Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Craving the bold flavors of tacos without the carbs? This Crustless Keto Taco Pie offers all the savory goodness of a traditional taco, minus the gluten and processed carbs. With just 3 net carbs per serving, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply looking for a healthier twist on a classic, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (80/20 for optimal flavor)
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3 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or sugar-free store-bought)
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⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
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4 large eggs
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⅓ cup chunky salsa
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1 ¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded recommended)
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½ teaspoon garlic salt (or a mix of garlic powder and salt)
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¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
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Optional garnishes: sour cream, avocado, salsa, cilantro, chives, diced tomato, or olives
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the center. Grease a 9-inch pie pan and set aside.
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Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. This should take about 7–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
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Season the Meat: Add the taco seasoning to the cooked ground beef and mix well. There’s no need to add extra water; the seasoning will blend with the natural juices of the meat.
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Assemble the Pie: Transfer the seasoned beef mixture into the prepared pie pan, spreading it evenly.
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Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and eggs. Add the salsa, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
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Combine and Bake: Pour the egg mixture over the beef in the pie pan. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
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Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with your choice of optional toppings.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
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Protein Swap: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to reduce fat content.
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Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for varied flavor profiles.
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Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for an extra kick.
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Vegetable Add-ins: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach into the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use almond milk or regular milk instead of heavy whipping cream?
It’s not recommended. Heavy whipping cream provides the necessary fat content and consistency for the pie to set properly. Using almond milk or regular milk may result in a runny texture.
2. Can I freeze this keto taco pie?
Freezing is not ideal due to the dairy content, which can change texture upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
3. How do I make homemade taco seasoning?
Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the proportions to taste.
4. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While you can use pre-shredded cheese, it’s recommended to shred cheese from a block yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting and add unnecessary carbs.
5. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this keto taco pie is excellent for meal prep. Prepare it in advance, refrigerate, and reheat individual portions as needed.
6. Can I add beans or corn to this recipe?
To keep the dish keto-friendly, it’s best to avoid adding beans or corn, as they are higher in carbohydrates.
7. How can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free heavy cream alternative and substitute the cheese with a dairy-free cheese option. Ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free as well.
8. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be used in place of ground beef. Adjust cooking times as needed.
9. What can I serve this pie with?
Serve with a side of leafy greens, a fresh avocado salad, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
10. How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is done when the center is set (not jiggly) and the top is golden brown. You can insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Conclusion
The Crustless Keto Taco Pie is a flavorful, low-carb alternative to traditional tacos that doesn’t skimp on taste. Its versatility allows for various protein and cheese substitutions, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or simply seeking a healthier meal option, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
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Crustless Keto Taco Pie
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This Crustless Keto Taco Pie is a low-carb, gluten-free version of a classic taco, packed with flavor but without the carbs. Perfect for those on a keto diet or anyone looking to enjoy a healthier twist on a taco pie.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
3 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or sugar-free store-bought)
⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
4 large eggs
⅓ cup chunky salsa
1 ¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded recommended)
½ teaspoon garlic salt (or a mix of garlic powder and salt)
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional garnishes: sour cream, avocado, salsa, cilantro, chives, diced tomato, or olives
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie pan.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart until fully cooked (7–8 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning to the cooked beef and mix well. No extra water needed.
- Transfer the beef mixture into the pie pan, spreading it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and eggs. Add salsa, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, garlic salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the egg mixture over the beef in the pie pan. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with optional toppings.
Notes
- For a lower fat version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- For more spice, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes from the dairy content.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 150mg