Low Carb Taco Casserole Recipe
This Low Carb Taco Casserole is a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for those watching their carbohydrate intake. Featuring a base of seasoned cauliflower rice and ground beef layered with melted cheese and topped with fresh, flavorful toppings, this casserole is a family-friendly dish that combines classic taco flavors with a healthy twist.
- Author: Grace
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Low Carb
Main Ingredients
- 10 ounces Frozen Cauliflower Rice
- 2–3 Tablespoons Oil (such as olive oil or avocado oil)
- 2 Lbs Ground Beef
- 1 Small Red Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 Small White Onion, chopped
Seasoning and Sauce
- 4 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 1/2 Cup Water
Cheese and Dairy
- 3 Cups Shredded Colby/Jack Cheese
- 1 Cup Sour Cream
Toppings
- Chopped Lettuce
- Chopped Tomato
- Sliced Black Olives
- Avocado or Guacamole
- Chopped Cilantro
- Sliced Jalapeno
- Salsa or Hot Sauce
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Cauliflower Rice: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the frozen cauliflower rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is browned and any excess moisture has evaporated. Transfer the cooked cauliflower rice evenly into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: In the same skillet, brown the ground beef along with the chopped red bell pepper and white onion over medium-high heat until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Then stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water. Cook the mixture until the liquid is absorbed and well combined. Spread this beef mixture evenly over the cauliflower rice layer in the casserole dish.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded Colby/Jack cheese evenly over the beef layer. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and spread the sour cream over the top layer. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese if desired. Add your preferred toppings such as chopped lettuce, tomato, black olives, avocado or guacamole, cilantro, sliced jalapenos, and salsa or hot sauce. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef to reduce fat content.
- For extra spice, add jalapenos or hot sauce directly into the beef mixture before baking.
- Make sure to thoroughly drain the cooked ground beef to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- Use fresh cauliflower rice if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly to reduce moisture.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: low carb taco casserole, cauliflower rice casserole, ground beef casserole, keto taco bake, low carb dinner, Mexican casserole