Serving Suggestions: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice. Serve the casserole with your favorite keto-friendly toppings such as sour cream, avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or fresh cilantro. These toppings add freshness and extra flavor, making each bite even more delightful.

Nutritional Benefits and Convenience: This 5-Ingredient Keto Taco Casserole is not only quick to prepare but also aligns perfectly with ketogenic dietary guidelines. Ground beef provides a hearty source of protein and healthy fats, while the riced cauliflower keeps the dish low in carbs and high in fiber. The use of cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor, contributing essential fats and protein. This casserole is a great meal prep option as it can be made ahead and reheated throughout the week, ensuring you have a delicious and nutritious meal ready to go.

Tips and Variations:

  • For extra vegetables, consider adding diced bell peppers or zucchini to the beef mixture.
  • If you prefer a spicier casserole, use a salsa with more heat or add a dash of hot sauce.
  • Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a different flavor profile.
  • For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cheese substitute and ensure your taco seasoning is free of milk products.

Conclusion: The 5-Ingredient Keto Taco Casserole is a testament to the fact that delicious, low-carb meals can be simple and quick to prepare. With its bold taco flavors, satisfying texture, and minimal ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your keto meal rotation. Enjoy the convenience and taste of this easy dish, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, and savor the comforting flavors of a classic taco in a healthier, low-carb form.

5 Ingredient Taco Casserole!

Ingredients

1 lb (454g) beef. I use extra lean (93/7 or 96/4) beef so that I can eat half the pan without going into ridiculous calorie territory, but you’re welcome to use fattier cuts. Using 80/20 beef will give you the same amount of calories for only 1/4 of the pan.

4 oz (112g) philadelphia neufchatel cream cheese

4 oz (112g) tostitos medium salsa

3.5 oz (100g, just under a cup) cheese of choice, I shred my own mozzarella (70g) and extra sharp cheddar (30g)

1 tbsp old el paso taco seasoning

Optional, 1 egg/egg white for binding if you want less of a creamy and more of a solid, taco pie like casserole. More like a quiche I guess. I’ve never tried this as I like mine creamy like mac and cheese. lol

Instructions

⁠Brown beef in skillet. Season with salt, pepper, garlic and other seasonings of choice. Remove from heat. I don’t drain my beef because there’s not much to drain after cooking, but if you choose 80/20 or 70/30 beef you may want to drain

⁠Add taco seasoning, then cream cheese, salsa and a handful of shredded cheese to the beef, using the residual heat from beef to melt the cheese and thoroughly mix it throughout the beef. Edit: I save a couple pinches of seasoning to add directly to the cream cheese too if that makes sense

⁠Add beef mixture to a greased 9×9 baking pan, and cover the top with remaining cheese. Bake covered with foil on 400°F for 20 minutes, then broil on low for another 5 to get a nice crust on top.

This makes 2 servings, so half the pan is one serving! Very filling!

Nutritional Stats

Serving Size : 1 serving = half pan

592 kcal

5.5g net carbs

60g protein

23.5g fat

As always, nutritional stats will vary based on the types of meat and cheeses you use. If you use 80/20 beef and only eat a quarter of the pan it should come out to the same amount of calories. But if you eat half the pan I guess that could be your OMAD unless you get to eat like 2400 kcal a day, at which I TOTALLY envy you lol! Short person probs😑😂