Are you craving a mouthwatering Mexican dish that won't derail your healthy eating goals? Look no further! This Healthy Low Carb Mexican Taco Bake Casserole is about to become your new obsession. Packed with protein, bursting with flavor, and incredibly easy to make, this recipe transforms traditional taco night into a nutritious culinary adventure that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling fantastic!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 small head of cauliflower, riced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground turkey, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked.
- Add chili powder and cumin to the ground turkey, stirring to distribute the spices evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Rice the cauliflower using a food processor or box grater, creating small, rice-like pieces. If using a food processor, pulse carefully to avoid over-processing.
- Add rinsed and drained black beans, salsa, and riced cauliflower to the skillet with the turkey. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving.
Tips
- Cauliflower Rice Hack: For the best texture, pulse your cauliflower carefully in the food processor. You want rice-like pieces, not mushy puree.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and monterey jack for extra flavor complexity.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust chili powder and cumin to your taste preferences. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare in advance and reheat for quick weeknight dinners.
- Customize Your Toppings: Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt can elevate this dish from great to extraordinary.
- Make It Vegetarian: Substitute ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or extra beans for a meatless version.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
