Easy Low-Carb Slow Cooker Taco Macaroni Casserole (Under 10g Net Carbs!)
Do you want to enjoy a delicious family meal without the guilt of high carbs? Discover how easy it can be to prepare a dish that pleases everyone while also promoting a healthier lifestyle.
What You Will Learn
- Low-carb cooking can enhance your health by stabilizing blood sugar levels and aiding in weight management
- The Taco Macaroni Casserole is both nutritious and comforting, featuring protein-packed ingredients like ground beef and cheese
- Preparation is simple with this recipe, requiring minimal chopping and offering hands-free cooking in a crock pot
- Kid-friendly flavors from taco seasoning and cheese make this casserole a hit, ensuring even picky eaters will enjoy it
- Alternatives for traditional pasta, such as palmini noodles, allow you to enjoy a low-carb diet without sacrificing taste
- Engaging with the recipe community can inspire creativity and enhance your cooking experience
If you’re looking for a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy, my Low-Carb Crock Pot Taco Macaroni Casserole is just the ticket! I came up with this casserole when I was craving both tacos and mac and cheese one night. It’s basically a mash-up of the two, but I kept it low-carb since I’m trying to watch what I eat these days. The best part? My family devoured it! There’s something special about watching everyone gather around the table, plates piled high with comfort food. Even my picky teenager went back for seconds. Plus, it’s cooked in a crock pot, which means less time fussing in the kitchen and more time enjoying family moments!
Recipe Details
Low-Carb Crock Pot Taco Macaroni Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 for best flavor
- 2 14- oz cans palmini noodles drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 bell peppers chopped
- 2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning or 1 packet low-carb taco seasoning
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 4- oz can diced green chilies
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up into small, even pieces. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Transfer the browned beef to your crock pot. Trust me, don't skip the browning step – it adds so much flavor!
- Add the drained palmini noodles, diced onion, bell peppers, marinara sauce, taco seasoning, 2 cups of the cheese, green chilies, garlic, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. I've found the low and slow method gives the best flavor, but both work great!
- In the last 15 minutes, add the remaining cheese on top and let it melt.
Understanding Low-Carb Cooking and Its Benefits
Whether you’re curious about low-carb meals or just looking to mix up your dinner routine, cutting back on carbs doesn’t mean cutting back on flavor. I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen with different ways to make satisfying meals that just happen to be lower in carbs. Sure, bread and pasta are delicious, but so are juicy meats, roasted vegetables, and creamy sauces. Plus, many readers have told me they feel more energetic when they balance their meals this way. This approach can lead to an increase in energy and an overall sense of well-being.
Many people have found success with low-carb diets, and the benefits can be noticed quite quickly. With recipes like this taco macaroni casserole, you can enjoy your favorite flavors without the guilt. It’s about making smart choices without sacrificing taste!
Health Benefits of This Casserole
This casserole is packed with nourishing ingredients that can benefit your health:
- Protein-Packed: Ground beef and cheese provide essential protein for muscle maintenance and satiety
- Rich in Vitamins: Bell peppers and other vegetables contribute vital nutrients and antioxidants
- Low in Carbs: Palmini noodles keep the carb count low while maintaining the pasta experience
- Good Fats: Cheese and beef provide healthy fats necessary for nutrient absorption
- Fiber Rich: Vegetables add dietary fiber for digestive health
What Makes This Casserole Family-Friendly?
Family mealtime can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially when trying to please picky eaters. This Taco Macaroni Casserole is designed to be a hit with everyone! The familiar taco flavors combined with cheesy goodness make it irresistible to kids and adults alike.
What’s more, it requires minimal effort to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Your family will appreciate the deliciousness, and you’ll love how simple it is to get on the table! The crock pot does most of the work, giving you time to help with homework, catch up on chores, or simply relax.
Serving Suggestions
I love setting up a little toppings bar with:
- Fresh diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced black olives
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Hot sauce
Perfect side dishes include:
- Crisp garden salad with ranch dressing
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic
- Cauliflower rice
- Sautéed green beans with almonds
- Mexican-style roasted zucchini
Recipe Origin
This recipe was born in my kitchen during a particularly hectic season of life. As a busy mom trying to balance healthy eating with family-friendly meals, I needed something that would satisfy everyone without requiring hours in the kitchen. After experimenting with various low-carb pasta alternatives, palmini noodles emerged as the clear winner for both texture and taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this casserole be made in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely! For Instant Pot preparation:
- Use the sauté function to brown the meat
- Add remaining ingredients
- Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes
- Allow natural pressure release
- Add remaining cheese and let melt
What are good low-carb substitutes for palmini noodles?
If palmini noodles aren’t available, try:
- Shirataki noodles (zero carbs!)
- Zucchini noodles (zoodles)
- Spaghetti squash
- Konjac noodles
- Hearts of palm noodles
Can I make this ahead and freeze it?
Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just prepare everything except the final cheese topping, let it cool completely, and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat in the crock pot on low, and add the final cheese topping before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip browning the meat! This step adds crucial flavor
- Rinse the palmini noodles well to remove any can flavor
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your family’s taste
- For extra flavor, try using a mixture of cheddar and pepper jack cheese
- If the mixture seems too dry during cooking, add a bit more beef broth
Community Corner
I love hearing how you make this recipe your own! Some creative variations from our community include:
- Adding diced jalapeños for extra heat
- Using ground turkey for a lighter version
- Mixing in black soybeans for extra protein
- Adding cream cheese for extra creaminess
- Topping with crushed pork rinds for crunch
Happy cooking!