Low Carb Taco Casserole Recipe
This Low Carb Taco Casserole is a delicious, wholesome, and easy-to-make dish perfect for anyone on a low-carb diet. Combining browned cauliflower rice with flavorful ground beef seasoned with taco spices, and topped with melty cheddar cheese, this casserole is then baked to perfection and garnished with fresh toppings like salsa, avocado, and cilantro for a vibrant, savory meal.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2.5 cups cauliflower rice
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 4 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
Toppings (optional)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 10 black olives, sliced
- 1 avocado, chopped
- cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeno, sliced
- 1/8 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook cauliflower rice: Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then add 2.5 cups of cauliflower rice. Stir and cook for 5-10 minutes until the cauliflower rice is nicely browned. Remove from heat and transfer the cooked cauliflower rice to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Cook the beef mixture: In the same frying pan still hot, add 2 pounds of lean ground beef, chopped red bell pepper, and chopped white onion. Brown the beef thoroughly, then drain any excess fat. Add 4 tablespoons of taco seasoning, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, and 1/2 cup water to the pan. Stir well and continue cooking until the liquid evaporates and the beef is fully cooked and flavorful, approximately 7-10 minutes.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the cooked beef mixture evenly over the cauliflower rice layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the casserole for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add finishing touches and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Spread 1 cup of sour cream evenly over the top. Optionally, sprinkle additional cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Add your preferred toppings such as salsa, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, avocado, cilantro, and sliced jalapeno. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty, low-carb taco casserole.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- For extra spice, add more jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to keep the dish lower in fat.
- Cauliflower rice can be bought pre-made or made fresh by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- This dish is suitable for low-carb and gluten-free diets.
Keywords: Low Carb Taco Casserole, Low Carb Dinner, Taco Casserole, Cauliflower Rice, Ground Beef Casserole, Gluten Free Dinner, Easy Mexican Casserole, Healthy Taco Recipe