🌮 Keto Taco Casserole (Low-Carb & High-Protein)
A cheesy, flavorful Keto Taco Casserole loaded with seasoned ground beef, taco spices, creamy cheese, and fresh toppings. It delivers all the taco flavors you love without the tortillas or extra carbs—perfect for a quick family dinner or meal prep.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
🛒 Ingredients
Taco Meat Layer
- 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Creamy Cheese Layer
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Taco Beef
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, taco seasoning, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for another 2 minutes.
2. Make the Creamy Layer
- In a bowl, mix:
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Green onions
- Stir until smooth.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the taco beef mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Spread the creamy cheese mixture over the beef.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
4. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
5. Add Fresh Toppings
Top with:
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Tomatoes
- Jalapeños
- Sour cream
🌶️ Homemade Keto Taco Seasoning
Mix:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
- Salt and pepper
🥣 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 36 g
- Fat: 40 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Net Carbs: 6 g
💡 Tips & Variations
✅ Add cauliflower rice to stretch the casserole while keeping it keto.
✅ Use shredded chicken instead of beef for a chicken taco version.
✅ Add black olives, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
✅ Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 4 days—the flavor gets even better the next day.
✅ Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months for easy low-carb meals. 🌮