Simple & Savory Keto Taco Bake (Creamy & Cheesy!)
Satisfy your taco cravings in a comforting, easy-to-make casserole with this Simple & Savory Keto Taco Bake!Seasoned ground beef is combined with creamy cottage cheese, zesty salsa, and melty Mexican-style cheese, creating a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. This low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free recipe is a delightful addition to your health journey!
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
- 16 ounces (2 cups) cottage cheese (full-fat, not low-fat or non-fat)
- 1 cup chunky salsa (KETO NOTE: Choose a brand with no added sugar)
- 2-3 tablespoons taco seasoning (KETO NOTE: Ensure it’s sugar-free and starch-free)
- 1 ¾ cups shredded Mexican style cheese (or cheddar/Monterey Jack blend), divided
- Cooking spray or butter (for casserole dish)
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Colander (for draining beef and cottage cheese)
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Low casserole dish (oval or rectangular, not an 8×8 dish; e.g., 9×13 inch)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Beef: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s fully browned.
- Drain any excess grease thoroughly, then set the cooked ground beef aside.
- Drain Cottage Cheese: Place the cottage cheese in a fine-mesh colander and allow any excess liquid to drain for a few minutes. Some brands are wetter than others.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cottage cheese, salsa, taco seasoning, and ¾ cup of the shredded Mexican style cheese. Stir well to combine.
- Add the cooked ground beef to the mixture and stir again until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble & Bake: Lightly grease or spray your low, oval or rectangular casserole dish.
- Spoon the entire taco bake mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the top of the casserole evenly with the remaining 1 cup of shredded Mexican style cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through and bubbly, and the cheese on top is completely melted and lightly golden brown.
- Serve & Enjoy! Remove from the oven. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This taco bake is delicious on its own or can be served with keto-friendly toppings like sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Drainage is Key: Thoroughly draining both the ground beef and cottage cheese prevents a watery casserole.
- Keto-Friendly Ingredients: Pay close attention to the labels on your salsa and taco seasoning to ensure they are sugar-free and low in carbs.
- Casserole Dish Size: Using a larger, lower casserole dish helps the casserole heat evenly and allows for more surface area for the cheese topping to get bubbly. An 8×8 inch dish might be too small and make the casserole too deep.
- Customization: Add a diced bell pepper or onion (sautéed with the beef) for more veggies, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Toppings: Offer various keto-friendly toppings at the table, such as sour cream, fresh avocado slices or guacamole, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, or even some crushed pork rinds for crunch.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Keto Taco Bake is a delightful addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the ground beef and dairy.
- High Fat: Yes, from the ground beef, full-fat cottage cheese, and shredded cheese.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb by using compliant salsa and taco seasoning and naturally low-carb core ingredients.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, provided the salsa and taco seasoning are verified as sugar-free and low-carb. All other listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
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