Description
This Low Carb Taco Casserole is a delicious, keto-friendly dish combining seasoned ground beef, roasted cauliflower rice, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s topped with sour cream and fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, and avocado for a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s low in carbs but high in taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 ounces Frozen Cauliflower Rice
- 2-3 Tablespoons Oil
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Cauliflower Rice: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the frozen cauliflower rice and pan-fry until it is browned and slightly crispy. Once cooked, transfer the cauliflower rice to a greased 2-quart casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
- Brown Ground Beef and Vegetables: In the same or a separate pan, brown the ground beef with the chopped red bell pepper and onion over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the dish lean.
- Season the Meat: Add 4 tablespoons taco seasoning, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, and 1/2 cup water to the browned beef mixture. Stir well and cook until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the mixture is flavorful and thickened. Transfer this mixture evenly over the cauliflower rice layer in the casserole dish.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle 3 cups of shredded Colby/Jack cheese evenly on top of the meat layer. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish with Sour Cream and Toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven and spread 1 cup of sour cream evenly over the top. Optionally sprinkle extra shredded cheese if desired, and then add your preferred toppings such as chopped lettuce, tomato, sliced black olives, avocado or guacamole, cilantro, sliced jalapenos, and salsa or hot sauce to taste.
Notes
- Using frozen cauliflower rice helps save prep time and makes this dish quick to assemble.
- Drain the fat from the ground beef to keep the casserole low in fat and calories.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning according to your spice preference.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
- Use full-fat sour cream for creamier texture or a low-fat version to reduce calories.
- Customize the toppings based on your dietary preferences or what you have available.
