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Low Carb Enchilada Casserole - Cozy, Flavor-Packed, and Weeknight Easy

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
  • 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced small (for “tortilla-like” texture)
  • 1 cup riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce (choose a low-sugar brand)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (for richness)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8–1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder or cayenne (optional, for heat)
  • 1/3 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack (extra melt)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving
  • Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
  • Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Sauté aromatics: Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  • Add low carb “fillers”: Stir in zucchini and riced cauliflower. Cook 3–4 minutes to soften and cook off moisture. This mixture replaces tortillas while keeping carbs low.
  • Season it up: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and chipotle or cayenne if using. Stir to coat everything evenly.
  • Make it saucy: Mix in enchilada sauce and tomato paste. Simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust salt or spice.
  • Layer the casserole: Spread half the meat mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle with half the olives (if using) and half the cheese. Repeat with remaining meat, olives, and cheese.
  • Bake: Place the casserole on the center rack and bake 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges.
  • Rest and garnish: Let it rest 5–10 minutes so it sets and slices cleanly. Top with chopped cilantro and green onions. Add small dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt if you like.
  • Serve: Scoop into squares and enjoy warm with your favorite low carb sides, like a crisp salad or roasted veggies.