Keto Tater Tot Casserole (Low Carb) Recipe
If you’re on a quest for comfort food that delivers rich, nostalgic flavor without derailing your low-carb lifestyle, you’ve got to try this Keto Tater Tot Casserole (Low Carb). Imagine the classic, soul-warming casserole from your childhood, but reinvented with savory ground beef, a dreamy, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy cauliflower tots that keep things keto. Every bite is gooey, hearty perfection, making this a top-tier dish you’ll want to make again and again—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd!

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Keto Tater Tot Casserole (Low Carb) comes together from a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a starring role: from the richness of the beef to the decadent cheese and the crisp cauliflower tots that cleverly mimic the original tater tots.
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose ground chuck or an 80/20 blend for deep flavor and juiciness.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to every forkful.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: This little punch of garlic infuses every bite with comforting savoriness.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened: Makes the casserole irresistibly creamy and smooth.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings tangy richness that balances the hearty beef.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Ensures your filling is silky and satisfying without being heavy.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Melty, sharp cheddar creates those cheesy pulls everyone loves.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: A dash for a bit of warmth and a pop of color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance all your savory flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little pepper lifts the other tastes in the casserole.
- 1 (12 oz) bag frozen cauliflower tots (low-carb/keto-friendly variety): These clever tots keep your dinner keto while staying true to the classic feel.
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional): Brighten things up with a fresh, colorful finish.
How to Make Keto Tater Tot Casserole (Low Carb)
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F, and give your favorite casserole dish a light mist of nonstick spray or a slick of butter. This little step will make cleanup a breeze and ensure your Keto Tater Tot Casserole (Low Carb) releases beautifully later on.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Aromatics
Grab your trusty skillet and set it over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and chopped onion, then cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft—let the flavors mingle. Stir in the minced garlic and let it bloom for another minute or two, just until fragrant. If there’s any excess grease, drain it off for a perfectly balanced casserole.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
Turn the heat to low, then add the softened cream cheese right into the skillet with your beef. As it melts, stir continuously to blend everything together. Next, mix in the sour cream, heavy cream, and 1 cup of your shredded cheddar, finishing with paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until you have a thick, creamy, ultra-satisfying filling that you’ll want to eat straight from the pan.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon that dreamy beefy mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Level it out so every bite is loaded with all the good stuff. Arrange the frozen cauliflower tots in a single layer right on top, letting them nearly cover the surface—hello, “tater tot” nostalgia!
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for hot, bubbly cheese sauce and cauliflower tots that are golden and crisped around the edges. That irresistible aroma will let you know it’s almost ready.
Step 6: Add More Cheese & Finish
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar over the top and return the casserole to the oven for another 5 minutes. Watch the cheese melt into stretchy, gooey perfection. When it comes out, don’t forget the optional sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions for that final, fresh touch.
How to Serve Keto Tater Tot Casserole (Low Carb)

Garnishes
For a pop of color and flavor, top your hot Keto Tater Tot Casserole (Low Carb) with chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions. Even a light shake of smoked paprika or a bit of crumbled bacon will make it extra special and photo ready!
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp, green salad tossed with a zippy vinaigrette, or some steamed broccoli on the side. The freshness balances out the casserole’s creamy, cheesy goodness and rounds out your meal with extra nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving for a crowd or for kids? Scoop your Keto Tater Tot Casserole (Low Carb) into individual ramekins for a restaurant-worthy presentation! Or, let everyone customize with topping bowls—think fresh herbs, bacon bits, or diced pickles—to make this a DIY comfort food bar on game day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep brilliantly! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then spoon it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days, ready for quick lunches or dinners on demand.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Keto Tater Tot Casserole (Low Carb), portion it into freezer-safe containers (either in bulk or as individual servings). It freezes well for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or warm the whole casserole in a 325°F oven, covered loosely with foil, until heated through. This ensures the tots stay crisp and the cheese stays melty—no soggy mess!
FAQs
Is this kid-friendly, or will cauliflower tots scare picky eaters?
Absolutely kid-friendly! Most little ones won’t even notice the swap, especially with all that gooey cheese and beefy flavor. The cauliflower tots get crispy and taste just like the classic, so picky eaters will be too busy digging in to notice.
Can I substitute turkey or chicken for the ground beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken both work beautifully in this Keto Tater Tot Casserole (Low Carb), just be sure to season well and maybe add an extra dash of paprika or even a splash of hot sauce to amp up the flavor.
What if I can’t find keto-friendly frozen cauliflower tots?
If your store’s out of cauliflower tots, you can make your own at home with finely chopped cauliflower, cheese, eggs, and seasoning shaped into tots and baked. Or, try slices of roasted cauliflower as a topping for a similar texture.
How do I make this casserole spicy?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce, or stir in some chopped green chiles for a lovely heat that won’t overwhelm the cheesy richness.
Can I prepare Keto Tater Tot Casserole (Low Carb) ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a hearty, nostalgic dinner that’s deeply satisfying but fits perfectly into your low-carb way of eating, this Keto Tater Tot Casserole (Low Carb) is truly a must-try. It’s cozy, simple, and endlessly customizable—so gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to fall in love with a new favorite comfort food.
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Keto Tater Tot Casserole (Low Carb) Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Keto Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious low-carb twist on a classic favorite. Creamy and cheesy, with a savory beef filling and crispy cauliflower tots topping, it’s a satisfying and indulgent meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 (12 oz) bag frozen cauliflower tots (low-carb/keto-friendly variety)
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 8×11-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Prepare the Filling: Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese until melted. Add sour cream, heavy cream, 1 cup of cheddar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture in the casserole dish. Top with frozen cauliflower tots in a single layer.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until tots are golden. Sprinkle remaining cheddar on top and bake for 5 more minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, stir in cooked bacon or chopped green chiles.
- Adjust spice level with cayenne or hot sauce.
- Check carb content on cauliflower tots for keto compliance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 115mg