Description
This Cheesy Low-Carb Taco Casserole is a delicious and satisfying Tex-Mex dish perfect for a low-carb or keto-friendly dinner. It features seasoned ground beef combined with creamy cheeses and diced tomatoes with green chilies, baked until bubbly and golden. Easy to prepare and full of bold flavors, this casserole is ideal for a comforting meal that fits a gluten-free and low-carb lifestyle.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped green onions or cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and garlic is fragrant.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper thoroughly so that the beef mixture is well coated with the spices.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Reduce heat to low. Add the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, cubed cream cheese, and sour cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese completely melts, creating a creamy, combined mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the beef and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out smoothly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the beef mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired for added freshness and color.
Notes
- To keep the dish extra low-carb, serve with lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice instead of tortillas or grains.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
- For added flavor and heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or olives to the mixture before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of casserole
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
