Name: Keto Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/3 cup almond flour; 1 large egg; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 oz cream cheese; 1/3 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping); 1 tbsp butter or oil (for greasing); Optional: chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe satisfies all my cravings for traditional tater tot casserole while keeping it keto-friendly. The cauliflower tots are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and the creamy beef filling brings everything together. It’s the kind of dish that makes sticking to a low-carb lifestyle feel effortless and indulgent.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Cream cheese
Heavy cream
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Cauliflower florets (to make the keto tots)
Egg
Almond flour
Salt and pepper
Butter or oil (for cooking)
Optional: parsley or green onions for garnish

Directions

Make the Keto Tots: I steam the cauliflower until soft, then mash it and squeeze out the moisture using a clean towel. I mix it with shredded cheddar, almond flour, egg, salt, and pepper. I form small tot-shaped pieces and bake them at 400°F until golden and crisp, about 25–30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, I cook the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until browned. I drain any excess fat.
I stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream, letting everything melt together into a smooth, creamy mixture. I season it with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Casserole: I spread the beef mixture into a greased baking dish. I layer the baked cauliflower tots on top in a single layer, then sprinkle additional shredded cheese over everything.
I bake the casserole at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
I let it cool slightly, then garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. Preparation time is 20 minutes, cooking time for the tots is 30 minutes, and baking time is 25 minutes, bringing the total to approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Variations

Topping Options: I sometimes top the casserole with crushed pork rinds or more cheese for an extra crunchy finish.
Protein Swap: I substitute ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Add Veggies: I like to mix in spinach or mushrooms with the meat for more nutrients and texture.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or microwave individual portions. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated from thawed for a convenient low-carb meal.

FAQs

Are the cauliflower tots crispy?

Yes, I bake them until they’re golden brown, which gives them a nice outer crunch. For extra crispiness, I sometimes broil them for 2–3 minutes before assembling the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. I prepare and assemble the whole casserole, then cover and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, I bake it fresh and add a few minutes to the cooking time.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, both the cauliflower tots and the assembled casserole freeze well. I freeze in individual portions or as a whole for meal prepping.

Can I use store-bought keto tots?

If I’m short on time, I sometimes use pre-made keto-friendly cauliflower tots, checking labels for net carbs and clean ingredients.

How do I prevent the cauliflower from being soggy?

The key is squeezing out as much moisture as possible from the cooked cauliflower before forming the tots. I use a cheesecloth or clean towel to get it really dry.

Conclusion

This Keto Tater Tot Casserole is everything I want in a comforting, hearty dish—without the carbs. It’s rich, flavorful, and topped with crispy, cheesy cauliflower tots that make every bite satisfying. Whether for a family dinner or weekly meal prep, this casserole is a go-to in my low-carb kitchen.