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Beef Taco Skillet Recipe

An easy gluten free dinner recipe for your next taco night! Beef Taco Casserole has all the makings of classic tacos baked into a one dish meal. With Mexican spices, juicy ground beef and cheese this mouthwatering dish is a family favorite.

Could you eat tacos for every meal? Give our Instant Pot Taco Chili a try next. OR try our sheet pan fajitas for a tex mex meal.

Beef taco casserole served in a large cast iron skillet.

Why this Recipe is Best

If you love Mexican food, but want to avoid refined carbs and flour, this Beef Taco Casserole will blow your mind.

  • Everything you love about tacos, minus the carb-laden tortillas.
  • Easy to make and kid friendly, this casserole is a complete meal on its own!
  • Make it as spicy (or as mild) as you like!
  • A hearty meal that’s gluten free, high in protein and packed with flavor.

We layered it with seasoned beef, plenty of cheese, beans, corn and jalapenos for that perfect southwestern taste.

Use our slow cooker taco meat for easy prep!

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients needed to make beef taco skillet gluten free.
  • Ground beef. Or try this casserole with ground turkey instead.
  • Jalapeno. Make sure to seed and dice your pepper. For a more mild taco casserole, use less jalapeno.
  • Taco Seasoning. My Homemade Taco Seasoning is perfect in this recipe. If using store bought seasoning, check the label to ensure there are no added sugars.
  • Riced cauliflower. This is raw cauliflower chopped into tiny rice-sized pieces. Find it fresh or frozen at most grocery stores. Or learn how to make riced cauliflower with our easy tutorial!
  • Shredded cheese. We used cheddar. A Mexican cheese blend would be delicious here too. Shred your own cheese for best results!

Cooking Instructions

Step by step photos showing how to make low carb beef taco casserole in a skillet.

Start by browning the ground beef.

Cook the beef in a large skillet with diced onion and jalapeno. Drain off the grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and water.

Assemble the casserole:

Layer ground beef in a 2 quart casserole dish with black beans, corn, cheese, Rotel tomatoes and riced cauliflower.

Bake:

Cook the casserole uncovered in a 350 F oven for 15 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite toppings!

Tips and Tricks

  • Toppings: Serve this Beef Taco Casserole with any taco toppings you like. We love it with guacamole, sour cream, olives and cilantro.
  • Use freshly grated cheese. For smooth melting and best flavor, buy cheese in blocks and shred it at home.
  • Storing. Cover leftovers tightly and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Rewarm in the oven or microwave before serving.
  • IF on a keto diet, cut back the beans, corn, and tomatoes.
Beef taco casserole served on a white plate with sour cream and guacamole.

Recipe FAQs

Is this Taco Casserole spicy?

That depends on your taste buds. It has a bit of a kick but is far from overwhelmingly spicy. Amp up the spice by serving the casserole with hot sauce or salsa for topping.

What can I use instead of Rotel tomatoes?

If you can’t find Rotel tomatoes, look for another brand of diced tomatoes with green chilies. In a pinch, you can substitute plain diced tomatoes too! To replicate the spiciness of Rotel, add a bit more jalapeno or a dash of red pepper flakes.

Can I use frozen riced cauliflower in this recipe? Do I have to thaw it first?

You can add frozen riced cauliflower directly to the casserole dish in this recipe. No need to thaw first.

What side dishes go well with Beef Taco Casserole?

This casserole can be a full meal on its own! Serve it with a simple side salad or sliced veggies. It’s also delicious with a side of tortilla chips for scooping up bites of casserole.

More Low Carb Dinners

Large skillet with beef taco casserole.

Beef Taco Skillet

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

An easy gluten free dinner recipe for your next taco night! Beef Taco Casserole has all the makings of classic tacos baked into a one dish meal. With Mexican spices, juicy ground beef and cheese this mouthwatering dish is a family favorite.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Ground Beef
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion (about 1/2 medium onion)
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
  • 3 Tablespoons Taco Seasoning
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweet corn, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes
  • 1 cup riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen), cooked
  • 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (4 oz) sliced black olives, drained
  • Cilantro, for garnish
  • Sour cream, for garnish
  • Guacamole, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion and jalapeno over medium high heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then add taco seasoning and water to skillet.
  2. Stir and cook until liquid absorbs into the meat.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a 2 qt casserole dish (or 10-inch skillet), layer ground beef, corn, black beans, Rotel tomatoes, cauliflower, and shredded cheese.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes. Serve with olives, cilantro, sour cream and guacamole!

Notes

  • Taco Seasoning. My Homemade Taco Seasoning is perfect in this recipe. If using store bought seasoning, check the label to ensure there are no added sugars.
  • Riced cauliflower. This is raw cauliflower chopped into tiny rice-sized pieces. Find it fresh or frozen at most grocery stores. Or learn how to make riced cauliflower with our easy tutorial!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 670Total Fat: 41gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 173mgSodium: 1143mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 4gSugar: 6gProtein: 54g

Need a meal that’ll make everyone at the table happy? You can’t go wrong with this easy, flavorful, low carb Beef Taco Casserole!

Natalie

Friday 3rd of December 2021

This was a crowd pleaser! I made it for our dinner and shared it with my in-laws. Everyone loved it!

Diane Delia

Friday 3rd of December 2021

One of our family favorites! Always delicious!

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