Welcome to the ultimate guide for a truly satisfying and guilt-free meal: the Keto Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole. Imagine sinking your teeth into all the classic, savory flavors of a juicy cheeseburger – perfectly seasoned ground beef, layers of melty cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy pickles – all without the bun and carbs. This easy-to-make casserole is designed to be a game-changer for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, offering a high-protein, incredibly satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor.
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In the world of low-carb cooking, finding a recipe that consistently delivers on taste, texture, and satisfaction can be a challenge. Many casseroles promise comfort but fall short, ending up watery or bland. This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole, however, is a proven winner, meticulously tested and perfected over nearly a decade of low-carb recipe development. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making on repeat because it truly hits every single time. Picture a bubbling, creamy, cheesy masterpiece infused with the irresistible essence of a bacon cheeseburger. It’s hearty, rich, and incredibly flavorful – never thin, never disappointing. Get ready to add this to your collection of must-make keto meals!
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Why You’ll Love This Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole! A Family Favorite
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Casserole was a thumbs-up from the whole family!! Served on bed of shredded lettuce and chopped onions and tomatoes on top!! It’s a KEEPER!!
~Beverly
This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary triumph that brings together convenience, incredible flavor, and low-carb compliance. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or simply satisfying that burger craving without derailing your diet. Here’s why this dish will quickly become a cherished part of your meal rotation:
- Unmistakable Cheeseburger Flavor: Experience the authentic taste of a juicy cheeseburger, complete with savory beef, rich cheese, tangy mustard, and crisp pickles – all delightfully bundled into a comforting casserole. You won’t miss the bun!
- Effortless Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy to assemble. It’s an ideal choice for both novice cooks and seasoned home chefs looking for a quick yet impressive meal.
- Perfect for Keto & Low-Carb Lifestyles: Designed specifically to fit ketogenic and low-carb dietary needs, this casserole helps you maintain ketosis while enjoying a hearty, filling meal. It’s high in protein and healthy fats, keeping you satiated longer.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Even the pickiest eaters will love the familiar, comforting flavors of this dish. It’s a fantastic way to introduce healthier, low-carb options to your entire family without sacrificing taste.
- Excellent for Meal Prep: This casserole holds up beautifully as leftovers, making it perfect for meal prepping your lunches or dinners for the week ahead. Simply portion it out, refrigerate, and reheat when you’re ready for a delicious, quick meal.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences with various low-carb toppings and add-ins. From extra veggies to different cheese blends, the possibilities are endless.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with ground beef, cheese, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is incredibly filling and satisfying, ensuring you feel full and content after every serving.
You will also love my Keto Shrimp Zucchini Alfredo, Keto Low Carb Breakfast Casserole and Keto Peanut Butter Cookies.
Essential Keto Hamburger Casserole Ingredients for Ultimate Flavor
Each ingredient in this keto cheeseburger casserole plays a crucial role, contributing to the rich, cheesy, and utterly delicious flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish so special:
- Ground Beef – The foundation of any great cheeseburger! We recommend an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the most flavorful and juicy results. This hearty base provides essential protein and a satisfying texture, making the casserole truly filling.
- Onion – Finely chopped onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth, beautifully complementing the savory beef. Even a small amount significantly enhances the overall aromatic complexity without adding excess carbs.
- Garlic Cloves – Freshly minced garlic is indispensable for infusing the casserole with its pungent, aromatic flavor. It’s a cornerstone ingredient that elevates the taste of the beef and ties all the savory notes together.
- Worcestershire Sauce – This classic condiment is the secret weapon for achieving that unmistakable, umami-rich burger flavor. It adds a touch of tang and boosts the beefy richness, making every bite authentically cheeseburger-like.
- Cream Cheese – The star behind the casserole’s luxurious texture! Cream cheese melts into a smooth, velvety sauce that binds all the ingredients, ensuring a creamy, comforting consistency throughout the dish.
