The Keto Taco Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish that fits well into a ketogenic diet. It features layers of seasoned ground beef or turkey, onions, garlic, bell peppers, cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese, all baked to melty perfection. Optional toppings like avocado, olives, and cilantro add extra flair.
Oven You'll need an oven for baking the casserole.
Baking dish Use a medium to large baking dish, such as a 9x13 inch pan, to assemble and bake the casserole.
Stove You'll need a stovetop for cooking the ground meat, onions, garlic, and bell peppers with taco seasoning.
Skillet or Pan Use a skillet or pan to cook the ground meat and vegetables.
Mixing bowls Have a few mixing bowls on hand for combining ingredients like the cream cheese and sour cream mixture.
Utensils You'll need utensils such as a spatula, mixing spoon, and tongs for cooking and assembling the casserole.
Cutting board and knife Use a cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables like onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
Measuring cups and spoons Use measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure ingredients like taco seasoning, cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese.
Optional: Food Processor or Blender If you prefer a smoother cream cheese and sour cream mixture, you can use a food processor or blender to combine them.
Optional: Cheese Grater If you're using block cheese, you'll need a cheese grater to shred the cheese for layering.
Ingredients
1Pound (450g) Ground Beef or Turkey
1Packet (about 1 ounce or 28g) Taco Seasoning Mix (or use homemade taco seasoning)
1Small Onion, Diced
2Cloves Garlic, Minced
1DicedBell Pepper (any color)
8Ounces (225g) Cream Cheese, softened
½Cup (120g) Sour Cream
2Cups (200g) Shredded Cheese (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
Optional toppings
Sliced avocado
Sliced olives
Chopped cilantro
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
In a skillet, cook ground meat with diced onion and minced garlic until browned.
Add taco seasoning mix to the meat mixture and stir to combine.
Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the meat layer in the baking dish.
Sprinkle diced bell pepper over the cream cheese layer.
Top with shredded cheese, covering the entire casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Here are some important notes for making Keto Taco Casserole:
Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality ground beef or turkey to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the casserole. Grass-fed beef or organic turkey are great options.
Taco Seasoning: If you prefer to avoid store-bought taco seasoning mixes, you can make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt. This allows you to control the ingredients and avoid added sugars or preservatives.
Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to make it easier to mix with the sour cream. You can leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
Cheese Variations: Use your favorite type of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend. Feel free to mix different cheeses for a more complex flavor.
Vegetable Options: Bell peppers add a nice crunch and flavor, but you can also add other low-carb vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms if desired.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes to ensure the cheese melts and becomes bubbly without burning. The edges should be golden brown.
Cooling Time: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set and make it easier to cut into portions.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the casserole with keto-friendly sides like a green salad, cauliflower rice, or low-carb tortillas. Offer additional toppings like avocado slices, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezing: The casserole can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutritional Information: Calculate the nutritional information based on the specific brands and amounts of ingredients you use to ensure accuracy, especially if you're closely monitoring your macronutrient intake.
These notes will help ensure a successful and enjoyable cooking experience while making Keto Taco Casserole.