Keto Tex Mex Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Ground beef: The base protein for the casserole, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy and melty texture on top of the casserole.

Sour cream: Provides a tangy and creamy layer that balances the spices.

Salsa: Brings a tangy and slightly spicy element to the dish.

Taco seasoning: A blend of spices that adds a burst of Tex Mex flavor.

Bell pepper: Adds a sweet and crunchy texture to the casserole.

Onion: Provides a savory and slightly sweet flavor when cooked.

When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small, even pieces to ensure it cooks evenly. This will also help the taco seasoning and salsa to be distributed more uniformly throughout the mixture, enhancing the overall flavor of the casserole.

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and still provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella has a milder flavor but melts well and maintains a creamy texture.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is lower in carbs and provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy consistency.

• salsa - Substitute with diced tomatoes with green chilies: This option adds a similar flavor profile with a bit of extra heat and texture.

• taco seasoning - Substitute with homemade spice blend: Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano for a fresh and customizable seasoning mix.

• bell pepper - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini is low in carbs and provides a similar texture when diced and cooked.

• onion - Substitute with green onions: Green onions have a milder flavor and are lower in carbs, making them a suitable alternative.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container. If you don't have one large enough, you can use multiple smaller containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will meld together, making it even more delicious over time.
• For longer storage, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of its freshness.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, but the oven method will help maintain the texture.
• If the cheese topping seems dry after reheating, add a sprinkle of fresh cheddar cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly again. For an extra crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Microwave Method: Transfer a portion of the casserole to a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If the cheese isn't fully melted, continue heating in 30-second intervals.

• Stovetop Method: Place the casserole in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and to keep it moist. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the casserole is heated through.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an air fryer-safe dish. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook. This method will give you a nice crispy top.

• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer the casserole to your slow cooker. Set it on low and heat for 1-2 hours, or until warmed through. This method is great for reheating larger portions without drying them out.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Skillet: Used to cook the ground beef and sauté the diced onion and bell pepper.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring the ground beef and vegetables in the skillet.

• Baking dish: The vessel where the beef mixture is transferred and baked.

• Measuring cup: Essential for measuring out the sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese.

• Knife: Used for dicing the bell pepper and onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the vegetables.

• Mixing spoon: Useful for stirring the taco seasoning and salsa into the beef mixture.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing the baking dish in and out of the hot oven.

• Colander: Optional, but can be used to drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef.

Pre-cook the beef: Cook the ground beef in advance and store it in the fridge. This will save you time when assembling the casserole.

Use pre-diced veggies: Buy diced onion and bell pepper from the store to cut down on prep time.

Shredded cheese: Purchase pre-shredded cheddar cheese to avoid the extra step of shredding it yourself.

One-pan cooking: Use an oven-safe skillet to cook the beef and veggies, then transfer directly to the oven. This minimizes dishwashing.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.