Juicy taco-seasoned beef with melted cheese, tomatoes, and green chiles. Serve in crisp lettuce cups for a delicious high-protein, low-carb dinner.
Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
3–4 hours
Servings
6
Ingredients
- 1½ lb (680 g) lean ground beef, 90–93% lean
- 1 packet low-carb taco seasoning (check label for added sugar)
- 1 can (10 oz / 283 g) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- ½ small onion, finely diced, for fewer carbs
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup beef broth, only if needed
- Lettuce leaves for taco shells
Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, cilantro, jalapeños, and extra cheese.
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease.
- Add seasonings: Stir in taco seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, diced onion, and drained tomatoes with green chiles.
- Slow cook: Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Add a little broth only if needed. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1½–2 hours, until the flavors are blended and the onion is tender. Since the beef is already cooked, avoid unnecessarily long cooking.
- Add cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and cook for another 10–15 minutes until melted.
- Serve: Spoon the cheesy beef into lettuce cups. Add avocado, sour cream, or your favorite low-carb toppings.
Estimated nutrition
Per serving, assuming 6 servings and no tortillas or extra toppings:
| Nutrient | 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 |
Nutrition is approximate and varies with the beef, cheese, and taco seasoning.
Best for: High-protein, low-carb and keto-style eating. Use lettuce wraps instead of regular taco shells, and check the seasoning label to keep added sugars and starches low.
