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Easy Keto Tex Mex Casserole Recipe 🍲

Feyza Kırmacı
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Kick your keto game up a notch with our irresistible Keto Tex Mex Casserole! Imagine this: savory ground beef, fiery jalapeños, and melty cheddar cheese, all brought together with our secret weapon — a homemade Tex-Mex seasoning that's just out of this world. Trust us, one bite, and you'll know this is the comfort food you've been missing all along!

A bowl showcasing a homemade keto Tex-Mex casserole recipe.
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Preparation and cooking overview

Mix the spices to create a Tex-Mex seasoning blend. Then, sauté the ground beef with the seasoning, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños. Finally, put the cooked beef mixture in a casserole dish, top it with cheddar cheese, and bake to perfection. You'll have a zesty dinner within an hour at your dining table.

Chef's note

Prefer things on the milder side? No problem! You can easily dial down the heat by adjusting the pickled jalapeños and cayenne pepper in the seasoning to suit your taste. And why not experiment with cheeses? Try swapping in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a deliciously different flavor twist.

Boost your meal plans with our collection of easy and delicious keto-friendly beef recipes. Our vast variety of easy recipes are waiting to tantalize your taste buds.

  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45 Minutes
  • Total Time: 55 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

🍲 Ingredients for this keto Tex Mex casserole recipe

Here's the list of ingredients you'll need to make this Tex-Mex casserole at home:

For the Tex-Mex seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

For the Tex-Mex casserole

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 teaspoons Tex-Mex seasoning
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (we used canned tomatoes)
  • ¼ cup pickled jalapeños
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded or thinly sliced
All the ingredients including ground beef, butter, Tex-Mex seasoning, diced tomatoes (canned), pickled jalapeños, and shredded cheddar cheese gathered and arranged on the table.

Ingredient substitutions

If you see something on the ingredients list you'd rather skip, here are some substitutions you can make:

  • Ground beef: Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative.
  • Jalapeños: Swap jalapeños for green bell peppers if you want less heat.

Additional ingredients

To elevate the flavors of your casserole, try these optional ingredients:

  • Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds freshness; sprinkle some over the top before serving.
  • Onion: Add some diced red or green onions while sautéing the beef to add a crunchy bite.
  • Bell pepper: Sauté diced bell pepper with ground beef to add more texture.
  • Spinach: Add some spinach while cooking the beef mixture for a nutritious boost.
In a bowl, a homemade keto Tex-Mex casserole is served alongside a spoon.

Cooking tools required

To make this keto Tex-Mex beef casserole recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cast-iron skillet
  • Casserole dish
  • Spatula

Tools substitute options

  • Cast-iron skillet: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use a regular pan to sauté the mixture.
  • Casserole dish: Instead of a casserole dish, use a deep baking dish.
Homemade keto Tex-Mex casserole served in a bowl and garnished with fresh herbs.

How to make Keto Tex Mex Casserole: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Sautéing
  • Baking

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the ingredients.
  2. Wash and dice the tomatoes.
  3. Shred the cheddar cheese in a small bowl.

Cooking instructions

  1. Mix all the spices in a small bowl to create homemade Tex-Mex seasoning.
  2. In a skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned by breaking it into crumbles as it cooks, about 10-12 minutes.
  3. Add the pickled jalapenos and Tex-Mex seasoning over the cooked beef and stir to coat the meat with spices evenly.
  4. Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld for 7-8 minutes.
  5. Transfer the seasoned beef mixture to a casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
  6. Top the casserole with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  8. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Chef's pro tip

Don't let the beef overcook! The key is to stop cooking once it's browned and juicy. Remember, it will cook again in the oven with the cheese. Slightly undercooking it during the sautéing step is the trick to a perfectly moist casserole.

What to serve with Tex-Mex casserole?

If you're planning to expand your meal around this Tex-Mex casserole, here are some keto-friendly options:

  • Roasted Broccoli: Serve the dish with freshly roasted broccoli. The bright green veggie pairs nicely with the Tex-Mex flavors.
  • Lettuce leaves: Up for something fun? Serve the casserole in lettuce leaves to make easy homemade lettuce wraps.
  • Keto Salad: For a refreshing contrast, pair the casserole with a fresh green salad like Greek Salad and Arugula Salad.
  • Cauliflower Rice: Light and fluffy cauliflower rice is a perfect low-carb substitute for traditional rice and pairs well with Tex-Mex flavors.
  • Keto Bread: Made with almond and coconut flour, this can be a great way to enjoy a bread-like side without the carbs.
A bowl of a homemade keto Tex-Mex casserole with a spoon.

How to make it healthier?

  • Use a low-fat version of cheddar cheese to reduce the calorie and fat content of the recipe.

Time-saving tips

  • Buy a pack of pre-shredded cheddar cheese to save on preparation time.
  • Use a store-bought Tex-Mex seasoning blend instead of making it from scratch at home.
A bowl showcasing homemade keto Tex-Mex casserole, served alongside a spoon.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Prepare the Tex-Mex seasoning blend and store it in a dry glass jar beforehand.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll stay delicious for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: For longer storage, divide the casserole into individual servings, wrap them in plastic wrap, and freeze them in a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay good for up to a month or two.

Best reheating practices

  • Microwave: Microwave individual portions on high for 60-90 seconds until hot. Check and stir every 30 seconds.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

This Keto Tex Mex Casserole is a quick, easy, and filling recipe perfect for any meal, and it's probably one of the best keto ground beef recipes. Whether it's a dinner for two, a hearty lunch, or even a unique breakfast, this dish fits the bill and makes you forget it's low-carb.

And did we say that it's also ideal for gatherings? Just double the ingredients if you're serving it to a larger crowd. With its bold Tex-Mex flavors, it's sure to become a crowd-pleaser.

Looking for more delicious keto casseroles? Check out our low-carb casserole recipes:

Low-carb keto Tex-Mex casserole presented in a bowl with a spoon.

Frequently asked questions

Absolutely! Ground beef is high in protein and fat with zero carbs, which makes it a go-to ingredient for anyone on a keto diet.

Keto Tex-Mex casserole contains around 5-10 grams of net carbs per serving. Our recipe has around six net carbs per serving.

To make the seasoning at home, combine equal amounts of paprika, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, black pepper, and salt. Do this, and you'll get the perfect Tex-Mex seasoning recipe every time. 

Yes, you can use store-bought Tex-Mex seasoning if you want an easy solution. Just adjust the quantity to taste.

Absolutely! Assemble the Tex-Mex casserole with ground beef, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it in 1-2 days. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.

📖 Recipe

Easy keto Tex-Mex casserole recipe ready to be served.

Keto Tex Mex Casserole Recipe

This Keto Tex Mex Casserole combines spicy ground beef, jalapeños, cheddar, and homemade Tex-Mex seasoning for a quick, flavorful, low-carb comfort meal.
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Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: ground beef casserole, keto casserole, low carb casserole recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 460kcal

Ingredients

For the Tex-Mex seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

For the Tex-Mex casserole

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 teaspoons Tex-Mex seasoning
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes we used canned tomatoes
  • ¼ cup pickled jalapeños
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded or thinly sliced
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Mix all the spices in a small bowl to create homemade Tex-Mex seasoning.
  • In a skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned by breaking it into crumbles as it cooks, about 10-12 minutes.
  • Add the pickled jalapenos and Tex-Mex seasoning over the cooked beef and stir to coat the meat with the spices evenly.
  • Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld for 7-8 minutes.
  • Transfer the seasoned beef mixture to a casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Top the casserole with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Tex Mex Casserole Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 460 Calories from Fat 324
% Daily Value*
Fat 36g55%
Saturated Fat 16g100%
Trans Fat 2g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 13g
Cholesterol 116mg39%
Sodium 583mg25%
Potassium 552mg16%
Carbohydrates 8g3%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 27g54%
Vitamin A 1000IU20%
Vitamin C 7mg8%
Calcium 334mg33%
Iron 5mg28%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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