Cheesy Low-Carb Taco Casserole
Indulge in a delicious and satisfying meal with our Cheesy Low-Carb Taco Casserole. This delightful dish combines a creamy and cheesy crust with a savory meat topping, perfect for those seeking a flavorful low-carb option. Serve it with your choice of shredded lettuce, jalapenos, guacamole, black olives, sour cream, or salsa, and impress your family and friends at lunch or snack time.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
eggs
3 (beaten)
heavy cream
1/3 cup (none)
taco seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cheddar cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
ground beef
1 lb (none)
taco seasoning
3 teaspoons (none)
tomato sauce
1/4 cup (none)
green chilies
4 ounces (chopped)
cheddar cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
For the crust, beat the softened cream cheese and eggs together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3
Add the heavy cream and 1/2 teaspoon of taco seasoning to the egg mixture and whisk until fully combined.
4
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bottom.
5
Pour the egg and cream mixture over the cheese, ensuring it is distributed as evenly as possible.
6
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and golden brown. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes before proceeding.
7
While the crust is baking, prepare the topping. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
8
Stir in 3 teaspoons of taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and chopped green chilies into the cooked beef, mixing everything well.
9
Spread the beef mixture over the cooled crust, ensuring it is distributed evenly.
10
Sprinkle the remaining 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the beef mixture.
11
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
13
Serve with your choice of additional toppings, such as shredded lettuce, jalapenos, guacamole, ripe olives, sour cream, or salsa, to add extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Low-Carb Taco Casserole?
It is a satisfying low-carb dish featuring a creamy, cheesy crust topped with savory ground beef and melted cheddar.
Is this taco casserole recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it is designed as a low-carb and keto-friendly meal option.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the primary ingredient for the crust?
The crust is made from a combination of cream cheese, eggs, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to for the crust?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for the initial baking of the crust.
How long does the crust need to bake?
The crust should bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is set and golden brown.
Do I need to let the crust cool before adding the topping?
Yes, allow the crust to cool for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is the recommended size for this casserole.
What meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of ground beef.
Should I drain the fat from the ground beef?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat from the skillet after browning the ground beef.
What ingredients are added to the meat topping?
The meat is mixed with taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and chopped green chilies.
How much taco seasoning is used in total?
A total of 3 and a half teaspoons of taco seasoning is used: 1/2 teaspoon in the crust and 3 teaspoons in the meat.
What type of cheese is used in this casserole?
The recipe uses shredded cheddar cheese.
How much cheddar cheese is needed in total?
You will need 16 ounces (1 pound) of shredded cheddar cheese, divided into two 8-ounce portions.
What oven temperature is used for the final bake?
Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for the final baking stage.
How long is the final baking time?
Bake the assembled casserole for an additional 20 minutes.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
It is ready when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef if you prefer a leaner meat option.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided your taco seasoning does not contain gluten-based fillers.
What can I serve with this taco casserole?
Suggested toppings include shredded lettuce, jalapenos, guacamole, ripe olives, sour cream, or salsa.
How much cream cheese is required?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What is the role of the eggs in the crust?
The eggs act as a binder to help the cheese and cream mixture set into a solid crust.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend if desired.
Are the green chilies spicy?
Canned chopped green chilies are generally mild, but you can choose a hot variety for more spice.
How much heavy cream is used?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of heavy cream in the crust mixture.
Is this a good meal for lunch?
Yes, it is highly recommended as a flavorful and filling lunch or snack option.
How much tomato sauce is added to the beef?
You should add 1/4 cup of tomato sauce to the cooked meat mixture.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, lightly grease the 9x13-inch baking dish before adding the cheese and egg mixture.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust has a creamy and slightly firm texture, similar to a dense savory custard or omelet base.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated for later consumption.