Slow Cooker Low-Carb Mexican Lasagna Casserole
Try this Slow Cooker Low-Carb Mexican Lasagna Casserole recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Low-Carb Mexican Lasagna Casserole recipe.
- 2 eggs
- 2-3 tsp. olive oil
- 2 lbs. lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped small
- 2 cups cottage cheese (or use ricotta cheese if you prefe
- 1 can (4 oz.) diced green chiles drained
- 3 cups grated cheddar cheese divided, or more if you like a lot of cheese. (i used mexican blend cheese from costco for this.)
- 1 tâ kalyn’s taco seasoningâ (or use your favorite pur
- 1 cup salsa (i usedâ pace picante sauce medium)
- 2 cans (10 oz. can)â ro-tel tomatoes and green chilesâ (use
- about 6 low-carb tortillas cut in half (i usedâ mission carb-balance whole wheat low-carb tortillasâ with 4 carbs per tortilla)
- Carbohydrate 2.1005375 g
- Cholesterol 126.908760125 mg
- Fat 28.01360925 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 36.018806 g
- Saturated Fat 15.21005959365 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -10 serving (194g)
- Sodium 414.39399105 mg
- Sugar 2.1005375 g
- Trans Fat 2.274512501625 g
- Calories 411 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat the oil in a large heavy frying pan, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your fingers, and cook over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Break beef apart with a turner or old fashioned potato masher as it cooks so it’s in small pieces.
- When the beef is done, push it over to the side, add a little more oil if needed, and cook the diced onion for a few minutes; then mix the onion with the beef.
- Add Kalyn’s Taco Seasoning, salsa, and Ro-Tel tomatoes and simmer over low heat until most of the liquid has evaporated and when you draw a turner across the bottom of the pan you don’t see any liquid.
- While beef mixture cooks, mix together the cottage cheese, drained green chiles, eggs, and 1 cup of the cheese.
- Cut the tortillas in half with kitchen shears and spray the slow cooker insert with non-stick spray.
- In the crockery casserole dish insert, make a layer of tortillas, using the cut side of the tortillas to go along the straight sides. Use the least amount of tortillas you can to cover the bottom.
- Make a layer of half the spicy meat mixture, half the cottage cheese mixture, and one cup of the grated cheese (or more).
- Then make a second layer each of the tortillas, meat mixture, cottage cheese mixture, and grated cheese.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for about 2 1/2 hours or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is nicely melted.
- Carefully lift the lid at least once during the cooking time and pour off any accumulated liquid.
- If using the Casserole Crock, you can brown the finished dish in a 400F/200C oven for about 15 minutes if desired, but that step is completely optional. (Crock-Pot doesn’t recommend putting the casserole crock under the broiler.)
- Oven Directions: If you want to try this in the oven, bake it for 45 minutes at 375F/190C in a casserole dish!
My Favorite Weeknight Low-Carb Meal: Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between early morning meetings, school drop-offs, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and errands, the kitchen often takes a backseat. But I refuse to compromise on wholesome, flavourful food. That's why I've become utterly obsessed with slow cooker recipes. They're my secret weapon for creating satisfying meals without sacrificing precious time or energy.
This Slow Cooker Low-Carb Mexican Lasagna is a prime example. It's a dish that effortlessly delivers comfort food satisfaction, without the hefty carb load of traditional lasagna. The rich, cheesy filling, bursting with savory Mexican flavors, is incredibly forgiving. I often adjust the ingredients based on what's in my pantry and what my family is craving. Sometimes I add extra spice, sometimes I throw in some black beans for extra protein, and sometimes I simply opt for a different type of cheese. The beauty of it is, it always turns out wonderfully delicious.
The best part? It practically cooks itself! I throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning before work, and by the time dinner rolls around, a warm, comforting, and utterly satisfying meal is waiting for us. It's the kind of meal that brings the family together, a happy gathering around the table. The kids love it, my husband raves about it, and honestly, it's become a family favourite. It’s a simple pleasure, but it truly makes a difference in our busy week.
Why this recipe works:
- Convenience: Slow cooking eliminates the need for constant attention and allows you to focus on other tasks.
- Healthier Twist: By swapping out regular pasta for tortillas and reducing the carbohydrates, this lasagna is a guilt-free indulgence.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of ground beef, spicy taco seasoning, and creamy cheese is irresistible.
- Flexibility: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, spices, and vegetables to customize this recipe to your liking.
- Make-Ahead Potential: You can easily prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
This recipe isn't just about a meal; it’s about reclaiming valuable time and energy, about creating a satisfying and delicious experience without the stress. It's a testament to the fact that wholesome, homemade food is not only achievable but enjoyable, even within the whirlwind of a busy life. It's a dish that feeds my family, but more importantly, it feeds my soul. And in the end, that's what really matters.
Beyond just the deliciousness and convenience, this recipe has become a symbol of my ability to balance my work life and family life. It's a small victory, but these little victories, these moments of simple culinary success, add up to something significant. They remind me that I can, indeed, have it all – a thriving career, a happy family, and delicious, healthy meals on the table every night.
So, give this recipe a try. Let the slow cooker do the work, and enjoy the delicious rewards. It’s more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of smart cooking and the importance of making time for the things that matter most.
