Some nights you just need dinner to be easy, filling, and comforting. This Keto Taco Casserole is one of those recipes I keep tucked in my back pocket for busy evenings. It is cheesy, hearty, and packed with bold taco flavor, yet it takes almost no effort to pull together.
I have made this more times than I can count, especially on nights when I do not want to stand at the stove. Five ingredients, one dish, and the oven does the rest. If you love taco night but want something scoopable and cozy, this is for you. Let's get cooking.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Just 5 simple ingredients
- Only 5 minutes of prep
- Naturally keto and low carb
- Family-friendly and filling
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Tested often when time is tight
Ingredients
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds ground turkey or ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 16 ounces cottage cheese
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Ground meat: Ground turkey keeps this lighter, while ground beef adds richness. Both work beautifully, so use what you love or have on hand.
Taco seasoning: Store-bought seasoning keeps things fast. If yours is salty, taste before adding extra seasoning later.
Cottage cheese: This melts into a creamy layer without adding many carbs. If your cottage cheese is very wet, drain it briefly for the best texture.
Salsa: Choose a thick, low carb salsa. If it is watery, drain it slightly so the casserole stays thick and scoopable.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the most flavor, but a Mexican-style blend also works well.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 F. Lightly grease a large casserole dish, about 11 x 13 inches.
- Add the ground meat and taco seasoning directly to the casserole dish. Mix well and spread into an even layer.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until the meat is partially cooked.
- While the meat bakes, mix the cottage cheese, salsa, and half of the shredded cheese in a bowl. Stir until combined.
- Carefully remove the casserole dish from the oven and drain any excess liquid from the meat. Break the meat into small pieces using a spoon or potato masher.
- Spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the meat. Sprinkle the remaining cheese show evenly over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the meat is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up nicely.
Pro Tips for Success
- Drain excess liquid from the meat to avoid a watery casserole.
- Use a potato masher to break up the meat evenly. It makes a big difference.
- Let it rest before serving so each scoop holds together.
- Taste your salsa and seasoning so flavors stay balanced.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Make Ahead and Freezing
You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Freezing works, but the texture is best when enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Tips and Variations
- Swap cottage cheese for 8 ounces softened cream cheese mixed with 8 ounces sour cream
- Use ground chicken for a lighter option
- Add sliced olives or diced green chiles
- Serve with shredded lettuce and avocado on top
- Turn leftovers into stuffed peppers or lettuce wraps
FAQs
Not really. It melts into the casserole and becomes creamy and mild.
Yes. Use hot salsa or add a pinch of crushed red pepper
Absolutely. It reheats well and stays satisfying for days.
📖 Recipe
Keto Taco Casserole
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: dinner, main dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American, Mexican
Description
This easy Keto Taco Casserole hits the spot with just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time. Perfect for low-carb or keto diets and ideal for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1.5 - 2 lb ground turkey or beef
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 16 oz cottage cheese
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Mix ground meat and taco seasoning in a greased 11x13 casserole dish. Bake for 20 minutes.
- While baking, mix cottage cheese, salsa, and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Set aside.
- Remove casserole dish from oven, drain excess liquid, and break meat into small pieces.
- Spread the cottage cheese mixture on top, sprinkle remaining cheese over it.
- Bake again for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and meat is fully cooked.
Notes
- Drain salsa or cottage cheese if they are very watery to avoid a runny casserole.
- Substitute 8 oz cream cheese + 8 oz sour cream for cottage cheese if preferred.
Nutrition
- Calories: 367.6
- Sugar: 4.1g
- Sodium: 940.5mg
- Fat: 18.1g
- Saturated Fat: 9.8g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 6.4g
- Fiber: 0.9g
- Protein: 45.2g
- Cholesterol: 114.9mg
Serving Suggestions
This Keto Taco Casserole is delicious on its own, but I love topping it with sour cream, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro. It also pairs well with a simple side salad for a complete dinner.
Nutrition and Notes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: about 368 per serving
- Net carbs: about 5.5g per serving
I have leaned on this recipe during some very full weeks, and it never lets me down. It is warm, cheesy, and exactly what dinner should be when life feels busy.
Reader Reviews
"This was so easy and filling. Even my non-keto family loved it and asked for seconds."
Related Recipes and Internal Links
If you love easy keto dinners, try my Slow Cooker Crack Chicken for another low-effort favorite.
You may also enjoy my Crockpot Tuscan Chicken when you want something creamy and comforting.
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