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Million Dollar Keto Taco Casserole Prep - Easy Make-Ahead Comfort Food

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15), or ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small bell pepper, diced (optional, for texture and sweetness)
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, well-drained
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 2 tablespoons sliced pickled jalapeños, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced avocado
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced green onions
  • More sour cream
  • Sugar-free hot sauce or salsa

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
  2. Cook the aromatics: Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper with a pinch of salt. Cook 4–5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  3. Brown the meat: Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up and cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving a little for flavor.
  4. Season and simmer: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat. Add tomato paste and the drained tomatoes with chiles. Stir well. Simmer 3–5 minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  5. Make the “million dollar” layer: In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream until smooth. Fold in half of the shredded cheese and the chopped jalapeños, if using.
  6. Assemble the casserole: Spread the seasoned meat in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the creamy cheese mixture over the top and smooth it out. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over everything.
  7. Bake: Place on the center rack and bake 18–22 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with light golden spots.
  8. Rest and finish: Let it rest 10 minutes so it sets up. Add fresh toppings if you like. Slice into squares and serve.