Description
This Low Carb Taco Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for those seeking a flavorful, high-protein meal with minimal carbohydrates. Featuring browned cauliflower rice layered with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, it offers a hearty twist on traditional taco flavors baked into a comforting casserole.
Ingredients
Main 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
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 3 Cups Shredded Colby/Jack Cheese
- 1 Cup Sour Cream
Toppings
- Chopped Lettuce
- Chopped Tomato
- Sliced Black Olives
- Avocado or Guacamole
- Cilantro
- Sliced Jalapeno
- Salsa or Hot Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the assembled casserole.
- Cook Cauliflower Rice: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the frozen cauliflower rice and pan-fry until it is browned and slightly crispy. Once cooked, transfer the cauliflower rice to a greased 2-quart casserole dish and spread it out evenly as the base layer.
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: In the same pan, cook the ground beef along with the chopped red bell pepper and white onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water, then cook until the liquid has been mostly absorbed. Spread this seasoned beef mixture evenly over the cauliflower rice layer in the casserole dish.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle 3 cups of shredded Colby/Jack cheese evenly on top of the beef layer. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish with Toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven, spread 1 cup of sour cream over the melted cheese layer. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top, then garnish with your choice of chopped lettuce, tomato, sliced black olives, avocado or guacamole, cilantro, sliced jalapenos, and salsa or hot sauce for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- This dish is easily customizable by adding different toppings or cheese blends to suit your taste.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For extra heat, add jalapenos directly into the beef mixture.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Cauliflower rice can be substituted with fresh riced cauliflower if desired.
