Keto Taco Casserole: The Ultimate Low-Carb Comfort Food

This Keto Taco Casserole brings all the bold, spicy flavors of a taco night into one simple dish. It is a perfect weeknight meal for anyone on a low-carb or keto diet. The recipe uses a flavorful ground beef base combined with riced cauliflower and zucchini, topped with melted cheese and a fresh sour cream sauce. As a result, you get all the delicious taste and texture without the carbs.

Ingredients & What You’ll Need

For the Keto Taco Casserole:

• Avocado Oil (2 tbsp): Use this for browning the beef.
• Ground Beef (1 lb): The savory base of the casserole.
• Yellow Onion (¼ cup, chopped): Adds a foundational aromatic flavor.
• Garlic (4 cloves): These should be minced.
• Chili Powder (2 tbsp): This provides the classic taco spice.
• Oregano (2 tsp): This adds an earthy, savory flavor.
• Salt (½ tsp): It is an essential seasoning.
• Rotel or Diced Tomatoes (10 oz can): Adds moisture and a touch of tang.
• Zucchini (1, diced): A low-carb vegetable to add bulk.
• Sliced Black Olives (2.25 oz can): These add a briny flavor.
• Riced Cauliflower (8 oz): This is a great low-carb filler.
• Colby Jack Cheese (8 oz, shredded): This creates a gooey, melted topping.
• Crushed Low-Carb Tortilla Chips (1 cup, optional): You can use these for extra crunch.
• Chopped Cilantro (¼ cup): A fresh, vibrant garnish.
• Green Onions (2): Slice these for a final topping.

For the Lime Sour Cream Sauce:

• Sour Cream (2 tbsp): The base for the creamy sauce.
• Water (1 tbsp): This helps to thin the sauce.
• Lime Juice (1 tsp): This adds a bright, zesty flavor.
• Salt (a pinch): Used for seasoning the sauce.

How to Make Keto Taco Casserole

This recipe is simple and comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner.

Preparing the Taco Meat Filling

First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Add avocado oil and ground beef to a skillet. Cook the beef over medium-high heat until it is almost browned. Next, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, oregano, and salt. Continue cooking until the ground beef is fully cooked and the onion has softened. After that, lower the heat to medium. Add the Rotel, diced zucchini, olives, and riced cauliflower to the skillet. Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer until the cauliflower and zucchini have softened. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat.

Assembling and Baking the Keto Taco Casserole

Using a slotted spoon or spatula, transfer the ground beef mixture into an 8×10 casserole dish. Be sure to leave behind as much excess liquid as possible. Top the mixture with the shredded Colby jack cheese. Bake the casserole at 375°F for 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. In the meantime, prepare the lime sour cream sauce by adding sour cream, water, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to a small bowl and stirring to combine.

Finishing with Toppings

Remove the baked casserole from the oven. If you are using them, sprinkle crushed low-carb tortilla chips over the top. Now, drizzle the sour cream sauce over the casserole. Finally, sprinkle the chopped cilantro and sliced green onions on top before serving.

Tips for a Perfect Keto Taco Casserole

• Drain the Liquid: It is very important to drain as much liquid from the meat mixture as you can. This will prevent your casserole from becoming watery.
• Cheese Variations: You can use any keto-friendly shredded cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a taco blend.
• Optional Toppings: Consider adding other keto-friendly toppings like sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or a spoonful of guacamole.

Final Thoughts

This Keto Taco Casserole recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that will become a go-to for your family. Its quick preparation and familiar flavors make it a perfect solution for a low-carb dinner. As a result, you can enjoy all the taste of tacos in a convenient and comforting casserole form.