Table of Contents
Description
This Keto Taco Casserole is cheesy, low-carb, and packed with Tex-Mex flavor — the perfect easy weeknight dinner for the whole family to enjoy!
Introduction
If you love tacos but want to keep things low-carb, this Keto Taco Casserole is about to become your new favorite dinner recipe! Imagine all the bold, zesty Tex-Mex flavors of a classic taco — seasoned meat, melty cheese, and delicious toppings — baked together in one warm, comforting dish you can scoop and enjoy with a fork. 😋
This casserole is the perfect balance of family-friendly comfort food and keto-approved goodness. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and incredibly satisfying, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, potluck, or even a fun weekend family meal. Plus, it’s completely customizable — load it up with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, salsa, or fresh cilantro.
The best part? It’s a one-pan easy recipe, so cleanup is a breeze. No taco shells, no complicated steps, just a simple layered casserole that tastes amazing and fits perfectly into a keto or low-carb lifestyle. If your family tends to be skeptical of “healthy” food, don’t worry — this one always wins them over!
Recipe Equipment
You don’t need much to make this easy keto casserole! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Cutting board + knife
- Mixing bowl
- 9×9 or 9×13 baking dish (depending on serving size)
- Wooden spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups + spoons
- Oven
Recipe Stat Sheet
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Servings | 6–8 servings |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25–30 minutes |
| Total Time | 35–40 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Diet Type | Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free |
| Main Flavors | Cheesy, Tex-Mex, Savory |
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 packet (or 2 tbsp) sugar-free taco seasoning
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional for spice)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Cheesy Topping Layer
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Taco-Style Toppings
- Chopped tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Sour cream
- Salsa or sugar-free taco sauce
- Fresh cilantro
Ingredient Notes (Why These Work)
- Ground Beef – Classic taco flavor and high in protein; turkey also works for a lighter version.
- Cream Cheese + Sour Cream – Creates a creamy, rich taco filling that keeps the casserole moist and flavorful.
- Sugar-Free Taco Seasoning – Ensures the dish stays keto-friendly with no added sugars.
- Cheddar + Mozzarella – Cheddar adds flavor, while mozzarella gives it that melty, stretchy cheese pull everyone loves!
- Rotel Tomatoes – Adds zest, moisture, and Tex-Mex flavor without extra carbs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and fragrant. Stir in garlic for 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Season for Taco Flavor
Add taco seasoning, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the meat. Mix well until coated. Stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes and let simmer for 3 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Mix until smooth and creamy. It should resemble a thick, cheesy taco dip.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the seasoned meat mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish. Add the creamy cheese mixture on top and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melty, and lightly golden around the edges. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving — this helps it set for clean scoops.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this keto taco casserole just like taco night, but without the carbs! Try pairing with:
- A side of cauliflower rice or Mexican cauliflower rice
- Keto tortillas or lettuce wraps for a “taco” feel
- A dollop of guacamole or avocado slices
- Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
- Crispy bacon bits for extra flavor
Pro Tips & Variations
- Add Veggies: Mix in bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for more nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for heat lovers.
- Extra Cheesy: Add more cheddar or Mexican blend cheese for a richer top layer.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Divide into containers — reheats perfectly for lunch!
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Storage Information
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze fully cooked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave single servings 1–2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10–12 minutes.
Nutrition Facts (Approx. per Serving)
- Calories: 340
- Fat: 26g
- Net Carbs: 5g
- Protein: 22g
Closing
This Keto Taco Casserole brings all the flavors of taco night into one cheesy, comforting, low-carb dish that everyone — keto or not — will enjoy. It’s quick, customizable, and unbelievably satisfying. Give it a try this week and let us know in the comments how your family liked it! 🌮💬