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If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate yet keeps things wholesome and satisfying, then the Comforting Healthy Cuban Beef Casserole You’ll Crave Again! Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a luscious blend of tender shredded beef, creamy cheeses, tangy pickles, and a touch of smoky ham that comes together in a baked casserole bursting with bold Cuban-inspired flavors. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this casserole promises to comfort your soul while nourishing your body, making it an irresistible favorite to add to your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines through its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and tangy flavors. From the shredded beef providing hearty protein to the dill pickles adding a zestful punch, these essentials are what make this casserole so special.
- 2 pounds cooked shredded beef: Using unsweetened and low-carb beef keeps it healthy and satiating with plenty of tender, flavorful meat.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This adds a rich, creamy texture that wraps every bite in smooth decadence.
- 4 ounces shredded Swiss cheese: Or swap in Gruyère or mozzarella for a melty, gooey topping that browns beautifully.
- 1 cup sliced dill pickles: Choose low-carb or sugar-free pickles to bring a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness.
- 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese: Adds body and depth, making the beef mixture irresistibly lush.
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Offers a zingy layer of spice and complexity; yellow mustard works well if you prefer milder flavors.
- 6 ounces thinly sliced ham: Or Canadian bacon without any added sugars, introducing a smoky, savory contrast.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional): Use this to enhance richness if desired, giving the casserole a silky finish.
How to Make Comforting Healthy Cuban Beef Casserole You’ll Crave Again! Recipe
Step 1: Shred the Beef
Start by shredding your cooked beef into bite-sized pieces. This step ensures that every spoonful is tender and easy to eat, allowing the creamy sauce to fully coat each morsel and deliver maximum flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large cast iron skillet, combine the shredded beef with the cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and heavy cream. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, setting the stage for the casserole’s luscious texture that makes this comfort food so memorable.
Step 3: Heat and Blend Flavors
Place the skillet over medium heat, continuously stirring for about 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle cooking melts the cream cheese perfectly into the mixture, developing a fragrant, rich base that’s both silky and indulgent.
Step 4: Add Tangy Pickles
Fold in half of the sliced dill pickles carefully, mixing them well to release their zesty tang throughout the beef mixture. This contrast brings a lively brightness that cuts through the creaminess and balances the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Layer the Ham
Evenly distribute the thin ham slices or Canadian bacon over the beef mixture. This adds a smoky, savory layer that complements the beef and adds a pleasing texture contrast when baked.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Remaining Pickles
Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese on top of the ham layer. Then finish by adding the remaining sliced pickles for an extra burst of tang that will elevate every delectable bite of the casserole.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 392°F (200°C). Carefully transfer the skillet into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re aiming for bubbly, melted cheese with a golden brown crust that signals your Comforting Healthy Cuban Beef Casserole You’ll Crave Again! Recipe is ready to delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Comforting Healthy Cuban Beef Casserole You’ll Crave Again! Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a fresh green touch and a subtle herbaceous note, enhancing the casserole’s vibrant flavors. For an extra kick, a few crushed red pepper flakes on top can amplify the warmth.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with light, crisp salads or steamed vegetables, like green beans or broccoli, which provide a refreshing counterbalance to the dish’s creamy richness. Roasted cauliflower or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon also work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this hearty casserole straight from the skillet for a rustic, cozy feel that’s perfect for family dinners. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties or special occasions, making everyone feel pampered with their own personal serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Comforting Healthy Cuban Beef Casserole You’ll Crave Again! Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
Want to enjoy this dish later? Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the creamy texture intact and flavors vibrant.
Reheating
Reheat portions gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave on medium power to avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of cream or a sprinkle of cheese before warming can refresh the dish’s creamy and cheesy appeal.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese offers a lovely nutty flavor, Gruyère or mozzarella also melt beautifully and complement the casserole well. Feel free to use your favorite cheese to customize the dish to your taste.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be low carb by using unsweetened beef and sugar-free pickles, making it ideal for those looking for comforting meals that align with low-carb or keto lifestyles.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You sure can! Prepare the casserole mixture up to step 6, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, top it with cheese and remaining pickles, then bake as instructed.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
No worries! You can assemble the casserole in any oven-safe baking dish. Just be sure to mix the creamy beef base in a stovetop-safe pan before transferring it for baking.
Can I substitute the ham for another protein?
Definitely! Turkey bacon or even thinly sliced smoked sausage would add a delicious smoky note and can be substituted if you want a different twist on this Cuban classic.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Comforting Healthy Cuban Beef Casserole You’ll Crave Again! Recipe that makes it so easy to fall in love with. It effortlessly combines hearty, creamy, and tangy flavors in a way that feels both nourishing and indulgent. Give it a go, and soon enough, you’ll find yourself reaching for this crowd-pleaser again and again. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’s going to be a favorite you can’t wait to share with everyone you love.
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Comforting Healthy Cuban Beef Casserole You’ll Crave Again! Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cuban
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Comforting Healthy Cuban Beef Casserole is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish featuring tender shredded beef combined with creamy cheeses, tangy dill pickles, and savory ham. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a nostalgic Cuban-inspired twist that’s both satisfying and low in carbohydrates, perfect for those seeking a hearty yet healthy meal.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 2 pounds cooked shredded beef (unsweetened and low in carbohydrates)
- 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for a milder flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream (adds a rich, creamy texture)
Toppings
- 6 ounces thinly sliced ham (or Canadian bacon, free from added sugars or carbohydrates)
- 4 ounces shredded Swiss cheese (or substitute Gruyère or mozzarella)
- 1 cup sliced dill pickles (choose low-carb or sugar-free)
Optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for enhanced richness)
Instructions
- Shred the beef: Shred the cooked beef into bite-sized pieces, ensuring even texture throughout the casserole.
- Combine ingredients: In a large cast iron skillet, mix the shredded beef, full-fat cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and heavy cream until well blended and smooth.
- Heat mixture: Place the skillet over medium heat and stir continuously for 5-7 minutes until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy and fragrant.
- Add pickles: Fold in half of the sliced dill pickles, stirring thoroughly to disperse their tangy flavor throughout the beef mixture.
- Add ham: Evenly distribute the sliced ham or Canadian bacon over the beef mixture, layering it for optimal flavor.
- Top with cheese and remaining pickles: Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the casserole, then add the remaining sliced pickles on top for an extra burst of zest.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 392°F (200°C). Transfer the skillet to the hot oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown on top.
Notes
- For a milder mustard flavor, substitute Dijon mustard with yellow mustard.
- Use Gruyère or mozzarella cheese as alternatives to Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Choose low-carb or sugar-free dill pickles to keep the casserole diet-friendly.
- The optional olive oil can be added when heating the mixture for enhanced richness, but it’s not necessary.
- This casserole is best served hot and pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