- Eggs – Serving as a crucial binder, eggs help hold the casserole together, preventing it from crumbling. They also add a subtle richness and contribute to the overall structure, ensuring a cohesive and satisfying bake.
- Mustard – A vital component for that classic burger tang! Mustard cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese, adding a bright, zesty kick that balances the flavors perfectly. You can adjust the amount based on your preference for tanginess.
- Heavy Whipping Cream – This ingredient is key for moisture and richness. Heavy whipping cream ensures the casserole remains moist and indulgent, contributing to its creamy texture and helping to meld all the distinct flavors into a harmonious whole.
- Shredded Cheese – What’s a cheeseburger without cheese? We use a combination of shredded cheddar and white cheddar for optimal meltiness and depth of flavor. This creates gooey, bubbly layers of cheesy goodness that are irresistible.
- Burger Seasoning – A robust blend of spices specifically designed to bring out the best in beef. This seasoning often includes hints of smokiness, paprika, and garlic, replicating the iconic taste of a grilled burger. Feel free to use your favorite brand, like Weber or McCormick’s Grill Mates.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Essential for enhancing and balancing all the individual flavors within the dish. Proper seasoning is key to making the casserole pop.
- Bacon – Crispy, crumbled bacon is a game-changer, adding an incredible smoky, salty crunch that takes this cheeseburger casserole to gourmet levels. It’s the ultimate topping and flavor enhancer.
- Pickles – Don’t skip the pickles! Chopped kosher pickles or pickle slices introduce a much-needed tangy, briny contrast that brightens the rich flavors and makes the casserole truly taste like a fully loaded cheeseburger. Their acidity cuts through the fat, providing a refreshing bite.
How to Easily Assemble Your Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Creating this delicious Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is incredibly simple, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Follow these easy steps to bring this comforting dish to life. Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking once the casserole is ready to go in.
- Brown the Beef Base: Place your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onions, generous burger seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. As the beef cooks, use a spatula to break it up into small, uniform chunks. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and no longer pink.
- Incorporate Creaminess: Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and cream cheese. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese has completely melted and is smoothly incorporated into the beef mixture, creating a rich, flavorful base.
- Remove from Heat: Take the skillet off the heat to allow the beef mixture to cool slightly while you prepare the liquid binding mixture.
- Whisk the Creamy Binder: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the eggs, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the shredded white cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and mustard. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. This mixture will act as the creamy binder that holds the casserole together.
- Assemble the Casserole Layers: Lightly spray an 8×11 or 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking oil or spray to prevent sticking. Evenly spread the ground beef mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon bits and the chopped pickle pieces generously over the beef layer.
- Add the Liquid Mixture: Carefully drizzle the egg, cheese, and cream mixture evenly over the ground beef, bacon, and pickle layers. Ensure it covers the entire surface for a consistent, creamy texture throughout.
- Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and white cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create that irresistible golden, bubbly, and cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the casserole is heated through. Mine usually cooks perfectly around the 17-minute mark.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to portion and ensuring all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Creative Substitutions and Delicious Add-In Ideas for Your Keto Cheeseburger Casserole
One of the best things about this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is its incredible versatility. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your taste or what you have on hand. These variations can help you keep things fresh while staying perfectly low-carb and delicious:
- Alternative Ground Meats: Instead of ground beef, consider using ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork. These leaner options can alter the flavor profile while keeping the dish keto-friendly. Ground sausage also works wonderfully for an added kick.
- Extra Veggies: Boost your nutrient intake and add texture with green onions (for garnish or mixed in), diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach. Just remember to sauté heartier vegetables before adding them to the casserole.
- Soy Sauce Alternatives: For a different umami depth, substitute Worcestershire sauce with coconut aminos (a slightly sweeter, soy-free option) or a gluten-free soy sauce if you’re not strictly avoiding soy.
- Cream Cheese Swaps: If you don’t have cream cheese, or prefer a different tang, equal parts sour cream or plain full-fat Greek yogurt can be used. Both will add creaminess with a slightly different flavor profile.
