How to Make Low Carb Taco Casserole (Easy Skillet Recipe)
This easy low carb taco casserole with ground beef is made in a cast iron skillet for a one-pan dinner full of flavor. A cheesy, family-friendly taco bake that’s keto and gluten-free!
If you’ve been around my kitchen long, you know how much I love cast iron cooking. There’s just something about pulling a hot skillet out of the oven, setting it on the table, and letting everyone dig in. It feels old-fashioned and simple, like something great-grandma might have done.
Jump to RecipeThis low carb taco casserole has quickly become one of my go-to dinners when life is busy. It’s cheesy, comforting, and full of taco flavor, but without the heavy carbs. And the best part? Everything is cooked and baked right in one skillet, less mess, less fuss, and more time to enjoy supper with your family.
Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Taco Casserole
- One pan dinner: Cook and bake in the same cast iron skillet.
- Low carb & keto friendly: No tortillas or chips, just cheesy taco goodness.
- Feeds a family: With 2 pounds of ground beef, it’s hearty and filling.
- Customizable: Add veggies, swap proteins, or top it however you like.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small bell pepper, diced (optional for flavor & crunch)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, cayenne)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained (like Rotel)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend work well)
- 2–3 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a 10″ or 12″ cast iron skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease. Add the garlic and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
2. Season It Up
Stir in taco seasoning and the drained tomatoes with green chilies. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to soak up the flavor.
3. Make the Creamy Base
In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the beef in your skillet.
4. Add Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese all over the top.
5. Bake
Place the skillet in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
6. Garnish & Serve
Top with sliced green onions and cilantro before serving.
Serving Suggestions
You can keep this casserole simple or dress it up with your favorite taco toppings:
- Sliced avocado or a quick avocado crema
- Jalapeño slices for extra heat
- Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
- A handful of shredded lettuce or diced tomatoes for taco salad style
For an even heartier meal, spoon it over cauliflower rice or serve with low-carb tortillas.
Tips for Cooking in Cast Iron
- Choose the right size: A 10″ skillet will be very full with 2 lbs of beef. A 12″ gives more room and makes serving easier.
- Handle with care: Remember, the skillet handle stays hot—use an oven mitt!
- Enjoy the edges: Cast iron gives the cheese a slightly crispy, golden edge that makes this casserole extra delicious.
Variations You Might Like
- Switch the meat: Try ground turkey or shredded chicken.
- Add veggies: Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach can be sautéed in with the beef.
- Make it spicier: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the taco seasoning.
Printable Recipe Card
Low Carb Taco Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper diced (optional)
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade mix
- 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- Green onions + cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a 10–12″ cast iron skillet, brown beef and onion. Add garlic and bell pepper; cook until soft. Drain grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Spread cream cheese and sour cream mixture over the beef.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with green onions and cilantro before serving.
you might also like…
- How to Make Clean Eating Taco Meat Recipe – A Quick & Healthy Dinner Idea
- How to Roast a Whole Chicken, Even If It’s Frozen: 9 Simple Steps
- How to Make Creamy Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Final Thoughts
This low carb taco casserole is one of those meals that checks every box—it’s easy, delicious, budget-friendly, and made in just one skillet. Casseroles never go out of style, and this one is proof that you don’t need pasta, rice, or tortillas to make a comforting dish the whole family will love.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went! Did you serve it as-is, or did you pile on the toppings?
