Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This taco casserole is everything you love about tacos, minus the carbs! It’s flavorful, cheesy, and can be customized with your favorite taco toppings. The cauliflower rice acts as a healthy, low-carb substitute for traditional rice, while the seasoned beef and cheese add all the savory goodness you crave. Ready in just 25 minutes, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s both quick and nutritious. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just looking for a low-carb option, this taco casserole is a delicious choice.

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
½ cup water
3 cups shredded Colby/Jack cheese
1 cup sour cream

Toppings:

Chopped lettuce
Chopped tomato
Sliced black olives
Avocado/guacamole
Cilantro
Sliced jalapeño
Salsa or hot sauce

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
Prepare the Cauliflower Rice: In a pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the frozen cauliflower rice and pan-fry until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer the cauliflower rice to a greased 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer.
Cook the Ground Beef: In the same pan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the chopped red bell pepper and onion, and cook until softened. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water. Let it cook for a few minutes until the liquid absorbs and the beef is well-coated with the seasoning.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the seasoned beef mixture into the casserole dish, layering it evenly on top of the cauliflower rice.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Colby/Jack cheese generously over the top of the beef mixture.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top with Sour Cream and Garnishes: Once the casserole is done, spread a layer of sour cream over the top. Add extra shredded cheese if desired, and finish with your preferred toppings such as lettuce, tomato, olives, avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, and salsa.
Serve: Scoop and serve hot, and enjoy your flavorful, low-carb taco casserole!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add More Veggies: You can add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the ground beef mixture for extra veggies and nutrients.
Spicy Option: For extra heat, add some diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the casserole before baking.
Cheese Swap: If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to use shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend.
Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free option, such as coconut yogurt or a vegan sour cream alternative, and choose a dairy-free cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, this casserole can be frozen. After assembling, cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.

3. Can I use fresh cauliflower rice instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh cauliflower rice. Just cook it in a pan for a few minutes until softened, then follow the recipe as usual.

4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great in this recipe as a leaner alternative to beef.

5. How can I make the casserole spicier?

If you like a spicy kick, add some chili flakes or extra diced jalapeños to the beef mixture, or use a spicy taco seasoning blend.

6. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by using black beans or a meat substitute like tempeh or tofu instead of ground beef.

7. What should I serve with this taco casserole?

It’s perfect on its own, but you can serve it with a side of rice (cauliflower rice for a low-carb version), a green salad, or some grilled veggies.

8. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! You can swap the Colby/Jack cheese for cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese that melts well.

9. How do I make the casserole even more flavorful?

You can add a squeeze of lime juice before serving, or drizzle some salsa on top for a fresh, zesty finish.

10. How do I prevent the cauliflower rice from being soggy?

Make sure to cook the cauliflower rice until it’s dry and slightly browned before adding it to the casserole, which helps prevent sogginess.

Conclusion

This Low Carb Taco Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy taco night without the carbs. With cauliflower rice, seasoned ground beef, and plenty of cheese, it’s a complete meal that’s quick, easy, and delicious. Whether you’re following a keto or low-carb diet or just looking for a healthier version of your favorite comfort food, this casserole will be a hit at your table. Enjoy!