Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect solution when you’re craving a classic bacon cheeseburger but want to stick to a low-carb or keto-friendly lifestyle. This casserole delivers all the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger—savory beef, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and a hint of mustard—without the bun. It’s easy to make and great for meal prepping, weeknight dinners, or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Optional Toppings:
- Dill pickles (sliced)
- Chopped green onions
- Extra crumbled bacon
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil if necessary, and cook the diced onion over medium heat until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Season the Beef
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Remove from heat and set the beef mixture aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until smooth.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Top with the crumbled bacon.
Step 6: Pour the Egg Mixture
- Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the beef and bacon layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If desired, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
Step 8: Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with optional toppings like sliced dill pickles, chopped green onions, or extra crumbled bacon.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Cook Notes
- Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or ground chicken as a leaner alternative to beef, but the flavor will differ slightly.
- Bacon: Cooking the bacon ahead of time gives it a crispy texture, but you can also mix cooked bacon bits directly into the beef mixture for convenience.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to use other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for a variation in flavor.
Variations
Jalapeño Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Add 1-2 diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy kick, and top with sliced jalapeños before serving.
Mushroom and Swiss Version
Swap out cheddar for 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese, and sauté 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms with the onions to add an earthy flavor.
Taco Cheeseburger Casserole
Mix 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning into the ground beef and top with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a Mexican-inspired twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to 1 day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven until heated through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by substituting the cheese with dairy-free shredded cheese and using coconut cream or another non-dairy cream substitute instead of heavy cream.
What can I serve with bacon cheeseburger casserole?
This casserole is hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or a low-carb coleslaw for a complete meal.
Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings the classic flavors of a cheeseburger to a low-carb, keto-friendly format. It’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just looking for a comforting, cheesy casserole, this recipe is sure to be a hit
