Keto Tex-Mex Ground Beef Casserole: A Flavorful Low-Carb Delight

Are you craving the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex but trying to stick to a ketogenic diet? Look no further! This Keto Tex-Mex Ground Beef Casserole is the perfect solution. It’s packed with savory ground beef, zesty spices, creamy cheese, and all the Tex-Mex goodness you love, all while remaining deliciously low-carb. This recipe is not only incredibly tasty but also easy to prepare, making it a weeknight dinner champion. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will satisfy your cravings without derailing your keto goals!

## Why You’ll Love This Keto Tex-Mex Casserole

* **Flavorful and Satisfying:** This casserole is bursting with authentic Tex-Mex flavors, from the savory ground beef to the spicy chili powder and cumin. The combination of textures and tastes will leave you feeling completely satisfied.
* **Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly:** With careful ingredient selection, this recipe keeps the carb count low, making it a perfect fit for a ketogenic diet. Say goodbye to carb cravings and hello to guilt-free enjoyment.
* **Easy to Make:** This casserole requires minimal prep time and effort. Simply brown the ground beef, mix the ingredients, and bake. It’s a simple and straightforward recipe that anyone can master.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adapt this recipe to your own preferences. Add your favorite low-carb vegetables, adjust the spice level, or experiment with different cheeses. The possibilities are endless!
* **Great for Meal Prep:** This casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Ground Beef:** 1.5 pounds of ground beef (80/20 is a good option for flavor)
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* **Bell Pepper:** 1 green bell pepper, chopped (you can also use red or orange for variety)
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced
* **Chili Powder:** 2 tablespoons
* **Cumin:** 1 tablespoon
* **Smoked Paprika:** 1 teaspoon
* **Oregano:** 1 teaspoon, dried
* **Cayenne Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for extra heat)
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons
* **Beef Broth:** 1/2 cup
* **Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies:** 1 (10-ounce) can, drained (such as Rotel)
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces, softened
* **Sour Cream:** 1/2 cup
* **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups, divided
* **Avocado:** 1, diced (for topping)
* **Cilantro:** Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste

**Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:**

* **Ground Beef:** You can use ground turkey or ground chicken as a substitute for ground beef, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor slightly. Choose a higher fat percentage for ground turkey or chicken to maintain moisture.
* **Bell Pepper:** Feel free to use any color bell pepper you prefer. Red, orange, and yellow bell peppers are sweeter than green bell peppers.
* **Spices:** Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less and add more as needed. You can also add other spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked salt.
* **Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies:** If you can’t find diced tomatoes with green chilies, you can use regular diced tomatoes and add a can of diced green chilies separately.
* **Cream Cheese and Sour Cream:** Full-fat versions are recommended for the best flavor and texture. You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, but it will have a slightly tangier flavor.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** You can use any type of shredded cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
* **Avocado:** If you don’t like avocado, you can omit it or substitute it with another topping, such as guacamole or chopped green onions.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
* 9×13 inch Baking Dish
* Mixing Bowls
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Wooden Spoon or Spatula

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started on making this delicious Keto Tex-Mex Ground Beef Casserole!

**Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until it is browned and no longer pink.
3. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
4. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
7. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
8. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture**

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream.
2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

**Step 3: Assemble the Casserole**

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread half of the ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the ground beef layer.
4. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the cream cheese layer.
5. Top with the remaining ground beef mixture.
6. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

**Step 4: Bake the Casserole**

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
2. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**

1. Garnish the casserole with diced avocado and chopped fresh cilantro.
2. Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips for the Perfect Keto Tex-Mex Casserole

* **Don’t Overcook the Ground Beef:** Overcooked ground beef can become dry and tough. Be sure to cook it until it’s just browned and no longer pink.
* **Drain the Excess Grease:** Draining off the excess grease from the ground beef will prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Softening the cream cheese before mixing it with the sour cream will make it easier to combine and create a smoother mixture.
* **Don’t Overbake the Casserole:** Overbaking the casserole can dry it out. Bake it until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
* **Let it Rest:** Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving will allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to cut.

## Variations and Add-Ins

This Keto Tex-Mex Ground Beef Casserole is a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to your own preferences. Here are a few variations and add-ins to try:

* **Add Vegetables:** Add other low-carb vegetables to the ground beef mixture, such as chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or cauliflower rice.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for extra heat. You can also add a chopped jalapeno pepper.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
* **Add Olives:** Add sliced black olives to the casserole for a salty and briny flavor.
* **Top with Guacamole:** Instead of diced avocado, top the casserole with a dollop of guacamole.
* **Add Jalapenos:** Add pickled sliced jalapenos on top for extra flavor.
* **Add a layer of Keto Tortillas:** Some people put a layer of keto tortillas for a more robust casserole.

## Serving Suggestions

This Keto Tex-Mex Ground Beef Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Salad:** Serve the casserole with a simple green salad or a chopped salad with avocado and tomatoes.
* **Coleslaw:** Serve with Keto coleslaw
* **Cauliflower Rice:** Serve the casserole over cauliflower rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Guacamole and Salsa:** Serve the casserole with guacamole and salsa for dipping.
* **Sour Cream:** Add a dollop of sour cream on top before serving

## Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for this Keto Tex-Mex Ground Beef Casserole will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use and the size of your servings. However, here is an estimate based on the ingredients listed above:

* **Serving Size:** 1/8 of the casserole
* **Calories:** Approximately 400-450
* **Net Carbs:** Approximately 5-7 grams
* **Protein:** Approximately 30-35 grams
* **Fat:** Approximately 30-35 grams

**Important Note:** This nutritional information is an estimate and should be used as a general guideline only. For the most accurate nutritional information, calculate it yourself using a nutrition tracking app or website.

## Storing and Reheating

**Storing:**

* **Refrigerator:** Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, the casserole can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

**Reheating:**

* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Place a serving of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat it, as it can become dry.

## Keto Tex-Mex Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

**Yields:** 8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 tablespoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1/2 cup beef broth
* 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 1 avocado, diced (for topping)
* Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Pour in beef broth and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
6. Stir in drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
8. Spread half of the ground beef mixture in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread cream cheese mixture over the ground beef layer.
9. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the cream cheese layer. Top with remaining ground beef mixture.
10. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
12. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
13. Garnish with diced avocado and chopped fresh cilantro. Serve warm.

## Enjoy Your Delicious Keto Tex-Mex Ground Beef Casserole!

This Keto Tex-Mex Ground Beef Casserole is a surefire way to satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings while staying true to your ketogenic lifestyle. It’s easy to make, customizable, and incredibly flavorful. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and guilt-free meal that the whole family will love! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your fellow keto enthusiasts!

Bon appétit!