This beef taco casserole is grain-free and Whole30 compliant. It packs a punch of flavor and feeds a crowd!
When you're nearing the end of a Whole30, the last thing you want to do is cook, amiright?
You'll probably find yourself grabbing hard boiled eggs and Lara bars instead of meals. But this Beef Taco Casserole is here to save you from Lara Bar dinners!
When it really boils down to it, I'm a lazy cook. (See what I did there?)
What goes in paleo Beef Taco Casserole
I wanted to make this taco casserole as quick and easy as possible, but also flavorful and satisfying.
I've had a few other similar style casseroles, and the flavor just wasn't there - you had to add a bunch of things to make it taste like anything.
Cauliflower Rice: sometimes I rice my own cauliflower, because I'm cheap, but there's something to be said for paying someone else to do the prep once in awhile. So, up to you. You can buy it pre-made or follow my post here to make your own.
Taco meat: If you're on Whole30, you're going to have to make your own. (And if you're on Whole30 and have found pre-made compliant taco meat, by all means tell me NOW!)
This is also something I believe should be quick, easy, flavorful, and not have added sugar, so I've put together my blend here.
Consider the type of ground beef you're buying as well - ground round or ground sirloin will work best for this recipe. Read about the different types of ground beef here.
Here's a little hack - I often will season meat right after I buy it before I freeze it.
You can season and freeze it raw, or season it, cook it, and freeze it.
Either way it's so nice to go in the freezer and grab a pound of taco meat instead of a pound of ground beef. Meal prep at it's finest!
Veggies: keeping it simple with peppers and onions, but feel free to add anything you like! When it comes to veggies, the more the merrier.
Sauce: Whole30 compliant salsa, salsa, a can of diced green chiles, and a few eggs to hold it all together.
What goes on paleo Beef Taco Casserole
If you're in a hurry or just feeling lazy, this one is flavorful all on its own. That being said, there are a few things that will give it an extra "boost":
Cilantro: Some people say this tastes like soap. If you are one of those people, then obviously do not add cilantro. I think it is delicious, so I add mine in abundance (as evidenced by my photographs.)
Lime: All tacos are better with lime, always. Serve with wedges, but watch your eyes. Nothing worse than lime juice in the eye.
Avocado: Is there any food that avocado doesn't improve? If you find one, let me know. In the meantime, add some to your casserole. Or make yourself some paleo guacamole and plop it on top.
Easy peasy taco pie, made with the laziest of Whole30ers in mind. Enjoy!
PS - Can we just talk about my feelings for this fork? I feel more strongly about it than I have ever felt towards any silverware in the past.
It was a Christmas gift from my sister and I heart it. (She also got me a Paleo Scaleo spoon, which you can check out over in my Tomato Basil Soup recipe!)
I want all my silverware to say something now. Think of all the motivational messages you could read while eating!
If your fork could say something, what would it say? Leave it in the comments for us all to enjoy!
Looking for more ground beef recipes? Check out my roundup of 7 Paleo Ground Beef Recipes! Love casseroles like I do? Check out these 3 Easy Casserole Recipes that are simple and kid-friendly!
Recipe
Beef Taco Casserole
A quick and easy beef taco casserole. Grain free, delicious, and perfect for your next Whole30!Β
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 pound taco meat
- 1 head cauliflower, riced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, , diced
- 1 jar salsa
- 1 can hot diced green chiles
- zest & juice of 1 lime
- 4 medium eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- Place your cauliflower rice in a 9x13 baking dish. No need to pre-cook!
- Heat your coconut oil in a pan over medium high heat and add the onion and bell pepper. Cook 5-7 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat and add to the baking dish with the cauliflower rice.
- Return pan to the stovetop and cook your taco meat until cooked through. Add to the baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
- Add the salsa, chiles, lime zest and lime juice to the eggs and stir.
- Pour the egg and salsa mixture into the baking dish and stir to combine. Try to get everything coated in the sauce!
- Bake for 35-45 minutes or until eggs are set and edges begin to brown.
- Serve topped with your favorite taco toppings - my favorites are cilantro, avocado, and lime juice!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 6 servingsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 311Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 169mgSodium: 724mgCarbohydrates: 13gNet Carbohydrates: 0gFiber: 4gSugar: 5gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 25g
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Heather
Can you use frozen riced cauliflower with this instead?
Jessica
Hi Heather! I haven't tried it with frozen cauli rice, but I think it should work just fine. I've heard from other readers that have subbed frozen cauli rice in the buffalo chicken casserole and not had an issue, so this shouldn't be any different. If you try it, be sure to let us know how it goes!
dee
I made this last night and it was GREAT!! I will definitely be making again!!
I used an entire large jar of salsa and an entire head of cauliflower.
For easy cauliflower rice, I just chopped it up in my NINJA!!! π
Jessica
So glad you loved it! I love how easy it is to make. π Ninja is the best!
dee
I made this last night and it was GREAT!! I will definitely be making again!!
I used an entire large jar of salsa and an entire head of cauliflower.
For easy cauliflower rice, I just chopped it up in the NINJA!!! ::)
Kim Huselid
Hi, What size jar of salsa! Salsa comes in so many different sizes these days it would be good to know so I don't add too much or too little. Want to make this tomorrow
Thanks
Jessica
Hi Kim! I typically use a 12-oz jar of salsa for this recipe. Hope that helps!
Ginger Wroot
What a unique and interesting recipe! Kind of a meat loaf, but then, not really, right? I've pinned this to my low carb board, and very much look forward to trying it. Thanks! --G
Jessica
Thanks, Ginger! Let me know how you like it!
Nikki
This is my first time visiting your blog and I have to say I REALLY enjoyed reading about this recipe. Your writing style is so breezy and flows so well. I especially love the part about the fork and that you βheartβ it and that itβs from your sister. So sweet. I have two sisters and I just adore them to pieces and I can tell you feel the same about yours as well.
Jessica
Hi Nikki, thanks so much for visiting my blog, and for your sweet comment! I'm so glad you enjoyed the post (and the fork). I hope you'll come back often. π
Danielle Gilbert
My silverware would say "savor".
Jessica
Love that! Such a good reminder to enjoy what you eat.