About This Recipe
If you love the taste of a juicy bacon cheeseburger but want to skip the bun and carbs, this Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect solution. Packed with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, this casserole captures all the flavors of the classic burger while fitting seamlessly into a low-carb or keto lifestyle.
Unlike a traditional burger, this casserole is baked in one dish, making it easy to prepare for family dinners, potlucks, or weekly meal prep. It’s hearty, satisfying, and delivers comfort food flavor without the guilt.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Optional toppings for serving: diced pickles, fresh tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or sugar-free ketchup
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, drain on paper towels, and chop into small pieces. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease for cooking the beef.
- Cook the beef mixture: In the same skillet, add ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, breaking the beef into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the garlic, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Layer the casserole: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half the bacon over the top.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream until smooth. Pour evenly over the beef and bacon mixture.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly across the casserole. Finish with the remaining bacon.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the center is set.
- Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh toppings such as pickles, lettuce, or tomato if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect creaminess.
- Let the casserole rest before slicing to allow it to firm up, making cleaner portions.
- For maximum flavor, keep a little of the bacon grease to cook the beef instead of using oil.
- A glass or ceramic baking dish works well to distribute heat evenly.
FAQ
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day as directed.
Is this casserole keto-friendly?
Yes. With a low carb count and high fat from the beef, cheese, and bacon, this recipe fits perfectly into a keto diet.
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works well, but the flavor will be milder. Consider adding extra spices or seasoning for depth.
What toppings work best after baking?
Classic burger toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and pickles complement the casserole perfectly. For extra indulgence, drizzle with sugar-free ketchup or mustard.
How do I keep the casserole from being watery?
Make sure to drain excess grease from the beef mixture and avoid adding watery vegetables without cooking them down first.
You Must Know
This casserole tastes best when eaten warm straight out of the oven, but it improves in flavor as it sits. The bacon adds a smoky crunch, the cheese melts into gooey layers, and the egg mixture binds everything together like a crustless quiche. The key to success is balancing flavors: seasoning the beef well, using quality cheese, and not skipping the crispy bacon topping.
Nutritional Profile (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 32g
- Net Carbs: 4g
These numbers may vary depending on your specific ingredients and toppings but highlight how well this casserole fits into a low-carb meal plan.
Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is proof that you can enjoy all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger without the carbs. With layers of savory beef, smoky bacon, and creamy cheese, every bite is rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying. The one-dish method makes it practical for weeknight dinners, while the low-carb profile makes it ideal for anyone watching their carbohydrate intake.