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Low Carb Taco Casserole Recipe

4.6 from 88 reviews

This Low Carb Taco Casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for a satisfying, keto-friendly meal. Featuring a base of pan-fried cauliflower rice layered with seasoned ground beef, colorful vegetables, and plenty of melted Colby-Jack cheese, it’s topped with creamy sour cream and fresh, zesty toppings like lettuce, tomato, olives, and jalapenos for a delicious taco-inspired casserole without the carbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 10 ounces Frozen Cauliflower Rice
  • 23 Tablespoons Oil (for frying)
  • 2 Lbs Ground Beef
  • 1 Small Red Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 Small White Onion, chopped
  • 4 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning
  • 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
  • 1/2 Cup Water
  • 3 Cups Shredded Colby/Jack Cheese
  • 1 Cup Sour Cream

Toppings

  • Chopped Lettuce
  • Chopped Tomato
  • Sliced Black Olives
  • Avocado or Guacamole
  • Cilantro
  • Sliced Jalapeno
  • Salsa or Hot Sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Cook Cauliflower Rice: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the frozen cauliflower rice and pan fry it until it’s nicely browned, which adds flavor and removes excess moisture. Then, transfer the browned cauliflower rice to a greased 2-quart casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
  3. Cook Ground Beef Mixture: In the same or separate pan, brown the ground beef along with the chopped red bell pepper and white onion over medium-high heat. Once cooked, drain any excess fat if necessary. Add the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water to the beef mixture. Stir well and continue cooking until the liquid has mostly absorbed. Then, layer this meat mixture evenly over the cauliflower rice in the casserole dish.
  4. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle 3 cups of shredded Colby/Jack cheese evenly on top of the beef layer. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese melts and starts to bubble.
  5. Finish and Add Toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven and spread 1 cup of sour cream evenly over the top. Sprinkle with additional shredded cheese if desired and garnish with your preferred toppings like chopped lettuce, tomato, sliced black olives, avocado or guacamole, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos, and salsa or hot sauce for added flavor and texture. Serve warm.

Notes

  • You can use any oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as avocado oil or olive oil.
  • Adjust taco seasoning to taste, especially if it contains salt or sugar.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute cheese and sour cream with vegan alternatives.
  • If you prefer spicier, add extra jalapenos or hot sauce inside the casserole before baking.
  • The casserole is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
  • Double the recipe for larger gatherings and use a larger casserole dish accordingly.

Keywords: Low Carb, Taco Casserole, Cauliflower Rice, Ground Beef, Keto, Mexican-inspired, Healthy Dinner