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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium head of cauliflower, riced - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought) - 1/2 teaspoon cumin - 1/4 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color) - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) Let’s break down the ingredients you need for this Keto Mexican Beef Cauliflower Casserole. First, you need ground beef. It’s the heart of this dish. I suggest using lean beef to keep it healthy. Next, grab a medium head of cauliflower. You will rice it, which means you’ll chop it into small pieces. This makes it act like rice in the casserole. For flavor, you’ll use diced tomatoes. These can be fresh or canned. They add moisture and taste to the dish. Then, get a small onion and two cloves of garlic for that savory depth. You’ll dice the onion and mince the garlic. Next, cheese is a must. You can choose shredded cheese like cheddar or a Mexican blend. This will melt beautifully on top. Olive oil is needed to cook the beef and soften the onion and garlic. For seasoning, don’t forget taco seasoning. This brings that Mexican flair. You’ll also need cumin and paprika. These spices add warmth and richness. Lastly, grab salt and pepper to taste and bell peppers for crunch. You can pick any color you like. If you want to make it look nice, use fresh cilantro as a garnish. Now you have all the ingredients ready. Let’s cook! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the Oven Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking. - Prepare Vegetables Dice one small onion and two cloves of garlic. Rinse and chop your bell peppers. - Sauté Onion and Garlic Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the diced onion for about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for one more minute. - Brown the Ground Beef Increase the heat to medium-high. Add one pound of ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. - Mix in Seasonings and Tomatoes Stir in one tablespoon of taco seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika. Mix well. Add one cup of diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup of chopped bell peppers. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine Cauliflower and Cheese In a large bowl, mix one medium head of riced cauliflower with half of your shredded cheese. - Layer Ingredients in Baking Dish Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the cauliflower and cheese mixture on the bottom. Pour the beef mixture over the top, spreading it evenly. - Top with Cheese Add the remaining cheese on top of the casserole for that gooey finish. - Bake Time and Temperature Place the casserole in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. - Letting it Rest Before Serving Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. This helps the layers set before serving. Alternatives for Riced Cauliflower If you can't find riced cauliflower, you can make your own. Simply chop fresh cauliflower into small pieces and pulse it in a food processor. You can also use frozen riced cauliflower. Just thaw it first and drain any extra water. Tips for Cooking Ground Beef Always use a hot skillet when cooking ground beef. This helps it brown nicely and adds flavor. Break it up well with a spatula so it cooks evenly. If you notice a lot of fat, drain it off before adding seasonings. This keeps your casserole from getting greasy. Suggestions for Additional Spices Want to boost the flavor? Try adding a pinch of chili powder or oregano. A squeeze of lime juice can also brighten up the whole dish. If you like it spicy, toss in some diced jalapeños for a kick. Recommended Toppings Top your casserole with fresh toppings for extra yum. Avocado slices add creaminess. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt gives a nice tang. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor! Pro Tips Use Fresh Cauliflower: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh cauliflower instead of frozen. This will prevent excess moisture in your casserole. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning and cumin to suit your taste. You can add more heat with cayenne pepper or jalapeños. Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this casserole. Using ground turkey or chicken works well. These swaps cut fat but keep the taste. Ground turkey is lean and mild. Ground chicken has a slightly richer flavor. Both options still fit into a keto diet. Adding more veggies boosts nutrition and flavor. You can toss in zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. These additions will give your casserole extra color and texture. They also add more fiber, which is great for digestion. If you want a meatless dish, you can substitute meat alternatives. Try using crumbled tempeh or lentils. Both options work well in this recipe. They soak up the spices just like beef. You can also use canned black beans for a protein-rich option. Make sure to drain and rinse them before adding. Do you prefer a mild or spicy casserole? For a mild version, reduce the taco seasoning. You can use half the amount for less heat. Add a dollop of sour cream on top for a creamy touch. For a spicy kick, add more taco seasoning. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños. This will make the dish flavorful and exciting. Just remember to adjust spice levels to match your taste. - How to Store Leftovers After your Keto Mexican Beef Cauliflower Casserole cools, place it in a container. Cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. This will keep the flavors fresh and prevent drying. - Best Containers for Storage Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They seal well and help maintain the dish's texture. If you have a smaller casserole dish, you can store leftovers in that. Just cover it well. - How to Freeze the Casserole To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to grab a meal later. - Reheating Tips To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge. You can also microwave it for a quick meal. For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. This keeps the cheese nice and melty. Enjoy your tasty meal! A keto diet focuses on low-carb eating. It limits carbs and boosts fat intake. This helps your body enter ketosis. Ketosis is when your body burns fat for fuel. You get energy from fats instead of carbs. Many people find this helps with weight loss. It can also improve blood sugar levels. Always talk to a doctor before starting any diet. Yes, you can prep this casserole ahead of time. To do this, cook the beef and veggies first. Combine them with the cauliflower and cheese. Place everything in your baking dish. Cover it and store it in the fridge. You can bake it later. This saves time on busy days. Just remember to add a few minutes to the bake time. Check for a bubbly, golden cheese top. The casserole should be hot all over. You can use a fork to test the center. If it’s warm, it's ready to eat. Allow it to cool for five minutes before serving. This lets the flavors mix better. Yes, you can use fresh cauliflower. Ricing fresh cauliflower is easy. Just chop it into small pieces. Use a food processor or a box grater. Fresh cauliflower has a nice crunch. It also has more nutrients than riced versions. This can add a great texture to your casserole. This blog post covered a tasty casserole made with simple ingredients. You learned how to prep, cook, and assemble your dish. We also shared tips for perfect texture and extra flavor. Variations let you swap ingredients for different tastes. You can store leftovers easily or freeze the casserole for later. Enjoy making this healthy meal that fits a keto diet, and remember to check for doneness. With these steps, you are ready to create a delicious, satisfying dish your family will love!

Keto Mexican Beef Cauliflower Casserole

A delicious low-carb casserole featuring ground beef, riced cauliflower, and cheese, seasoned with Mexican spices.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, riced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 0.5 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.25 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
  • optional fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning, cumin, and paprika, combining well with the beef. Add the diced tomatoes and bell peppers, mixing to incorporate. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • In a large bowl, mix the riced cauliflower with half of the shredded cheese.
  • In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer the cauliflower cheese mixture on the bottom.
  • Pour the ground beef mixture over the cauliflower layer, spreading it evenly.
  • Top the casserole with the remaining cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Keyword beef, casserole, cauliflower, keto, Mexican