You cannot go wrong with this one. Keto Tex-Mex beef casserole is the kind of dish that gets requested by name in my house, by the keto eaters and the non-keto eaters alike.
This post may contain affiliate link(s). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See Disclosure.
I use my own homemade Keto Taco Seasoning here instead of a packet, since it saves carbs and brings a lot more flavor to a dish that can handle it. This makes a big batch on purpose, so leftovers for lunch are basically built in.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases. For more information, see my Privacy Policy.
Jump-start your keto success! Grab a copy of my 4-week Easy Keto Menu Plan or check out my other cookbooks to help you along.
Join our Facebook group for friendly keto support, and for videos on how to make these recipes, subscribe to my YouTube channel!
Chef Jenn’s Take on Tex-Mex Beef Casserole
Store-bought taco seasoning packets are the easiest place to lose control of the carb count in a dish like this. My own blend skips the starch fillers entirely, and it has real flavor behind it besides, so I use more of it here than a packet’s worth without a second thought.
Rotel tomatoes do double duty, adding both liquid and spice at the same time. Reach for the hot variety if you want more heat built in from the start, or keep a jalapeno or serrano on hand to chop in for anyone who wants it spicier at the table.
The sauce continues to thicken as it sits, so do not judge the final texture straight out of the oven. If you want it thicker still, whisk in a small amount of xanthan gum rather than a starch-based thickener, it does the same job without adding carbs back in.
This is genuinely a big-batch recipe. Making a full batch on a weekend sets up several lunches without any extra effort during the week.
What You’ll Love About Tex-Mex Beef Casserole
- Flexible with cheese and heat level, so it rarely tastes the same way twice.
- A dish that wins over the whole table, keto eaters and non-keto family members alike.
- Makes a big batch, so lunch for the rest of the week is basically already handled.
Ingredients
- Ground beef – Lean. Turkey, chicken, or pork all work as substitutes.
- Keto Taco Seasoning – Homemade keeps this cleaner and gives you more control over the heat level than a store-bought packet.
- Canned tomatoes with chilies – Use the hot variety if you want more spice built in.
- Monterey jack and cheddar cheese – Swap in your favorite cheese blend, or use whatever you already have on hand.
- Cream cheese – Full fat, helps the sauce come together smoothly.
- Beef broth – Low sodium, add a bit more if you like the sauce saucier.
- Cilantro – Fresh, chopped.
- Green bell pepper – Diced.
- Lime – Zest and juice.
- Xanthan gum – Optional, for a thicker sauce.
How to Make Tex-Mex Beef Casserole
Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Drain off any excess fat.
Add the Keto Taco Seasoning to the skillet and mix well over medium heat.
Add the cream cheese, beef broth, diced green bell pepper, canned tomatoes with chilies, and salt. Stir well over medium heat until the cream cheese has fully dissolved into the sauce.
If you want a thicker sauce, whisk in a small amount of xanthan gum at this point.
Add the cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest, then transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish. Top with the shredded Monterey jack, then finish with the cheddar.
Bake until hot and bubbly, and the cheese is lightly browned, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Make It A Meal
I always have a jar of Keto Taco Seasoning on hand for this one. On the side, Low Carb Cauliflower Fried Rice works well for the keto version, or serve with a Greek Salad if you’d rather keep things lighter.
For a different Tex-Mex option on another night, Al Pastor Carnitas is worth keeping in the same rotation.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, or in the microwave. To freeze unbaked, remove the air from a freezer bag and freeze up to 3 months. To freeze baked, chill fully first, then wrap tightly and freeze the same way.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe runs about 3 net carbs per 1 cup serving. The number in the recipe card below will recalculate once this post is republished, so use it as an estimate until then.
Yes, a chopped jalapeno or serrano pepper adds heat, while a drained can of chilies gives a milder version of the same flavor. Hot canned tomatoes with chilies also adds more heat from the start.
A big green salad with avocado is my usual choice, along with rice or tortillas on the side for anyone not eating keto. A squeeze of lime and extra cilantro on top finishes it off well.
Yes, freeze it unbaked in an air-free freezer bag, or bake it first, chill it fully, then wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw before reheating in the oven until hot and bubbly.
Add Preferred SourceTex-Mex Beef Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 4 tablespoons Keto Taco Seasoning
- 14 ounce can Rotel tomatoes with chilis or 1 can of 14-ounce Rotel tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup low sodium beef broth add more if you like it saucier
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 green pepper diced
- 1 lime zest and juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Drain off fat/liquid.
- Add the cream cheese, beef broth, diced green bell pepper, Rotel tomatoes, and salt to the beef. Stir well over medium heat until the cream cheese has dissolved into the sauce.
- OPTIONAL – thicken the sauce with a combination of 1 tbsp of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp of water. This will add about 1 carb per serving.
- Add the cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest. Combine and transfer into a large casserole dish. Top with two cups of shredded Monterey jack cheese and finish with the cheddar.
- Bake at 375-F for about 10-15 minutes or until it is hot and bubbly and the cheese is lightly brown.
- Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Recipe Card Tips
- Let the sauce sit for a few minutes before judging the final texture. It continues to thicken as it stands.
- Use hot canned tomatoes with chilies, or add fresh jalapeño or serrano, if you want more heat than the base recipe provides.
- Swap the cheese blend freely. Any good melting cheese combination works in place of Monterey jack and cheddar.
- For even more kick, add another tsp of chipotle powder.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed. Erythritol carbs (sugar substitutes) are not included in the carbohydrate counts as they have been shown not to impact blood sugar, and they have zero calories and zero carbs. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Like this? Also Try:
- Mexican Turkey Soup
- Al Pastor Pork Carnitas
- Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
- Keto Taco Pie
- and be sure to check out my cookbooks page!
I love casseroles and this Tex Mex version sounds amazing.
The flavors are so good in this! This was a huge hit with my family.
This Casserole is surely a steal at the Dinner Table. Your presentation look so cheesy, creamy and delicious. My family to relish it all.
It is always a big hit and is often requested – Hope your family loves it as much as mine does!
I am always looking for quick and easy meals to make during the week! I love the flavor of this and the Monterey jack cheese! It’s our favorite!
This recipe makes a fairly big batch, too, so it’s great for leftover lunches!
I’m not keto, but I need this casserole in my life! It’s packed with so much deliciousness and I know my husband will absolutely love it!
It really is tasty – I make it with a side of rice for my non-keto family. Yum!
This was very good! We will definitely make this again. 😊