Description
A comforting low-carb casserole filled with ground beef, spices, and melted cheese, perfect for taco night without the carbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cauliflower rice
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 oz cream cheese (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, green onions, avocado
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish lightly with oil or nonstick spray.
- Brown the beef: Heat your skillet over medium. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook 3-5 minutes, stirring, until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent.
- Layer in the spices: Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.
- Add cauliflower rice and Rotel: Mix in the cauliflower rice and the drained Rotel tomatoes. Heat through for 3-4 minutes.
- Melt in cream cheese (optional): Reduce heat to low, add cream cheese, and stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Transfer to the baking dish: Spoon the warm mixture into your prepared dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Top with cheese: Scatter the shredded cheese evenly over the filling.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake 20-25 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and gains light golden color.
- Rest and top: Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Add optional toppings before serving.
Notes
This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking. It is also freezer-friendly, allowing it to be assembled and frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg