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Easy Keto Taco Casserole Recipe 🥘

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Welcome to our delicious Keto Taco Casserole recipe! This dish combines the rich flavors of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and the creamy taste of gouda cheese, all mixed for a tasty treat. It's a perfect low-carb meal that's full of flavor. Gather your family and enjoy a healthy and satisfying dish that will become a favorite. Let's fill the kitchen with Mexican flavors!

Low-carb keto taco casserole in a skillet ready to be served with a wooden spoon.
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Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing this Keto Mexican Casserole is both easy and quick. Start by cooking ground beef with onion and garlic, then add taco seasoning, tomatoes, and sauces to blend the flavors. Melt some gouda cheese on top for a rich taste, and finish with sour cream, jalapenos, and cilantro. In just 40 minutes, you'll have a delicious casserole dish to enjoy!

Chef's note

Get creative with this casserole dish and make it your own! If you want to try something different, switch the gouda cheese for cheddar or any cheese you like. If you're a fan of spicy food, play with the spice levels by adding a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the taco seasoning. This Low-Carb Taco Casserole recipe lets you experiment, so have fun and tailor it to your tastes.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

🥘 Ingredients for this taco casserole recipe

To make this cheesy keto taco casserole, you'll need the following simple ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (low-carb)
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • ¼ cup tomato sauce
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup gouda cheese, shredded

For topping

  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup jalapenos, sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Ground beef, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, cheeses, tomato sauce, and other ingredients arranged and displayed on the table.

Ingredient substitutions

Do you see something on the ingredients list that you'd rather skip? Here are a few keto-friendly substitutions:

  • Cheese: Replace Gouda with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack for a different cheesy flavor.
  • Sour cream: If you need a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or almond milk yogurt to keep the creamy texture.
  • Tomato sauce: Want a different taste? Use sugar-free marinara sauce or tomato paste to keep the rich tomato essence.
  • Jalapenos: Switch to poblano or bell peppers for a milder flavor but still a colorful look.

Additional ingredients

Make the low-carb Mexican casserole truly your own with these optional extra ingredients:

  • Sliced bell peppers: Add sliced bell peppers for a pop of color and crunch. They'll infuse the casserole with freshness.
  • Green onions: Bring a gentle onion taste and visual appeal, enriching the flavor with chopped green onions.
  • Lime zest: Enhance the casserole's taste with a sprinkle of lime zest, offering a zesty twist.
  • Cumin: A pinch of ground cumin will deepen the flavor profile and add authenticity to the taco seasoning.
  • Smoked paprika: Add smoked paprika for a subtle smoky and sweet touch.
  • Mexican cheese blend: For true Mexican flavors and cheesy goodness, add Mexican blend cheese and let it bubble and melt.
Ready to serve keto taco casserole in a skillet topped with sour cream and fresh herbs.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Mexican Casserole recipe, you'll need the following kitchen tools:

  • Large iron cast skillet
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spoon
  • Oven

Tool substitutes list

  • Cast-iron skillet: Use a non-stick frying pan instead of a large cast-iron skillet.
Homemade taco casserole is in a skillet, garnished with sour cream and fresh herbs along with a wooden spoon for serving.

How to make Taco Casserole Recipe: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Pan-frying
  • Simmering

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the required ingredients.
  2. Dice the onion and tomatoes, and mince the garlic.

Cooking instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it's cooked through. Be sure to drain any extra fat.
  2. Put the diced onion and minced garlic in the skillet with the beef. Cook them for 2-3 minutes or until the onion turns clear.
  3. Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth to the skillet. Let everything simmer for 5 minutes, giving the flavors time to come together.
  4. Spread the ground beef mixture evenly in the iron cast skillet.
  5. Sprinkle the gouda cheese over the beef, covering it completely.
  6. Your taco casserole is ready! Serve it with some sour cream, sliced jalapenos, and chopped cilantro for added flavor.

Chef's pro tip

Take your time during the simmering step when making this easy keto taco casserole. Let the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and sauces simmer for about 5 minutes. Don't rush this part; these few minutes make sure all the flavors come together just right, giving you a delicious mix.

What to serve with keto taco casserole?

Want to know what goes well with keto taco casserole? Here are some delicious ideas:

  • Keto Cheesy Asparagus: This mix of melty cheese and crispy asparagus makes a tasty partner for the casserole's flavors.
  • Keto Dinner Rolls: Soft and fluffy keto rolls are perfect for scooping up the casserole. They create a delicious low-carb meal.
  • Mashed Cauliflower: The smooth and creamy mashed cauliflower pairs wonderfully with the casserole, making a well-balanced low-carb dish.
  • Crack Slaw: With its bold taste, crack slaw teams up with the casserole to create a satisfying and low-carb feast.
Low-carb keto taco casserole in a skillet ready to be served with a wooden spoon.

