Low Carb Taco Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Low Carb Taco Casserole is a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings all the deliciousness of a taco night into one easy-to-make casserole. Packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a variety of low-carb vegetables, this casserole is a hearty and healthier alternative to traditional taco dishes. Whether you’re following a keto or low-carb diet or just looking for a quick and flavorful dinner, this casserole is sure to please the entire family. With minimal carbs and maximum flavor, it’s a dish you can enjoy guilt-free!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce (no sugar added)

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray.

2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.

3. Season the meat: Add the taco seasoning to the beef mixture and stir to combine. Pour in the tomato sauce and mix well. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the casserole: Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with a layer of sour cream, spreading it evenly over the beef. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the sour cream.

5. Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a golden-brown crust on top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

6. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced black olives, green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Preparation time: 10 minutes

• Cooking time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of cauliflower rice, black beans, and extra veggies for a vegetarian version.

• Add Extra Veggies: You can add zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrients.

• Low Carb Tortilla Chips: For a crunchier texture, you can sprinkle a small amount of crumbled low-carb tortilla chips on top before baking.

• Cheese Options: Feel free to use your favorite shredded cheeses, such as pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle chili flakes over the casserole for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover taco casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef. Just be sure to season it well to keep it flavorful.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready to serve. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

3. Can I use low-carb tortillas in this casserole?

Yes, you can layer low-carb tortillas between the beef and cheese layers for a “lasagna-style” casserole. Make sure to cut them into smaller pieces to fit in the dish.

4. Can I make this casserole spicier?

Yes, to add some spice, you can include diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce in the beef mixture or top the casserole with diced fresh chili peppers.

5. How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this casserole dairy-free, use a dairy-free cheese alternative and sour cream. You can also replace the cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

6. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes, but the texture of the sauce will be different. You may want to simmer the tomatoes longer to reduce excess moisture.

7. How do I make this casserole more filling?

To make the casserole more filling, add a layer of cauliflower rice or a side of avocado to the dish for added healthy fats and fiber.

8. Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes, feel free to swap the cheddar and mozzarella for your favorite cheese, such as pepper jack, gouda, or even blue cheese for a more robust flavor.

9. How can I make this casserole even lower in carbs?

To make it even lower in carbs, reduce or omit the tomato sauce, or replace it with a homemade low-carb sauce using crushed tomatoes with no added sugar.

10. Can I add sour cream to the casserole before baking?

You can add sour cream before baking, but it’s best to layer it on top after the beef and cheese for a creamier texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Low Carb Taco Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and keto-friendly. Packed with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and topped with a creamy layer of sour cream, this casserole is a delicious and easy way to enjoy all the flavors of tacos without the carbs. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just craving a hearty, flavorful dinner, this taco casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone. It’s customizable, easy to prepare, and perfect for meal prep, making it a versatile and flavorful addition to your dinner rotation!

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