The Low Carb Jumpstart

Keto Tex-Mex casserole

Carbs: 8g

This recipe has been reposted here with permission from Diet doctor. The original recipe can be found here.

Hearty and spicy like you daydream about. Loaded with classic Tex-Mex goodness — minus the carbs — this easy keto casserole will satisfy all your south-of-the-border cravings. And say goodbye to store-bought guac and packaged taco seasonings! Making your own is simple, healthy and delicious.

COURSE

Main Course

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs
    ground beef or ground turkey
     
  • 1 tbsp
    butter
     
  • 3 tbsp
    Tex-Mex seasoning
     
  • 1 cup
    crushed tomatoes
     
  • 2 oz.
    pickled jalapeños
     
  • 2 cupts
    shredded cheddar cheese
     

For serving

  • 3/4 cup
    sour cream or crème fraîche
     
  • 1
    scallion
     finely chopped
  • 2 ½ cups
    leafy greens or iceberg lettuce
     
  • 1 cup
    guacamole
     (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Fry the ground beef in butter over medium high heat until cooked through and no longer pink.

  3. Add Tex-Mex seasoning and crushed tomatoes. Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes. Taste to see if it needs additional salt and pepper.

  4. Place the ground beef mixture in a greased baking dish (about 9" or 23 cm in diameter). Top with jalapeños and cheese.

  5. Bake on upper rack in oven for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown on top.

  6. Mix the scallion with the crème fraîche or sour cream in a separate bowl.

  7. Serve the casserole warm with a dollop of the crème fraîche or sour cream, guacamole and a green salad.

Notes

Make your own Tex-mex seasoning

Don't be scared to recreate the flavors of Texas and Mexico right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Making your own Tex-Mex seasoning blend kicks sugar out the door and puts you in the driver’s seat. And, since variety is the spice of life, play around a little! Switch in hot smoked paprika or smoked salt. Grind up dried specialty peppers, or chop up a chipotle in adobo sauce. Taste as you go and you can't go wrong! Your Tex-Mex experience will be elevated to the next level.

How to vary this dish

This casserole can be varied in a million and one ways. You can wrap it up in our low-carb tortillas, fill a crunchy keto taco shell or serve it burrito style. The whole neighborhood will want to spend Taco Tuesdays at your place.

If you're not so much into the southern spice mood, substitute the Tex-Mex flavors (seasoning, jalapeños and guacamole) for pesto, or add garlic powder, basil, salt and black pepper. Top it with shredded mozzarella, sliced fresh tomatoes and a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese and you'll have an Italian version that's to die for.

If you feel like flirting with Indian cuisine you can substitute the ground beef for ground pork or ground chicken and season it with curry powder and Garam masala.

How to store this casserole

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator a day before you plan on serving it. Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before reheating. Placing a cold baking dish straight from the fridge into a hot oven can cause your casserole dish to crack. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until thoroughly warm.