CHEESY LOW-CARB TACO CASSEROLE

(Recipe Credit: https://kalynskitchen.com/cheesy-low-carb-taco-casserole/)

yield: MAKES 6-8 SERVINGS.

 

total time: 50 MINUTES

prep time: 20 MINUTES

 

cook time: 30 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cans (10 oz. each) Ro-Tel Tomatoes with green chiles, mild (If you can’t find Ro-Tel tomatoes where you live, use a 14.5 oz. can petite diced tomatoes and a 4 oz. can diced green chiles.) (For Keto, use low carb salsa of your choice!)
• 1 medium-large onion, chopped small
• 2 T olive oil, divided
• 1 lb. cauliflower rice (If you can’t find pre-chopped riced cauliflower in your store, chop a small head of cauliflower in the food processor.)
• 1/2 cup sliced green onion
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 T Kalyn’s Taco Seasoning Mix (See note)
• 1 tsp. salt (or to taste)
• 2 cups + 1 cup grated Mexican Blend Cheese (Use less cheese if you prefer; we wanted it cheesy!)

DIRECTIONS:

• Dump the Ro-Tel tomatoes into a colander placed in the sink and let them drain while you prep other ingredients.
• Heat oven to 375F/190C and spray a large casserole dish with olive oil or non-stick spray. (I used an oval-shaped dish that was 11″ long and 8″ wide at the widest point.)
• Chop the onion, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large frying pan, and cook onion until it’s cooked through and starting to get some color.
• Add the cauliflower rice and cook over medium-high heat until the moisture in the cauliflower has mostly evaporated and there’s no water in the bottom of the pan, about 3-4 minutes.
• Turn off heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Transfer the cooked cauliflower rice to a bowl.
• Heat the second tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, add the ground beef, and cook until it’s browned, breaking apart with a turner as it cooks. Add the Taco Seasoning and cook 1-2 minutes more, then add the drained Ro-Tel Tomatoes and cook another minute or two.
• Stir in the cauliflower rice, season with salt to taste, and cook until it’s heated through.
• Turn off heat and stir in 2 cups grated Mexican blend cheese.
• Transfer mixture to the casserole dish and top with another cup of grated Mexican Blend.
• Bake about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling hot and cheese is nicely browned on top.
• Serve hot, with things like salsa, Green Tabasco Sauce, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, or chopped avocado to add at the table as desired.

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Low-Carb Diet / Low-Glycemic Diet / South Beach Diet Suggestions:

This is a good main dish for any low-glycemic or low-carb diet, including and any phase of the South Beach Diet. Two cans of Ro-Tel tomatoes has about 26 carbs; for Keto you may wish to reduce that to one can or use a jar of low carb salsa of your choice!