Keto Taco Casserole (Crock Pot Or Oven)

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my low carb taco casserole recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.

• Avocado Oil – For frying ground beef. Use any neutral cooking oil you like.
• Ground Beef – I typically use 85/15 grass-fed ground beef, but any kind will do. If you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can easily substitute with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Mexican chorizo.
• Taco Seasoning – Can’t have a keto taco casserole without the taco meat, and that means taco seasoning! I make my own taco seasoning blend, but you could use store bought mixes as well. Note that my seasoning contains salt, but if yours does not, add 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of salt.
• Bell Peppers – Use orange, yellow, or red bell peppers for color variety.
• Onion – I used a yellow onion, but white or red onions work as well.
• Diced Tomatoes With Green Chilies – Chilies add a bit of heat. If you prefer a more mild keto Mexican casserole, replace one or both cans with plain diced tomatoes instead. Just watch the size — the ones with chiles are 10 ounces each but the ones without are usually 14.5 ounces, and you want 20 ounces total for the recipe regardless of whether you use the ones with or without the chiles.
• Cheddar Cheese – Use a good melting cheese for the perfect finish. You could substitute with Mexican cheese blend, mozzarella, Colby jack, or Monterey jack if you prefer.

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

Get It Now

How To Make Keto Taco Casserole In A Crock Pot

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.

1. Brown the meat. In a large saute pan or large skillet, heat avocado oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef. Cook, breaking apart with a spatula, until browned. Add the water and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil, then simmer until it thickens and taco meat forms.
2. Assemble the casserole. Add the ground beef mixture to a slow cooker, along with the diced peppers, onions, and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix well.

TIP: Drain tomatoes and chilies well.

Otherwise, the casserole may be watery when it’s done cooking. If that happens, you can just use a large serving spoon or ladle to remove extra liquid before adding the cheese.

3. Slow cook. Cover with the lid and cook on Low.
4. Melt cheese. Set the slow cooker to High and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cover and cook until cheese melts.

5. Add toppings. Top the low carb taco casserole with lettuce, tomatoes, avocados and cilantro — or see below for other topping ideas.

How To Make Keto Taco Casserole In The Oven

1. Brown the meat. In a large saute pan or large skillet, heat avocado oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef. Cook, breaking apart with a spatula, until browned. Add the water and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil, then simmer until it thickens and taco meat forms.
2. Assemble the casserole. Add the ground beef mixture a large baking dish, along with the diced peppers, onions, and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix well, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
3. Bake. Place the keto taco casserole in the oven and bake until it’s hot and bubbly. The peppers should be soft.
4. Add toppings. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, avocados and cilantro, if desired — or see below for other topping ideas.

You could also try my Mexican ground beef casserole instead, which is very similar and made in the oven.

Topping Ideas

What is the best part about low carb taco casserole? The toppings, of course! Here are some of my faves:

• Classic Taco Toppings – I used shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, diced avocados, and fresh cilantro. You can also try black olives, green onions, sour cream (perfect if you need to mellow out the heat!), or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• Mexican Sauces – Try this easy keto taco casserole recipe with avocado salsa verde, homemade tomato salsa, or guacamole scooped on top.
• Keto Tortilla Chips – Adds tons of crunch to your bowl, without tortillas or taco shells.
• Drinks – Not a topping, but a perfect pairing! Serve up your casserole with a skinny margarita or skinny pina colada on the side for the ultimate Mexican night.

More Low Carb Crock Pot Recipes

Set and forget these keto slow cooker dinners!

Crack Chicken

Low Carb Pot Roast

Keto Mongolian Beef

Chicken Cacciatore Recipe