for those watching their carbohydrate intake while still enjoying a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Classic Cuban flavors: Experience the delicious combination of shredded beef, pickles, mustard, and cheese in a new and exciting format.
• Easy to make and versatile: A simple one-pan dish that can be customized with different cheese options and additional ingredients like jalapenos for a spicy kick.
• Great for leftovers and meal prep: Enjoy the flavors even more as they meld together, and freeze portions for later enjoyment.

Why You’ll Love This Nutritious Cuban Beef Casserole Recipe Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: This recipe combines classic Cuban sandwich flavors – beef, ham, cheese, mustard, and pickles – in a comforting casserole form that is both familiar and exciting.
• Low Carb and High Protein: Perfect for anyone watching their carb intake, this casserole is a satisfying and hearty meal packed with protein.
• Easy Weeknight Meal: With simple prep and minimal ingredients, this casserole is a go-to for cozy and delicious weeknight dinners that the whole family will love.
• Leftovers Are Delicious: The flavors in this casserole only get better as they meld together, making it a great option for meal prep and enjoying later in the week.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand, making it a flexible recipe that can be adapted to your taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve, making it convenient for busy days.
• Melted Cheese Lovers Rejoice: The golden broiled cheese crust on top of this casserole adds a deliciously rich and comforting touch that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients for Nutritious Cuban Beef Casserole Recipe

Main Components

• 240 milliliters heavy cream
• 15 milliliters olive oil, optional for enhanced richness
• 115 grams shredded Swiss cheese, or substitute Gruyère or mozzarella
• 30 grams sliced dill pickles, low carbohydrate or sugar free
• 170 grams thinly sliced ham or Canadian bacon, free from added sugars or carbohydrates
• 115 grams full-fat cream cheese
• 45 milliliters Dijon mustard, or yellow mustard for a milder flavor
• 900 grams cooked shredded beef, unsweetened and low in carbohydrates

Pro Tips for Nutritious Cuban Beef Casserole Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For a flavorful twist, try using Gruyère or mozzarella cheese as a topping for a creamy and melty finish. This will add a delicious richness to the casserole while complementing the rest of the ingredients perfectly.

Pro Tip 2: To save time, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step in advance. Simply refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it fresh. This is a great way to have a convenient and delicious meal ready to go when you need it.

Pro Tip 3: When selecting meat for this casserole, opt for chuck roast or brisket as they become tender and easy to shred after slow cooking, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the dish. Remember to choose sugar-free pickles, no-sugar ham, and full-fat dairy to keep this recipe low in carbs and in line with your dietary preferences.

How to Make Nutritious Cuban Beef Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Beef and Base

If not shredded, prepare the cooked beef. Combine beef, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and heavy cream in a large cast iron skillet. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Simmer and thicken the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 2: Incorporate Pickles

Stir in half of the sliced dill pickles into the beef mixture. Simmer for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Layer Ham and Cheese

Evenly layer sliced ham or Canadian bacon over the beef mixture. Top with shredded Swiss cheese and remaining pickles.

Step 4: Bake to Finish

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bake the skillet in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Healthy Cuban Beef Casserole, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to tightly wrap the casserole before placing it in the fridge. The flavors of the dish actually improve as they meld together, enhancing the taste upon reheating. To freeze portions for later enjoyment, you can store them for up to two months. Thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, covered with foil.

To enhance the flavors of the casserole, you have the option to substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyere, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack. For a spicy twist, consider swapping half of the pickles with spicy pickled jalapeno slices. If you cannot find smoked ham, Canadian bacon or any sugar-free deli cut can be used as a substitute. When serving the casserole, pair it with a simple green salad, a cooked vegetable side like garlicky broccoli, and garnish it with extra pickles or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a festive touch.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Swiss cheese on hand, Gruyère or mozzarella can be excellent substitutes to achieve a creamy and melty topping with plenty of flavor. These cheeses will still provide a delicious richness to the casserole while complementing the other ingredients well.

