Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

If you’re following a keto diet and miss indulging in your favorite cheeseburgers, you’ll love this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole! This delicious dish takes all the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger and transforms them into a low-carb, high-fat meal that fits perfectly within your keto lifestyle. It’s rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, offering a comforting meal that’s both easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making the perfect Keto Cheeseburger Casserole, from choosing the right ingredients to baking and serving this dish. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is versatile and perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the casserole bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden-brown top.

2. Prepare the vegetables: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. If you’re using mushrooms, chop them up as well. The mushrooms will add an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the casserole, but they are optional.

   - Advertisement -

3. Grate the cheese: Grate the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts much better and has a smoother texture than pre-grated cheese.

4. Crack the eggs: In a bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together until well beaten. This will help to bind the casserole ingredients together once they’re mixed.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables

1. Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, especially if you’re using fatty ground beef (80% lean or higher is ideal, but if you’re using leaner beef, you may need to add a bit of oil).

2. Add the vegetables: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté them for another 3-5 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. If you’re using mushrooms, add them now and sauté until they soften and release their moisture.

3. Season the beef: Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard (if using). Stir well to combine the seasonings into the beef and vegetables. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Mixture

1. Combine the eggs and cream: In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and eggs. This will form the base of your casserole and help bind all the ingredients together.

2. Mix in the cheeses: Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the egg and cream mixture. Stir until the cheeses are evenly incorporated.

3. Combine the beef mixture and cheese mixture: Add the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture into the bowl with the egg and cream mixture. Stir until everything is well combined, ensuring that the beef and vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the cheesy sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the casserole mixture into a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

2. Top with more cheese: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. This will create a melty, golden crust that’s characteristic of cheeseburgers.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The casserole should be firm, with the cheese melted and slightly browned on top.

2. Let it rest: Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: After the casserole has rested, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a handful of chopped pickles on top for that classic cheeseburger flavor. If you like things spicy, consider adding some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

2. Serve: Serve the casserole warm. It’s perfect on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh salad or keto-friendly sides like roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice.

Tips for Success

1. Choosing the right ground beef: For the best flavor, use ground beef that is 80% lean. This gives the casserole the perfect balance of fat, which keeps it juicy and rich. You can use leaner beef (like 90% lean), but you may need to add some fat (like butter or oil) to keep the casserole moist.

2. Making it spicier: If you enjoy spicy foods, feel free to add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or even a bit of hot sauce into the casserole mixture for an extra kick.

3. Customize with toppings: Just like a classic cheeseburger, you can customize the toppings on your casserole. Try adding sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or even bacon (crispy and crumbled) on top after baking for added flavor and texture.

4. Use other cheese varieties: If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, you can use other keto-friendly cheeses like Swiss, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack. This will give the casserole a different flavor profile while keeping it low-carb.

5. Add-ins for extra flavor: For a more “cheeseburger” feel, consider adding in chopped pickles or a couple of tablespoons of ketchup and mustard into the mixture. These ingredients will give the casserole the tangy, zesty flavor of a cheeseburger without the carbs.

6. Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the casserole a day ahead, assemble it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. This is especially handy for meal prepping or for serving at a party.

Conclusion

Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate low-carb comfort food. It’s packed with savory ground beef, melted cheese, and all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—minus the carbs. This casserole is perfect for anyone looking for a keto-friendly alternative to a traditional cheeseburger without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

Yield: 6

Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Print

If you’re following a keto diet and miss indulging in your favorite cheeseburgers, you’ll love this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole! This delicious dish takes all the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger and transforms them into a low-carb, high-fat meal that fits perfectly within your keto lifestyle. It’s rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, offering a comforting meal that’s both easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup pickles, chopped (optional, for a classic cheeseburger taste)
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for cooking)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x9-inch or 8x8-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
   
2. Cook the ground beef:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
   
3. Make the cheesy sauce:
   In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until combined. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
   
4. Assemble the casserole:
   Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
   Pour the cheesy sauce over the beef and spread it out evenly. You can also stir the pickles into the sauce mixture for that classic cheeseburger flavor.
   
5. Bake:
   Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
   
6. Garnish and serve:
   Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and additional pickles if desired.
   
7. Enjoy!
   Serve hot and enjoy a comforting, keto-friendly meal that's packed with cheeseburger flavors.

Notes

Ground Meat Variations: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork for a different flavor.

Cheese Choices: Feel free to use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Gouda for different flavors.

Add Veggies: If you’d like to add more veggies, you can stir in some spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the beef mixture.

Pickles: For an extra burst of flavor, serve the casserole with extra pickles on the side!