Keto Cheesy Taco Ground Beef Bake is a flavorful, low-carb taco-inspired casserole made with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and simple keto-friendly ingredients. This easy weeknight dinner is comforting, high-protein, and perfect for meal prep. A cheesy, satisfying, low-carb taco bake everyone will love.
About This Recipe
Keto Cheesy Taco Ground Beef Bake brings together everything people love about classic taco night — bold flavor, melty cheese, and satisfying comfort — in a simple low-carb casserole that takes minimal effort to prepare. Instead of tortillas or chips, this bake layers taco-seasoned ground beef with creamy ingredients and plenty of melted cheddar, creating a hearty, cheesy dish that delivers all the taco flavor without the carbohydrates. It’s a great way to enjoy Tex-Mex comfort food while staying aligned with keto goals.
The recipe starts with browning ground beef and seasoning it with classic taco spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, and onion. A small amount of cream cheese helps create a rich, smooth base that blends beautifully with the beef. The mixture is then topped generously with shredded cheddar and baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. As the casserole rests, it thickens, becoming easy to slice into portions for serving or for meal prep containers.
This recipe is extremely versatile. You can customize the toppings to create your perfect taco bowl experience — green onions, sour cream, avocado, tomatoes, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro all work well. It also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for busy schedules when you need reliable, flavorful meals ready to go. Because the ingredients are simple, affordable, and keto-friendly, this bake is a convenient choice whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry family.
Whether you’re craving Tex-Mex comfort, building out your ground beef recipe board, or preparing meals ahead for the week, this cheesy taco bake delivers bold flavor, satisfying richness, and dependable low-carb macros. It’s a weeknight winner and a guaranteed repeat recipe in any keto rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big taco flavor without the carbs
- Easy one-pan casserole
- Budget-friendly
- Great for meal prep
- Melty, cheesy, comforting
- Customizable toppings
- Perfect for keto ground beef board
- Family-friendly
Ingredients
For the Taco Beef Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce (sugar-free)
- 3 oz cream cheese
For the Cheesy Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado
- Jalapeños
- Green onions
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil if needed.
- Sauté onion and garlic 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add tomato sauce and cream cheese; stir until melted and combined.
- Transfer mixture to a small baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving with optional toppings.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 395
- Fat: 29g
- Protein: 28g
- Net Carbs: 4g
FAQ
- Q: Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
A: Yes, but choose a sugar-free blend to keep it keto. - Q: Can I make this spicier?
A: Add jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce to the beef mixture. - Q: Is this good for meal prep?
A: Yes. It reheats well for 3–4 days. - Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely — use a larger baking dish and increase bake time slightly. - Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack
- Add sautéed bell peppers
- Stir in a little cream for a saucier bake
- Add cooked cauliflower rice for extra volume
- Use ground turkey instead of beef
- Top with fresh pico de gallo
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with shredded lettuce for taco-bowl style
- Pair with cauliflower rice
- Add a side of sautéed peppers
- Enjoy with keto guacamole
Keto Cheesy Taco Ground Beef Bake
Ingredients
For the Taco Beef Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1/2 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/¼ cup tomato sauce (sugar-free)
- 3 oz cream cheese
For the Cheesy Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado
- Jalapeños
- Green onions
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil if needed.
- Sauté onion and garlic 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add tomato sauce and cream cheese; stir until melted and combined.
- Transfer mixture to a small baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving with optional toppings.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!
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