Crispy • Cheesy • Totally Low-Carb
These keto cheese shell tacos swap traditional tortillas for crispy baked cheese shells—packed with seasoned taco meat and fresh toppings for a satisfying, guilt-free taco night.
Ingredients
For the Cheese Shells
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
(or a cheddar–mozzarella blend)
Optional: pinch of paprika or chili powder for extra color and flavor
For the Taco Filling
1 lb ground beef
(or turkey, chicken, or pork)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp ground cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Toppings
¼ cup sour cream
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomato
Optional: avocado slices or sugar-free salsa
Instructions
- Make the Cheese Shells
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spoon ¼-cup mounds of shredded cheese onto the sheet, spacing them well apart.
Gently flatten each mound with the back of a spoon.
Bake for 5–7 minutes, until melted, bubbly, and lightly golden at the edges.
Let cool for about 1 minute, then carefully drape each cheese round over a wooden spoon handle or the edge of a bowl to form a taco shape.
Allow to cool completely until crisp.
- Prepare the Taco Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until fully browned.
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let flavors develop. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Assemble the Tacos
Fill each cheese shell with taco meat.
Top with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of sour cream.
Add avocado slices or keto salsa if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Keto-Friendly Sides
Cauliflower Mexican Rice – sautéed with butter, lime juice, and cilantro
Fresh Guacamole – avocado, lime, garlic, and salt
Zucchini Nachos – sliced zucchini baked with cheese and seasoning
Drink Pairings
Keto margarita mocktail (lime juice + sparkling water + stevia)
Sugar-free iced tea with lemon
Sparkling water with lime or cucumber
Tips & Variations
Use pepper jack cheese for extra heat
Add taco meat mixed with cream cheese for a creamy filling
Cheese shells are best eaten fresh—reheat briefly in the oven to re-crisp
enjoy