This Keto Mexican White Trash Casserole is a rich, creamy, and satisfying dinner made with seasoned ground beef, a smooth cheese-based sauce, and bold Mexican-inspired flavors. It’s a comforting oven-baked meal that comes together quickly and keeps you full thanks to its high protein and healthy fat content, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It is low in carbs and perfectly suited for a keto lifestyle
• Made with simple, easy-to-find pantry ingredients
• Rich, creamy texture with bold and comforting flavors
• Ready in under an hour from start to finish
• Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 1/2 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp taco seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika
6 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup keto-friendly salsa
1 cup full-fat sour cream
2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded
Jalapeño slices, optional for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Season the beef with salt, black pepper, taco seasoning, and paprika. Stir well to combine.

Lower the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and blends smoothly into the beef mixture.

Stir in the keto salsa and sour cream until the mixture becomes creamy and uniform.

Remove the skillet from heat and mix in half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly.

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top.

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and lightly golden on top.

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with jalapeño slices if desired.

Servings and timing

Total servings: 6
Serving size: 1 scoop

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Calories per serving: approximately 460 kcal

Variations

For extra spice, use Pepper Jack cheese or add diced green chilies to the beef mixture.
To add vegetables, mix in small amounts of chopped zucchini or bell peppers while browning the beef.
For a different protein option, substitute ground chicken or ground turkey and add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to keep it keto-friendly.
Swap Monterey Jack with Colby Jack for a milder flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Portion the cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2–3 months.

Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole spicier?

Yes, you can add extra jalapeños, chili powder, or spicy keto-friendly salsa to increase the heat.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It stores well and reheats without losing texture or flavor.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Freshly shredded cheese is recommended, as pre-shredded cheese contains starch that may affect keto macros and texture.

What type of ground beef works best?

An 80/20 ground beef ratio provides the best balance of flavor and moisture.

Can I replace cream cheese with another ingredient?

Mascarpone can be used as a substitute, but low-fat options are not recommended.

How do I keep the casserole from becoming dry?

Avoid overbaking and use full-fat dairy ingredients to maintain a creamy texture.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, low-carb vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers work well in small amounts.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it has a mild flavor that can be adjusted by reducing or omitting spicy ingredients.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble it in advance, refrigerate, and bake it when ready to serve.

What can I serve with this casserole?

It pairs well with keto-friendly salads, avocado-based sides, or low-carb tortillas.

Conclusion

Mexican White Trash Casserole is a comforting, keto-friendly dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With its creamy cheese base, seasoned beef, and flexible variations, it’s a reliable recipe you can turn to for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings. Simple, filling, and delicious, this casserole is sure to become a regular on your menu.

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