Description
A crispy, creamy, and cheesy low-carb taco casserole that tastes like tacos without the carb coma. Ready in 30 minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1 ounce)
- 1 cup smooth or medium salsa (240g)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (200g)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (100g)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (115g)
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for garnish)
- Black olives, sliced (optional)
- Avocado, diced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
- Reduce heat to medium. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and stir to coat. Add salsa and stir again. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese over the meat layer and spread to cover as much surface area as possible.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top, mounding slightly in the center.
- Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes to allow the casserole to set. Garnish with green onions, sour cream, and optional toppings before serving.
Notes
Use smooth salsa to avoid watery texture. Ensure cream cheese is softened for easy spreading. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before cutting to help it set. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese alternatives, though melting properties may vary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: low carb, keto, taco casserole, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, cheesy, gluten-free, family friendly