Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a hearty, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for those following low-carb diets. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how it transforms the beloved bacon cheeseburger into an easy-to-prepare casserole, bringing simplicity to busy weeknights while delivering all the cheesy, meaty goodness of a traditional burger. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or meal prep for the week ahead, this casserole will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is all about convenience and flavor. It layers savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and a creamy cheese mixture, leaving you with a delicious dish that’s gluten-free and keto-friendly. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners with the family or low-carb potlucks, as it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Imagine serving this at your next family gathering: the aroma wafting through the air, everyone gathering around the table, and it’s healthy! This recipe is not only a delight to eat but fills you up without empty carbs.
“This casserole is now my go-to for busy weeknights! It tastes incredible and is so easy to make. Plus, my kids love it!” – A satisfied home cook
Preparing Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Let’s break down how this dish comes together. First, you’ll need to be ready to cook up layers of deliciousness. It starts with bacon and ground beef, creating a rich and savory base. Then you mix in tangy cream cheese and eggs, topped with heaps of cheese for a bubbly, golden finish. This makes for a scrumptious meal that can be whipped up in no time.
Simply gather your ingredients and let’s dive into the steps!
Gather These Items
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (450 g)
- Bacon: 6 slices, cooked and crumbled
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Eggs: 4 large
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (divided)
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup (divided)
- Cream Cheese: 2 tbsp, softened
- Sugar-Free Ketchup: 2 tbsp (optional)
- Yellow Mustard: 1 tsp
- Smoked Paprika: ½ tsp
- Garlic Powder: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp (or to taste)
- Black Pepper: ¼ tsp
- Pickles: 2 tbsp, chopped (optional topping)
- Fresh Parsley: for garnish (optional)
Feel free to customize based on what you have at home. Ground turkey or chicken can work in place of beef, and you can substitute cheeses based on your preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy; remove, crumble, and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Drain most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion becomes soft. Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in Cream Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s melted and well integrated into the beef mixture. Add the crumbled bacon back in and spread this mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, mustard, and optional ketchup. Gently fold in half of the cheddar and half of the mozzarella.
- Assemble: Pour the egg mixture over the beef layer in the baking dish, then top with the remaining cheeses.
- Bake: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the middle and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with chopped pickles or parsley, if desired.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serving this casserole is a breeze — just slice and plate! For added flair, consider topping each slice with a dollop of sugar-free ketchup or mustard. Pair it with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. If you’re looking for a heartier side, consider simple coleslaw or keto-friendly garlic bread.
How to Store & Freeze
To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven until warmed through.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, freezing is a great option! Just let the casserole cool completely before wrapping it tightly and placing it in the freezer, where it will last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Pro Chef Tips
- Don’t skip the cream cheese: This ingredient adds creaminess that makes the casserole rich and enjoyable.
- Use a meat thermometer: It’ll let you know when the beef is properly cooked and safe to eat.
- Mix and match cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack for a kick or gouda for a hint of smokiness.
Creative Twists
Here are some fun ways to make this dish your own:
- Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
- Swap the meat: Substitute ground turkey or even use a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
- Try different toppings: Instead of pickles, use sliced jalapeños or avocados for added creaminess.
Common Questions
1. How long does it take to prepare?
Most of the preparation takes about 15 minutes, with a baking time of 25-30 minutes.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
3. Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use sugar-free ketchup and ensure the bacon is gluten-free, this recipe is completely gluten-free!
4. Can I substitute the eggs?
While eggs are a crucial binding agent, for an egg-free version, you might experiment with flaxseed meal mixed with water as a binder; however, consistency may vary.
With these tips and insights, you’re ready to create a wholesome and savory Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
Meat and Bacon
- 1 lb Ground Beef You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 6 slices Bacon Cooked and crumbled.
Vegetables
- 1 small Onion Finely chopped.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
Dairy and Eggs
- 4 large Eggs Serve as a binding agent.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 tbsp Cream Cheese Softened.
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Divided.
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Divided.
Condiments and Spices
- 2 tbsp Sugar-Free Ketchup Optional.
- 1 tsp Yellow Mustard
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Salt Or to taste.
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
Optional Toppings
- 2 tbsp Pickles Chopped.
- Fresh Parsley For garnish, optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy; remove, crumble, and set aside.
- Drain most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft.
- Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Lower the heat and stir in softened cream cheese until melted and well integrated into the beef mixture. Add crumbled bacon back in.
- Spread beef mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Assembly
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, mustard, and optional ketchup.
- Gently fold in half of the cheddar and half of the mozzarella.
- Pour the egg mixture over the beef layer in the baking dish, then top with remaining cheeses.
Baking
- Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until set in the middle and top is golden brown.
Serving
- Let it cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with chopped pickles or parsley, if desired.
