Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Indulge in the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger without the guilt of carbs. This Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole delivers the savory taste of ground beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection in a one-dish wonder.

Perfect for keto enthusiasts, low-carb dieters, or anyone looking for a hearty, comforting meal, this casserole will satisfy your burger cravings while keeping your macros in check.

Not only is this dish easy to prepare, but it also makes great leftovers for meal prep or a quick lunch. With customizable toppings and minimal prep, it’s bound to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Keto-Friendly: Packed with protein and healthy fats, and low in carbs.
2. Comfort Food: The flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting casserole.
3. Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a one-pan cooking method.
4. Customizable: Add your favorite burger toppings for a personalized touch.
5. Great for Meal Prep: Stores and reheats well for busy weeknights.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Drain the Fat: Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Mixture

1. Brown the Beef: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. This takes about 7-10 minutes.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and garlic to the beef and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened.
3. Season: Stir in smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Whisk the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, mayonnaise, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
2. Combine with Beef: Pour the sauce over the beef mixture and stir to coat evenly.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Ingredients: Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Add Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the crispy bacon pieces.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Optional Toppings: Once baked, garnish the casserole with diced pickles, tomatoes, and shredded lettuce for a true cheeseburger experience.
2. Slice and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve as is or alongside a fresh salad.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Beef: Use ground beef with some fat content (80/20 or 85/15) for flavor, but drain any excess grease if needed.
2. Cook Bacon First: Cooking the bacon separately ensures it stays crispy and flavorful.
3. Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the sauce mixture before whisking.
4. Custom Toppings: Add jalapeños, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
5. Keep it Low Carb: Avoid high-carb toppings like ketchup or barbecue sauce unless using sugar-free versions.

Variations

1. Turkey or Chicken: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
2. Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for heat.
3. Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef and bacon with crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat substitute.
4. Loaded Casserole: Add cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra veggies.
5. Cheese Swap: Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese for different flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• Salad Pairing: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
• Bread Substitute: Serve with a low-carb bread or lettuce wraps for a burger-inspired meal.
• Appetizer Version: Serve small squares of the casserole as a party appetizer.

Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. It delivers all the best parts of a cheeseburger—savory beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese—without the bun or carbs.

Yield: 6

Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

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Indulge in the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger without the guilt of carbs. This Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole delivers the savory taste of ground beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection in a one-dish wonder. Perfect for keto enthusiasts, low-carb dieters, or anyone looking for a hearty, comforting meal, this casserole will satisfy your burger cravings while keeping your macros in check.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened ketchup (or sugar-free ketchup)
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Optional garnish: sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
   
2. Cook the Beef and Onion
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
   Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
   
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, unsweetened ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
   
4. Assemble the Casserole
   Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
   Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the beef.
   Pour the egg mixture evenly over the beef and bacon.
   Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
   
5. Bake
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
6. Garnish and Serve
   Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing.
   Garnish with optional toppings like sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, or chopped lettuce for a complete "burger" experience.
   Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Cheese Options: Feel free to use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Colby for variety.

Keto-Friendly Toppings: Add avocado slices, jalapeños, or low-carb BBQ sauce for additional flavor.