Cheesy Low-Carb Taco Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that combines the comforting warmth of a casserole with the bold flavors of a taco night, look no further than this Cheesy Low-Carb Taco Casserole Recipe. Bursting with melty cheese, zesty tomatoes with green chiles, and a satisfying mix of seasoned ground beef and cauliflower rice, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, satisfying meal that keeps things low-carb without skimping on taste. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole delivers big on flavor and is guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients makes this dish a breeze to prepare. Each component plays a key role in building the layers of texture, flavor, and color that make the Cheesy Low-Carb Taco Casserole Recipe so irresistible.

• Ro-Tel Tomatoes with green chiles (2 cans, 10 oz. each): Adds vibrant flavor and a mild spicy kick that livens up the casserole.
• Onion (1 medium-large, chopped small): Provides a sweet and savory base to complement the rich beef and cheese.
• Green onion (1/2 cup sliced): Offers a fresh crunch and a subtle sharpness to brighten the dish.
• Cauliflower rice (1 lb., fresh or frozen): The perfect low-carb substitute for traditional rice, soaking up all the taco-seasoned goodness.
• Ground beef (1 lb.): The hearty protein that makes this casserole truly satisfying.
• Mexican Blend Cheese (3 cups, divided): Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy layers and a golden topping.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Used to sauté the onions and beef, enhancing flavors and textures.
• Kalyn’s Taco Seasoning Mix (1 tablespoon): Infuses that signature taco flavor into the beef.
• Salt (1 teaspoon or to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the vibrant tastes.

How to Make Cheesy Low-Carb Taco Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Before you dive in, if you’re using frozen cauliflower rice, let it thaw on the counter so it cooks evenly. Drain the Ro-Tel tomatoes well – getting rid of excess liquid helps keep the casserole from getting soggy and makes the flavors more concentrated.

Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Casserole Dish

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large casserole dish (around 11 by 8 inches) with olive oil or non-stick spray. This will keep your cheesy creation from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Cook Onion

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large fry pan over medium heat. Toss in those finely chopped onions and cook until they’re translucent and just starting to brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and adds rich depth to the casserole.

Step 4: Cook Cauliflower Rice

Add the cauliflower rice straight to the onions. Stir occasionally over medium-high heat until all the moisture evaporates—usually 3 to 4 minutes. This prevents the casserole from being watery and ensures a nice texture.

Step 5: Add Green Onions and Set Aside

Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh green onions for a pop of color and mild oniony flavor. Then, transfer this fragrant cauliflower mixture to a bowl while you prepare the beef.

Step 6: Brown Ground Beef

In the same pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and add your ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook over medium heat until fully browned and no pink remains, making sure it’s evenly cooked for the best flavor and texture.

Step 7: Season Beef and Add Tomatoes

Sprinkle in Kalyn’s Taco Seasoning Mix and cook with the beef for a minute or two to deepen the taco flavors. Then stir in the drained Ro-Tel tomatoes and heat through for another 1 to 2 minutes—this melds it all together into a savory filling.

Step 8: Combine Cauliflower Rice and Beef Mixture

Return your cauliflower rice mixture back to the skillet, joining it with the seasoned beef and tomatoes. Season with salt to your liking, and give everything a good stir to combine and heat through evenly.

Step 9: Add Cheese to Mixture

Turn off the heat and fold in 2 cups of your grated Mexican blend cheese. The warmth from the mixture will melt the cheese and make the base irresistibly creamy and cheesy—this is where the magic begins!

Step 10: Assemble Casserole and Bake

Transfer everything into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes until the cheese topping bubbles and turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 11: Serve

Take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Serve it hot with your choice of toppings to customize every bite.

How to Serve Cheesy Low-Carb Taco Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

For extra excitement, pile on garnishes like dollops of sour cream, scoops of guacamole, a sprinkle of fresh pico de gallo, or sliced avocado. Each topping adds a burst of fresh flavor and creaminess that complements the rich casserole perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cheesy Low-Carb Taco Casserole Recipe with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette or crunchy radish slaw. These lighten up the meal and add crisp texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a cute twist, or layer the casserole in a clear baking dish so the colorful layers shine through. You can even scoop into crispy lettuce cups for a handheld, low-carb taco experience that’s perfect for casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The casserole actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to meld.

Freezing

This Cheesy Low-Carb Taco Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm individual servings in the microwave, or reheat a large portion covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly again—about 20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this casserole if you prefer a leaner or lighter protein option. Just cook it the same way you would the beef and season well to boost the flavor.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cheese?

Yes! You can substitute the Mexican Blend Cheese with your favorite dairy-free cheese shreds that melt well. Just keep in mind the flavors and melting properties might vary slightly.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap out the ground beef for cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. The combination of spices and cheese will still deliver fantastic flavor and texture.

How spicy is this casserole?

The spice level is mild to medium, thanks to the mild Ro-Tel tomatoes and balanced taco seasoning. You can adjust it by adding extra chili powder or jalapeños if you love a bit more heat.

What kind of casserole dish works best?

An 11-by-8 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe to ensure even cooking. Use a ceramic or glass casserole dish for the best heat distribution and easy cleanup.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Low-Carb Taco Casserole Recipe is like a warm, comforting hug on a plate that never gets old. It’s bursting with flavors, textures, and all the cheesy goodness that make it a weeknight favorite or a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again—give it a try, and watch it quickly become one of your all-time favorites.

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