- Mustard Variety: Experiment with different types of mustard! Dijon mustard offers a sharper, more sophisticated tang, while spicy brown mustard will give it a bolder, more pungent kick.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, don’t hesitate to try other melty cheeses. Pepper Jack cheese will add a spicy element, Colby Jack offers a mild, creamy blend, and Gouda provides a nutty, rich flavor.
- Bacon Alternatives: If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey bacon can be used. For an even richer, saltier, and crispier element, try cooked and crumbled pancetta.
- Spicy Additions: Kick up the heat with sliced pickled jalapeños or banana peppers for a tangy, spicy twist. Fresh diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes mixed into the beef can also add a fiery dimension.
- Tex-Mex Twist: For a zesty, Tex-Mex inspired casserole, add a can of diced tomatoes (drained) or a can of Ro-Tel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) to the ground beef mixture.
- Umami Boosters: Incorporate chopped mushrooms, sautéed until browned, to add a meaty texture and an earthy umami flavor without the carbs.
- Avocado Finish: After the casserole is baked, top individual servings with fresh avocado slices for healthy fats and a creamy contrast.
- Ranch Flavor: Mix in a tablespoon or two of sugar-free ranch seasoning mix with the liquid ingredients for a creamy, herbaceous ranch-burger fusion.
- Crunchy Topping: For an extra textural element reminiscent of a burger bun, sprinkle crushed pork rinds over the top of the casserole during the last few minutes of baking, or right before serving.
Perfect Keto-Friendly Sides to Serve with Your Cheeseburger Casserole
This Keto Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience and ensure a well-rounded, keto-compliant meal. Here are some fantastic low-carb options that complement the rich flavors of the casserole beautifully:
- Cauliflower Mash: A creamy, comforting alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. It provides a similar texture without the carb count, making it a perfect base or side for the hearty casserole.
- Air Fryer Roasted Green Beans: Quick, crispy, and flavorful, roasted green beans offer a lovely crunch and a fresh green contrast to the rich casserole. Season them simply with salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder.
- Roasted Garlic Brussels Sprouts: These flavorful sprouts, roasted until tender-crisp with garlic, provide a slightly bitter edge that balances the cheesy richness of the casserole.
- Zucchini Pasta Salad: A light and refreshing option, a zucchini noodle salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette or herbs can add a fresh, vibrant element to your meal.
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with leafy greens, a few cherry tomatoes, and a low-carb vinaigrette dressing is always a good choice to add freshness and fiber.
- Steamed Broccoli: Steamed broccoli florets, lightly seasoned, offer a tender and healthy accompaniment that pairs well with almost any savory dish.
- Asparagus: Roasted or grilled asparagus spears provide an elegant and nutritious side that’s naturally low in carbs and high in flavor.
Storing and Reheating Your Keto Cheeseburger Casserole for Best Results
This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is a fantastic candidate for meal prepping and enjoying as leftovers. Proper storage ensures it stays delicious and safe to eat for days to come. Here’s how to handle your delicious leftovers:
To store your leftover casserole, first allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer the portions you wish to save into an airtight container. Alternatively, you can simply cover the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to create a good seal. When stored correctly in the refrigerator, this casserole will remain fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat for Optimal Taste and Texture
Reheating this casserole is simple, and you have a few options depending on your preference:
- Oven: For the best results and to prevent drying out, reheat individual portions or the entire dish in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and bubbly.
- Microwave: For a quick and easy option, heat individual portions in the microwave. Start with 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the casserole is warm throughout. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the beef dry.
- Air Fryer: If you prefer a slightly crispier top, reheat individual slices in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) and cook for 5-7 minutes, checking periodically to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Freezer Tips for Long-Term Storage
This casserole freezes exceptionally well, making it a perfect freezer-friendly meal. To freeze:
- Portioning: It’s best to freeze the casserole in individual portions. Once cooled, cut the casserole into desired serving sizes.
