Low Carb Taco Casserole Recipe
This Low Carb Taco Casserole is a delicious and healthy twist on classic taco flavors, using cauliflower as a nutrient-rich base instead of traditional tortillas or rice. Packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and zesty Ro*Tel tomatoes, this casserole is perfect for a satisfying, family-friendly dinner that’s low in carbs but high in flavor.
- Author: Sienna
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Low Carb
Cauliflower Layer
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika (divided)
- 2 teaspoons cumin (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
Toppings
- 10 ounces Ro*Tel, drained
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cauliflower.
- Prepare Cauliflower: Chop the head of cauliflower into small florets and spread them evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
- Bake Cauliflower: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the cauliflower for 10 minutes to begin softening and roasting it.
- Cook Ground Beef: While the cauliflower is baking, add the ground beef to a skillet and cook over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and return the beef to the skillet.
- Season Beef: Add the remaining 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup water to the cooked ground beef. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Remove cauliflower from the oven and evenly spread the seasoned ground beef over the top.
- Add Toppings: Spoon the drained Ro*Tel tomatoes evenly over the beef, then sprinkle the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and return it to the oven for 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and flavors to combine.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the foil, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the casserole, and serve warm. Optionally, add your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, avocado, or sliced jalapeños.
Notes
- For a spicier casserole, use fire-roasted or spicy Ro*Tel.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce if you enjoy extra heat.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Serves well with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or diced avocado for extra creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: low carb taco casserole, cauliflower taco bake, keto taco casserole, ground beef casserole, healthy taco dinner, Mexican casserole