I am always on the lookout for easier ways to get dinner on the table without compromising taste or quality. For me anything that can simplify the process is certainly welcome in my kitchen. Which is why I was pleasantly surprised by the Ninja Cooking System.
I’m sure that you recognize the Ninja brand. They are making quite a name for themselves with their innovative small kitchen appliances. And for good reason, they really seem to have a knack for creating smart, useful products, and the New Ninja Cooking System with Auto-iQ doesn’t disappoint.
Keep reading to learn about this amazing new cooking system, and then learn how I made a delicious low carb beef enchilada casserole recipe in it!
About the Ninja Cooking System
The Ninja Cooking System multi cooker is four appliances in one. It is a slow cooker, a stove top that lets you sear and saute, a steamer, and you can cook in it just like you would an oven. The Ninja Cooking System uses Auto-iQ technology and has more than 80 pre-programmed recipes built right in.
It comes with the Ninja® Delicious Done Easy cookbook with over 100 recipes that lets you program the recipes easily by number after you add the necessary ingredients. Auto-iQ does all the work! The cookbook includes recipes for quick meals, layered bowls, poached infusions, and grains. It also includes slow cooker recipes and recipes for steaming and using it as a stove top. The Ninja Cooking System with Auto-iQ cooks differently from a slow cooker, which heats only from the side. The Ninja Cooking System uses bottom, side, and steam heat together to create delicious one-pot meals.
The Ninja Cooking System has a 6-qt non-stick pot that is dishwasher safe. it also includes a steaming and roasting rack that fits right into the pot that has clever handles for easy removal.
Using the Ninja Cooking System with Auto-iQ
I am not exaggerating when I say that this Ninja Cooking System is life changing. Not. Kidding. I have used it to slow cook a creamy corn casserole on Thanksgiving, cook a beef roast “low and slow” and then for my latest recipe, my low carb beef enchilada casserole. I was inspired by page 34 of the Ninja Delicious Done Easy cookbook that comes with the cooking system, and my own low carb chicken enchilada casserole recipe.
Page 34 of the cookbook is a quick beef chili recipe and I have to admit that I was skeptical about not browning the ground beef ahead of time. I questioned whether it would cook well, and how much grease it would leave behind. But I put my faith in the recipe and crossed my fingers.
I figured that my recipe was similar enough to the chili that I could use the Auto setting for it. Then, because I was adding cheese on top, I baked it at the lowest temperature possible for 5 minutes to melt the cheese. It works fantastic! I was so surprised that the meat was cooked and the dish wasn’t overly greasy. And it was so good!
In fact, my husband said he’d try it, said it was “ok” and then went back for seconds, and then thirds. I think a dish that someone goes back for thirds for, is way more than just “ok”.
This low carb beef enchilada casserole would be great with some avocado or low carb tortilla shells too. You could also serve it on a bed of zucchini noodles, I think it would be delicious that way as well.
Low Carb Beef Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef I used 85% lean
- 1½ cups of enchilada sauce store bought or from scratch
- 1 cup finely crumbled queso fresco
- 1 4 oz. can of green chiles (chopped)
- ½ cup minced fresh cilantro
- 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Lime wedges optional
- Sour cream optional
Instructions
- Place ground beef in the Ninja® Cooking System with Auto-iQ™
- Break apart the beef as much as possible. It will cook at whatever size you leave it in, so if you leave it in bigger clumps, it will remain in bigger clumps.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the pot and stir to combine.
- Select Auto-IQ Quick Meals recipe 6 and then press start.
- When finished cooking, remove the lid and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Replace lid, and press bake (dry) and turn the temperature knob (which is around the start/stop button) to 250 degrees. Then press the time button and set to 5 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Kathy Sawyer says
It sounds yummy & just what I’ve been craving! Would this work in an instant pot? Or would you need to sauté beef first? Cooking time?
730 Sage Street says
While it would work, the instructions would change to accommodate your instant pot. I have not tried this but I agree, you should saute the beef first. This also gives you the chance to drain off any excess fat (depending on your meat). If you give this a try please let me know how it turns out at [email protected] (thanks !!)
deborah says
how many serving does this make or how much is one serving
Deborah,Texas
Kim says
4 or 5 servings
Liz Perez says
What if u don’t have a cooker? Can u just bake it in a regular oven?
Kim says
Hi Liz, you can use the instructions here: https://www.730sagestreet.com/low-carb-chicken-enchilada-casserole/ but brown the beef first and drain some of the grease.