Low-Carb Slow Cooker Cheesy Beef Tacos
High-protein, cheesy, and full of taco flavor! This low-carb version uses seasoned ground beef, tomatoes with green chiles, and melted cheese. Serve it in lettuce cups or low-carb tortillas for an easy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef, preferably 90–93% lean
- 1 packet taco seasoning, preferably low-carb and without added sugar
- 1 can (10 oz / 283 g) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
- ¼ cup (60 ml) beef broth, if needed
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin, optional
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro, optional
Optional low-carb toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
- Extra shredded cheese
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
1. Brown the beef: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease.
2. Add seasonings: Stir in the taco seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, diced onion, and drained tomatoes with green chiles.
3. Transfer to slow cooker: Place the beef mixture in the slow cooker. Add the beef broth only if the mixture seems too dry.
4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1½–2 hours, until the onion is tender and the flavors are blended. Since the beef is already browned, avoid cooking longer than necessary.
5. Add cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover, and cook for another 10–15 minutes until melted.
6. Serve: Spoon the cheesy beef into lettuce cups or low-carb tortillas. Add avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños as desired.
Estimated nutrition
Per serving, assuming 6 servings and excluding tortillas and toppings:
| Nutrient | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300–360 |
| Protein | 27–32 g |
| Total carbs | 4–7 g |
| Fiber | 1–2 g |
| Net carbs | 3–5 g |
| Fat | 18–24 g |
Tips to keep it low-carb
- Check the taco seasoning label for added sugar or starch.
- Drain the canned tomatoes to reduce excess liquid.
- Skip regular taco shells, rice, and beans.
- Use lettuce cups or tortillas specifically labeled low-carb.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
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