- Wrapping: Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air is trapped. Then, place the wrapped portions into a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn.
- Storage Duration: The frozen casserole can be stored for up to 2 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen portion in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat using your preferred method (oven, microwave, or air fryer) as described above.
Looking for more amazing Keto dinner ideas? Don’t miss these flavorful options: Keto Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken, Twisted Bacon Recipe, and Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole. Each recipe is designed to keep your low-carb journey exciting and delicious.
And for those with a sweet tooth who are sticking to keto, we’ve got you covered! You may also enjoy my Keto Peanut Butter Cookies, Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies, Keto Pound Cake, and Keto Cheesecake recipes. These desserts prove that eating low-carb doesn’t mean sacrificing indulgence.
This Keto Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole truly embodies the convenience and joy of casserole cooking. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that yields incredible results, making it perfect for both immediate gratification and future meal planning. You simply combine a handful of delicious ingredients in a pan, bake it to golden perfection, and then enjoy the hearty, cheesy goodness. The fact that it stores and reheats so well is just an added bonus, making your weeknights easier and your meal prep tastier.
Don’t forget to Pin this incredible recipe for later here, so you can easily find it whenever that cheeseburger craving strikes!
Make your keto shopping trips a breeze! Get your FREE printable Keto Grocery Shopping list here. For a wealth of delicious ideas, click here for a complete listing of Keto Low-Carb Recipes.
Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole (Low Carb)
Brandi Crawford
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Equipment
- 9×13 Baking Dish
- Meat Chopper
- Onion Chopper
- Meal Prep Containers
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1-2 tablespoons mustard I used 1 tablespoon, adjust to your preference
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese divided
- 1 teaspoon Burger Seasoning e.g., Weber Burger Seasoning or McCormick’s Grill Mates
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 slices bacon cooked and crumbled, feel free to add more for extra flavor!
- 1 kosher pickle, cut into pieces Enhances the classic cheeseburger taste – add more if you’re a pickle enthusiast!
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures a perfectly even bake for your casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, place the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onions, burger seasoning, and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until it is completely browned and no longer pink.
- Add Creaminess: Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and cream cheese. Continue to cook and stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and smoothly combined with the ground beef mixture, forming a rich, savory base.
- Remove from Heat: Take the skillet off the heat and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the liquid mixture.
- Prepare Liquid Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup of shredded white cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and mustard until well combined. This will be the creamy binder for your casserole.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly spray an 8×11 or 9×9 inch baking dish (an 8×11 dish was used here) with oil or cooking spray. Pour the ground beef mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon bits and the chopped pickle pieces generously over the beef.
- Pour Liquid Topping: Drizzle the whisked liquid mixture (eggs, cream, cheese, mustard) evenly over the top of the ground beef layer.
- Add Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar and ½ cup of shredded white cheddar cheese over the entire casserole for a golden, bubbly crust.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. A baking time of around 17 minutes usually results in perfect doneness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set, making it easier to cut and ensuring a more enjoyable texture.
Video
Notes
Dealing with Excess Fat: If you’re not using lean beef (such as Butcher Box beef which is often leaner) and your ground beef produces a significant amount of excess oil during cooking, it’s crucial to drain the oil thoroughly before adding the other ingredients and baking. This prevents the casserole from becoming greasy.
Essential Keto Resources: Get your FREE printable Keto Grocery Shopping list here to make your low-carb meal planning effortless. Snag your 14 Day Keto Meal Plan here for a comprehensive guide to delicious and easy keto meals.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data Disclaimer
The nutritional information provided here is offered as a courtesy and should be used as a general guideline. While we strive for accuracy, macros are estimates and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is typically calculated using online nutrition databases like MyFitnessPal.com. To ensure the most precise nutritional data for your specific meal, we strongly recommend calculating the nutritional information yourself using the exact ingredients and brands you use in your recipe, with your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for verifying that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and suitable for your individual dietary needs.