Low Carb Taco Casserole Recipe

Relish a satisfying low carb taco casserole that marries seasoned ground beef with garlic, onion, and diced tomatoes enhanced by green chilies. Cauliflower rice, salsa, and olives enrich the hearty blend, topped with melted cheddar and finished with sour cream, avocado, and cilantro. This dish promises bold flavors and comfort.

I recently discovered this Low Carb Taco Casserole recipe that quickly became a family favorite. I love how this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.

I start by browning 1 lb ground beef along with diced onion and minced garlic to create a flavorful base. Then I mix in taco seasoning and a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, which adds a tangy kick without loading on unnecessary carbs.

I also toss in cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to keep it keto friendly. A bit of salsa, black olives, and shredded cheddar cheese gives the casserole rich layers of flavor while keeping it low carb.

I finish with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess, and sometimes avocado slices and chopped cilantro for extra freshness. This dish is a healthy low carb dinner option that gives you a good balance of protein and fat, perfect for anyone following a keto lifestyle.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe cuz it delivers a cool mix of flavors that always get me excited about dinner. I really enjoy how the taco seasoning, tomatoes and even the cauliflower rice come together to make something both healthy and absolutely tasty. I love that its a low carb meal; it helps me stick to my diet without feelin like I’m missing out on something yummy. Also, its super simple to whip up, which is perfect when im in a rush or feeling lazy. Lastly, I sometimes add my own twist with avocado slices and extra cilantro, and that makes the recipe even more fun and versatile.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: packed with protein and flavor, it makes the meal hearty and filling.
• Cauliflower Rice: a low carb substitute brimming with fiber, it absorbs all the spices.
• Taco Seasoning: a spice blend that gives the dish a kick and balances the savory taste.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: offer tangy moisture and a slight heat that livens up the casserole.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: adds a melty richness and creamy flavor throughout the dish.
• Sour Cream: cools down the spice while adding a smooth, tangy finish every bite.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 cups cauliflower rice
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Optional: avocado slices and chopped cilantro for garnish
• For serving: cooked rice

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef, diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft.

2. Drain any extra grease from the skillet, then sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Give it a good stir so the meat and onions get evenly coated.

3. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help all the flavors mix together.

4. Stir in the cauliflower rice into the skillet. Keep cookin’ for another 2 to 3 minutes so the cauliflower gets a bit tender.

5. Mix the salsa and the sliced black olives into the meat and cauliflower mixture.

6. Transfer everything into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Once it’s out of the oven, place dollops of sour cream evenly on top.

10. Garnish with avocado slices and chopped cilantro if you like, and serve with a side of cooked rice. Enjoy your low carb taco casserole!

Equipment Needed

1. An oven for baking the casserole at the right temperature
2. A large skillet for browning the beef and softening the onions and garlic
3. A knife and cutting board to dice the onion and mince the garlic
4. A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring and mixing all the ingredients evenly
5. A can opener to open the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
6. A greased baking dish to transfer the mixture before baking
7. A measuring cup to portion out the salsa accurately

FAQ

Low Carb Taco Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have ground beef, you can use ground turkey or even ground chicken. They cook similarly and still work awesome in this dish.
• If you find a small onion too sharp, try using a shallot or red onion instead. They give a sweeter flavor that keeps it tasty.
• If you dont have minced garlic, using garlic powder can save you time. Use about 1/2 teaspoon per clove you would have used.
• Lack a packet of taco seasoning? Mix your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika and a pinch of salt instead. It’s super simple and you can adjust the heat to your liking.
• If cauliflower rice isnt available, zucchini rice is a good option. Just grate the zucchini and lightly cook it before adding it to the casserole.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you really brown the beef and soften the onions well before adding the seasoning so that the flavors blend better. It might seem like extra work but trust me, it makes a big difference.
2. When stirrin in the cauliflower rice, try not to overcook it. You want it a little tender but still with some bite so that it doesnt turn soggy in the casserole.
3. If you like your dish a little kick, consider addin a pinch of extra spices like cumin or chili powder along with the taco seasoning for a richer flavor.
4. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking before you dollop on the sour cream. This way the sour cream stays creamy and doesnt melt into the mix too fast.