Are you craving a big, juicy bacon cheeseburger Casserole but trying to stick to your low-carb lifestyle? You are not alone. The classic American burger is a comfort food staple, but the starchy bun can quickly derail your health goals. Fortunately, there is a delicious solution that gives you all the savory, cheesy, and bacony goodness without the unnecessary carbs. Introducing the ultimate comfort food mashup: the Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger casserole.
This easy-to-make dish layers perfectly seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce into a single, satisfying bake. It’s a true game-changer for busy weeknight dinners, a fantastic option for meal prep, and a guaranteed hit with the whole family, even those who aren’t watching their carbs. Prepare to discover your new favorite way to enjoy all the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger Casserole, no bun required.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Casserole
This isn’t just another low-carb recipe; it’s a dish that delivers on flavor, convenience, and satisfaction. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Here are a few key reasons why this casserole is a winner.
All the Flavor, None of the Bun
The best part of a bacon cheeseburger Casserole is, without a doubt, the combination of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and smoky bacon. This casserole captures that experience perfectly. Every bite is loaded with savory ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, salty bacon, and the tangy punch of pickles and mustard. It is essentially a deconstructed burger in a bowl, much like our popular cheeseburger soup recipe, allowing you to enjoy the core components that make it so beloved. You get all the comfort and taste without feeling weighed down by a heavy bun afterward.
A Perfect Meal Prep Solution
Life gets busy, and having a healthy, delicious meal ready to go is a lifesaver. This Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is fantastic for meal prep. You can bake it on a Sunday and portion it out for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven, and the flavors often meld and become even more delicious the next day. This makes it an incredibly practical choice for anyone looking to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen every night.
Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Finding a meal that pleases everyone can be a challenge, especially when you’re following a specific diet. However, this casserole, much like our fan-favorite Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, bridges that gap effortlessly. Kids and adults alike will love the familiar, comforting flavors. You don’t even need to mention that it’s “low-carb” because it’s simply a hearty and delicious cheeseburger bake. It’s the perfect dish to serve when you have guests or want to make one meal that the entire family will eagerly devour.
Incredibly Simple to Make
Despite its impressive flavor, this recipe is surprisingly simple to put together. The process involves browning the meat and bacon, mixing a quick and creamy cheese sauce, and then baking it all together until it’s hot and bubbly. Most of the cooking happens in one skillet before it goes into the baking dish, which means cleanup is a breeze. It’s an ideal recipe for those nights when you want a home-cooked meal without a lot of fuss or complicated steps.
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The Ultimate Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
All the juicy, cheesy, bacon-loaded flavor of a classic cheeseburger—without the bun! This low-carb bacon cheeseburger casserole is the ultimate keto comfort food.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 lbs 80/20 ground beef
12 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup chopped dill pickles (sugar-free)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon grease in the pan.
3. Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Remove from heat and stir in eggs, 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, chopped pickles, and half the crumbled bacon.
7. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
8. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden.
10. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite burger toppings if desired.
Notes
Use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth sauce.
Avoid scrambling the eggs by stirring them in off heat.
Add chopped jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
Great for meal prep—store in fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, we’re using simple, wholesome ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. The combination creates a rich and savory flavor profile that truly tastes like a classic bacon cheeseburger Casserole.
- Ground Beef: 2 lbs of 80/20 ground chuck is ideal for its flavor and fat content, which keeps the casserole moist.
- Bacon: 12 oz, cooked until crispy and then chopped or crumbled. You’ll use some inside the casserole and some on top.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium onion, finely diced. It adds a foundational savory flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. For an extra layer of aromatic flavor.
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened to room temperature. This is the secret to a super creamy sauce.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 1/2 cup. It thins the cream cheese into a luxurious sauce.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, divided. Sharp cheddar provides the classic cheeseburger taste.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, lightly beaten. They act as a binder to hold the casserole together.
- Dill Pickles: 1/2 cup, chopped. For that essential tangy crunch. Use a sugar-free variety.
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons. It adds a zesty, classic burger flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon. For a deep, umami flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying meal. The process is straightforward and perfect for any skill level in the kitchen.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about one tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet and discard the rest.
- Cook the Beef and Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned all over, then drain off any excess grease.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet with the beef. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and a creamy sauce forms. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Ingredients: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the beaten eggs, 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, the chopped dill pickles, and half of the crumbled bacon. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining crumbled bacon evenly over the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly browned.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up, making it easier to slice. Garnish with your favorite burger toppings if desired!
| Step | Action | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prep Oven and Pan | Preheating ensures even cooking. Greasing the pan prevents sticking. |
| 2 | Cook Bacon | Cook to your desired crispness. Don’t discard all the flavorful grease! |
| 3 | Brown Beef and Onions | Draining the excess grease is key to avoiding a greasy casserole. |
| 4 | Make the Sauce | Use softened cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free sauce. |
| 5 | Mix Everything Together | Stir in the eggs last and off the heat to prevent them from scrambling. |
| 6 | Bake Until Bubbly | Bake until the cheese on top is fully melted and golden. |
Tips and Variations for the Best Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
While the base recipe is fantastic as is, there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are some tips and variations to help you make this dish your own.
Fun Topping Ideas
Treat this casserole just like you would a burger! Set up a small toppings bar so everyone can customize their serving. Some great low-carb options include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced red onions, fresh jalapeños for a kick, or a dollop of sour cream. You can also make a simple “special sauce” by mixing sugar-free ketchup, mayonnaise, and a little bit of pickle relish.
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients. You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option, similar to how we use chicken in our garlic mushroom chicken casserole. In addition, feel free to try different cheeses. Pepper Jack would add a nice spicy flavor, while a mix of provolone and mozzarella would make it extra gooey. For more veggie power, consider sautéing some mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This casserole is perfect for leftovers. To store, allow it to cool completely and then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can either microwave individual portions or place the entire casserole back in a 350°F oven until warmed through. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
What to Serve with Your Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but serving it with a simple side dish can round it out perfectly. The key is to choose sides that are also low in carbs to keep the entire meal keto-friendly and healthy.
A simple side salad is a classic choice. A bed of crisp greens like romaine or spinach, topped with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette, provides a fresh, acidic contrast to the rich casserole. Another great option is roasted or steamed vegetables. Roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus tossed with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper come out of the oven tender and delicious. Finally, for something a bit more substantial, consider serving it alongside cauliflower rice or cauliflower “mac” and cheese—you can find more ideas in our guide to creamy keto veggies.
In conclusion, the Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a delicious and practical solution for anyone looking to enjoy classic comfort food while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and versatile enough to please the whole family. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a reliable meal prep option, or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this casserole checks all the boxes. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with cheeseburgers all over again, in a whole new way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is designed to be very low in carbohydrates and high in protein and healthy fats, making it a perfect fit for a ketogenic diet. All the ingredients, from the ground beef and bacon to the cream cheese and cheddar, are keto-approved. Just be sure to use sugar-free pickles and condiments.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is great for making ahead. You can assemble the entire dish without baking it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake it according to the instructions, adding about 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.
How do I freeze this casserole?
To freeze, first bake the casserole and let it cool completely. You can freeze it directly in the baking dish if it’s freezer-safe, wrapping it tightly in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can portion it into individual freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F until heated through.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you’re not a fan of ground beef or just want to change things up, you can easily substitute it with other ground meats. Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork would work wonderfully in this recipe. Just cook the meat as directed in the instructions.