For the pickles, if you prefer a different flavor or have a specific type of crunchy and tangy pickles you enjoy, feel free to substitute them in place of dill pickles. This allows you to customize the dish to your taste preferences while maintaining the classic tangy flavor profile of the casserole.

When it comes to the meat, chuck roast or brisket make great alternatives to cooked shredded beef. These cuts also become tender and easy to shred after slow cooking, resulting in a deliciously hearty casserole. By experimenting with different meats, you can add your own twist to the recipe while still enjoying the comforting Cuban-inspired flavors.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and creative serving suggestion for this Healthy Cuban Beef Casserole, consider topping individual servings with a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt or sour cream. The creamy and slightly tangy topping will complement the rich flavors of the casserole while adding a cool contrast. Sprinkle some fresh chopped chives or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Another creative idea is to serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for a more elegant presentation. Top each portion with a crispy Parmesan cheese crisp or a sprinkle of crushed pork rinds for a crunchy texture. This not only adds a gourmet touch to the dish but also makes it visually appealing and perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.

FAQs for Nutritious Cuban Beef Casserole Recipe

Can I use mozzarella instead of Swiss cheese for this casserole?

Yes, Gruyere or mozzarella both work well for a creamy, melty topping with plenty of flavor.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare up to the baking step, refrigerate, then bake fresh when ready to serve.

What are the best cuts of beef to use for this casserole?

Chuck roast or brisket are excellent choices since they become tender and easy to shred after slow cooking.

Can I use other types of pickles in this recipe?

Dill pickles add classic flavor, but you may substitute with any crunchy, tangy pickles of your choice.

Conclusion

Healthy Cuban Beef Casserole is not just a delicious dinner option, but also a versatile and comforting dish that can easily become a staple in your meal rotation. The blend of flavors in this casserole truly captures the essence of a classic Cuban sandwich, making it a satisfying choice for those looking for a low-carb, high-protein meal.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week ahead, Healthy Cuban Beef Casserole is a perfect choice that will surely impress everyone at the table. The convenience of being able to make this dish ahead of time, freeze it for later, and enjoy the leftovers is just another reason to love this recipe.

So, go ahead and give this Healthy Cuban Beef Casserole a try. With its creamy textures, savory beef, and zesty pickle flavors, it’s a wholesome and hearty dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the comfort and satisfaction of a classic Cuban-inspired meal, all while staying true to your healthy eating goals. Cheers to delicious and nutritious home cooking!

Nutritious Cuban Beef Casserole Recipe

“Indulge in the cozy comfort of a Healthy Cuban Beef Casserole, a low-carb twist on classic Cuban flavors, perfect for a family meal.”

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Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time30 Minutes

Total Time45 Minutes

CuisineCuban-inspired

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (One large casserole, six servings)

Ingredients

Main Components

• 240 milliliters heavy cream
• 15 milliliters olive oil, optional for enhanced richness
• 115 grams shredded Swiss cheese, or substitute Gruyère or mozzarella
• 30 grams sliced dill pickles, low carbohydrate or sugar free
• 170 grams thinly sliced ham or Canadian bacon, free from added sugars or carbohydrates
• 115 grams full-fat cream cheese
• 45 milliliters Dijon mustard, or yellow mustard for a milder flavor
• 900 grams cooked shredded beef, unsweetened and low in carbohydrates

Instructions

1. Prepare Beef and Base: If not shredded, prepare the cooked beef. Combine beef, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and heavy cream in a large cast iron skillet. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Simmer and thicken the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Incorporate Pickles: Stir in half of the sliced dill pickles into the beef mixture. Simmer for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.
3. Layer Ham and Cheese: Evenly layer sliced ham or Canadian bacon over the beef mixture. Top with shredded Swiss cheese and remaining pickles.
4. Bake to Finish: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bake the skillet in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown.