Looking for a dinner that's both delicious and keto-friendly? This keto taco skillet recipe combines all the flavors you love in a deliciously easy skillet dinner. Ground beef is seasoned with fragrant spices and combined with onion, jalapeno, and diced tomatoes. The addition of cream cheese adds a little creaminess that takes the flavors to the next level. You won't believe how good this simple one-pan meal is!
I love easy meals and if they are something the whole family will enjoy, even better! This low carb taco skillet is my idea of weeknight dinner perfection.
It has all the flavors of tacos and is so easy to make.
Best of all, it can be customized to your liking. You can adjust the spice level to your preference, add in your favorite veggies, or even swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken.
So why wait? Grab your skillet, and let's get cooking! With just simple ingredients, you'll have a flavorful and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- Oil: Use avocado oil, olive oil, or another heat-safe keto-friendly oil.
- Onion: You can use red, white or yellow onion to make this keto cheesy taco skillet.
- Jalapeno: This gives the dish a nice kick, so feel free to adjust based on your spice preference.
- Ground Beef: I prefer 80/20 for this recipe when making a cheesy taco skillet on keto, but you can use leaner ground beef if desired. You can leave the rendered fat from the beef in this skillet dinner, or drain it if you prefer.
- Garlic: Fresh or jarred minced garlic both work well in this recipe.
- Taco Seasoning: I recommend using homemade keto taco seasoning, but you could use a store-bought blend if desired. Just make sure you check the label of added sugars and other ingredients that may not be keto-friendly. If you like, you can use a simple blend of salt, chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A kick of acid adds a nice tang to the dish.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chili Peppers: This helps add flavor and moisture to the dish.
- Cream Cheese: I prefer cream cheese for this recipe, but you could substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.
- Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded Mexican cheese blend will work in a pinch, just be aware that it tends to not melt as well. (And it may have unwanted additives.)
Step by Step
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
First, start by preheating the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the onion and jalapeno, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
Next, add the ground beef and then the garlic, and taco seasoning. Cook for 5 minutes or until the meat is browned, breaking it up with the back of a spoon. Drain any excess fat if desired.
Add the apple cider vinegar and diced tomatoes, then bring to a simmer. Stir in the cream cheese and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Finally, add the cheddar cheese and cover. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese has melted.
FAQs
Can you eat tacos on a keto diet?
Yes, tacos can absolutely be keto-friendly.
You just need to swap out the traditional high-carb taco shells and tortillas for low-carb alternatives like lettuce wraps or taco bowls made from cheese or egg. Then fill them with keto-friendly ingredients like ground meat, cheese, sour cream, salsa, avocado, and other veggies.
Of course, an easy solution is to enjoy recipes like this keto skillet taco dinner!
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Sour cream or Greek yogurt are both great substitutes for cream cheese in this recipe. They will provide a similar creaminess but with a tangier flavor. You can also leave out the cream cheese altogether if you prefer - the dish will still be flavorful, but the sauce will be thinner.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this taco skillet is low carb and naturally gluten-free. All of the ingredients are gluten-free, and no gluten-containing thickeners or binders are used. Just be sure to use gluten-free spices and taco seasoning if you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Why does taco seasoning have so many carbs?
Taco seasoning blends often contain hidden carbs from sugar, cornstarch, and other fillers. These ingredients are added to enhance flavor and texture, but they do contribute carbs. When following a keto diet, it's best to make your own taco seasoning at home using spices and herbs. That way you can control exactly what goes in and keep the carbs low. Make sure you check out my taco seasoning recipe.
Tips
- Feel free to add vegetables to yoru skillet dinner. Saute bell pepper or zucchini with the onion, or stir in some cauliflower rice.
- This cheesy taco skillet recipe is perfect served with a low carb tortilla.
Tools
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- Large skillet and lid
More Low Carb Recipes to Try
- For all your favorite Italian flavors with minimal effort, don't miss this keto lasagna skillet.
- No need to skip enchiladas on a low-carb diet. Keto beef enchiladas are sure to please the whole crowd. Make this casserole once and you will be hooked.
- Keto meatball stroganoff is creamy comfort food that never gets old. You will love this low-carb dinner.
- Keto quesadillas make a delicious lunch or easy weeknight meal. This is one the family will ask for again and again.
30-Minute Keto Taco Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
- Ā½ cup chopped onion
- 1 jalapeno diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons keto taco seasoning
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with chili peppers
- 2 ounces cream cheese cut into pieces
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- For serving: jalapeños scallions, sour cream, diced tomatoes, cheese, avocado, guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat the oil in a skillet to medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and jalapeno and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, garlic, and taco seasoning. Cook for 5 minutes, breaking up the meat with the back of a spoon, or until the meat is browned. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Add the apple cider vinegar and diced tomatoes.
- Bring to a simmer, and then stir in the cream cheese. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the cheese and cover. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until the cheese melts.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
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