Are you craving Taco Bell but trying to stick to your keto diet? Well, we have the perfect solution for you! This Keto Taco Bell recipe will satisfy your cravings without breaking your carb count. We’ve taken the best parts of Taco Bell’s iconic tacos and transformed them into a low-carb, keto-friendly version that’s just as delicious but much healthier.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a snack to stay on track with your keto goals, this recipe has you covered. Say goodbye to carb-loaded tortillas and hello to a satisfying, guilt-free meal packed with protein, healthy fats, and tons of flavor.
Let’s dive into all the details so you can enjoy your very own keto Taco Bell tacos at home!
Ingredients for Keto Taco Bell Recipe
To make these keto-friendly tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients. We’ve listed the quantities that can serve 4 people, but feel free to adjust them to suit your needs.
For the Keto Taco Shells:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 beef works best for a juicy filling)
- ½ cup diced onions (optional for extra flavor)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup water (for simmering the meat)
Toppings (Optional but Highly Recommended):
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese (extra for topping)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Keto-friendly salsa or hot sauce
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cheese grater (if you’re shredding your own cheese)
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or spatula (for flipping cheese shells)
How to Prepare the Keto Taco Bell Recipe
Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s walk through how to make this keto-friendly Taco Bell recipe. The process is broken into two parts: making the crispy, cheese-based taco shells and preparing the flavorful taco meat filling.
Step 1: Prepare the Keto Taco Shell
The first step in creating these low-carb tacos is making the cheese shells. These shells are crunchy, cheesy, and serve as an excellent substitute for traditional high-carb tortillas. Here’s how to make them:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cheese from sticking.
- Create Cheese Circles: On the parchment paper, use a measuring cup or spoon to make small piles of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Each pile should consist of about ¼ cup of cheese. Flatten the cheese piles slightly, forming circles about 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Add Seasoning to Cheese: Sprinkle a pinch of paprika, cumin, and garlic powder over the cheese circles. These spices will give the taco shells a nice kick of flavor.
- Bake the Cheese Shells: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown around the edges. Make sure to keep an eye on them, as the cheese can burn quickly.
- Shape the Taco Shells: Once the cheese has melted and turned crispy, remove the baking sheet from the oven. While the cheese is still warm but not too hot to handle, carefully lift each cheese circle with a spatula and drape it over a wooden spoon or the edge of a bowl to form a taco shape. Let the cheese shells cool and harden in this position for a few minutes.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a softer shell, reduce the baking time by a minute or two, so the cheese isn’t fully crisped.
Step 2: Cook the Taco Meat
While the taco shells are cooling, you can start preparing the taco filling. This is a simple, flavorful mixture of ground beef and spices that will rival any fast-food taco.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil or butter if desired, then add the ground beef to the pan. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until it’s browned all the way through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Seasonings: Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat if necessary. Next, stir in the diced onions (if using) and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to coat the beef evenly in the spices.
- Simmer the Beef: Pour in ½ cup of water to help the spices penetrate the meat and create a saucier filling. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together for that authentic taco taste.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the beef mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a bit more salt or pepper, depending on your preferences.
Step 3: Assemble the Keto Tacos
Now that your taco shells and taco meat are ready, it’s time for the fun part—assembling your tacos!
- Fill the Shells: Carefully fill each cheese shell with a generous spoonful of the seasoned ground beef. Aim for a nice balance so the shells don’t break from being overfilled.
- Add Toppings: Top your tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, sour cream, and any other keto-friendly toppings you like. Don’t forget a sprinkling of extra shredded cheese if you’re a cheese lover!
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your keto tacos immediately while the cheese shells are still crisp, and enjoy your low-carb Taco Bell experience at home.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This keto Taco Bell recipe makes 4 servings. Each serving includes two cheese taco shells filled with ground beef and basic toppings (lettuce, tomato, and sour cream). The nutritional values will vary depending on the toppings you choose, but here’s an approximate breakdown:
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 38g
- Protein: 25g
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Net Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
This recipe is perfect for those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet, as it’s high in healthy fats and protein while keeping the carb count low.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Customizing the Shells: If you’re not a fan of cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, feel free to experiment with other low-carb cheese options. Parmesan or mozzarella also work well for making cheese-based taco shells.
- Spice Level: If you like your tacos on the spicier side, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. Similarly, if you prefer mild tacos, reduce the amount of chili powder and cayenne.
- Meal Prep Option: You can easily prepare the taco meat ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the meat when you’re ready to assemble the tacos, and bake fresh cheese shells to keep them crispy.
- Alternative Protein Options: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian meat substitute to keep the meal keto-friendly.
- Serving Suggestions: These keto tacos can be enjoyed as a delicious lunch, dinner, or snack. Pair them with a side of cauliflower rice or a simple green salad for a more complete meal.
Conclusion
This Keto Taco Bell recipe is a game-changer for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Not only does it capture the essence of your favorite fast-food tacos, but it also allows you to indulge in a flavorful and satisfying meal without the guilt. The crispy cheese taco shells combined with the perfectly seasoned taco meat and fresh toppings make for a delicious and filling dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
Whether you’re enjoying these tacos for lunch, dinner, or a snack, they’re sure to hit the spot. Best of all, they’re quick and easy to prepare, making them a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to experience Taco Bell like never before—keto style!