How to make it healthier?

Here's how you can make your ground beef casserole even healthier:

  • Cut the salt: Use low-sodium versions of taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and broth to reduce salt without losing taste.
  • Pick organic: Choose organic, lean ground beef and fresh vegetables. You'll get a dish that's tasty and rich in nutrients.
  • Add more veggies: Mix colorful veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a fiber boost.
  • Make your broth: Cook your vegetable broth with herbs and veggies. This way, you can control the salt and add natural tastes.
  • Create your seasoning: Mix your taco seasoning with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic and onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt (adjust to taste). Making it yourself lets you control salt and other additives.

Time-saving tips

  • Use store-bought broth: Grab vegetable broth from the store for this recipe. It's a quick way to add great flavor to your casserole.
  • Go for pre-chopped ingredients: Save chopping time by buying pre-chopped garlic and onion at your local store.
  • Cook in batches: Make a big batch of this casserole ahead of time. Divide it into portions and keep it in the fridge. Then, you'll have a tasty keto meal ready to reheat on busy nights.
Keto taco casserole in a skillet, topped with sour cream, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Shred cheese in advance: You can shred the cheese ahead of time. Store it in the fridge in a container or resealable bag. This way, it'll be ready when needed, saving you even more time.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Refrigerator: After enjoying the casserole, let any leftovers cool down to room temperature. Then, put the leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Note: Remember, if you've added sour cream or other dairy-based toppings, they might not freeze well, so be careful if you reheat them.

Homemade keto taco casserole in a skillet garnished jalapeño with green herbs.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: For a quick reheat, put the casserole on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a lid, and heat for 2-3 minutes on medium power. Don't forget to stir it halfway through to warm it evenly.
  • Oven: If you have a larger batch, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Put the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to keep it moist, and warm it for 15-20 minutes or until it's hot.
  • Stove: Reheat the casserole in a pan on the stove over medium heat. Stir it now and then until it's heated all the way through. This method keeps all those great flavors and moisture.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

This Keto Taco Casserole might just become your new go-to meal. It's a combination of melted cheese and flavorful seasonings that can please a crowd. And the best part? It fits right into a low-carb diet.

Whether it's a regular family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this casserole offers a tasty option. Imagine serving a dish that's not only satisfying but also healthy. So grab the ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a simple yet delicious meal everyone can enjoy!

Low-carb taco casserole in a skillet garnished jalapeño with green herbs.

Looking for more keto ground beef recipes? Here are some delicious options!

Frequently asked questions

If you don't have taco seasoning, mix cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for that signature kick.

Yes, sour cream is keto-friendly! It's a creamy, low-carb option that adds flavor to your dishes while fitting well within your keto lifestyle.

Absolutely! Ground chicken can be a wonderful substitute for ground beef in keto casserole recipes. It's often leaner, and it can reduce the overall saturated fat content of the dish.

Yes, this keto taco casserole is naturally gluten-free. It doesn't include any wheat-based ingredients, the primary gluten source. Just check the labels on any pre-packaged items to ensure they don't contain gluten.

You can add a bit of heat to your homemade taco seasoning. Simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper. Add a splash of your favorite hot sauce if you want to turn up the heat.

The calorie count can vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used. A single serving of this casserole contains around 500 calories.

📖 Recipe

Keto taco casserole cooked in a skillet, topped with sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro.

Taco Casserole Recipe

Indulge in the savory delight of Keto Taco Casserole, combining ground beef, gouda cheese, and vibrant flavors for a low-carb Mexican-inspired meal that's both easy to make and deeply satisfying.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: ground beef casserole, keto casserole, keto ground beef recipes, low carb casserole recipe, taco casserole
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 583kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning low-carb
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • ¼ cup tomato sauce
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup gouda cheese shredded

For topping

  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup jalapenos sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Brown the ground beef in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it's cooked through. Be sure to drain any extra fat.
  • Put the diced onion and minced garlic in the skillet with the beef. Cook them for 2-3 minutes or until the onion turns clear.
  • Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth to the skillet. Let everything simmer for 5 minutes, giving the flavors time to come together.
  • Spread the ground beef mixture evenly in the iron cast skillet.
  • Sprinkle the gouda cheese over the beef, covering it completely.
  • Your taco casserole is ready! Serve it with some sour cream, sliced jalapenos, and chopped cilantro for added flavor.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Taco Casserole Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 583 Calories from Fat 405
% Daily Value*
Fat 45g69%
Saturated Fat 22g138%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 16g
Cholesterol 165mg55%
Sodium 865mg38%
Potassium 581mg17%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 36g72%
Vitamin A 922IU18%
Vitamin C 14mg17%
Calcium 485mg49%
Iron 3mg17%
*

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

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