Craving a cheeseburger without the carb overload? This Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is your perfect keto comfort food fix. Combining juicy beef, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar, it captures all the classic diner flavors—without kicking you out of ketosis.
Why This Recipe Works for Keto
Keto-friendly by design: No buns, no breadcrumbs, no hidden starches. Just wholesome ingredients like beef, bacon, cheese, eggs, and cream come together in a casserole that tastes like a cheeseburger served with a fork.
Macros that make sense: High in fat, moderate in protein, and low in carbs, this dish is crafted to keep you comfortably in the keto zone. No carb bombs here—only keto-approved goodness.
One-pan convenience: Brown the beef, mix, bake, and you’re done. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, and quick reheats that stay delicious.
Key Ingredients and Their Importance
- Ground beef (80/20 ratio): Offers juicy, flavorful results. Lean beef tends to dry out, so stick to fattier beef for best texture.
- Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy notes that elevate this casserole into a true cheeseburger experience.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar provides boldness, while mild cheddar gives that smooth melt. Choose according to your taste.
- Eggs: The crucial binder that holds everything together, ensuring clean slices and great structure.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and keeps the casserole creamy and tender, not dry.
- Onion and garlic: Small amounts boost the classic burger flavor while keeping carbs low.
Flavor, Texture & Satisfaction Compared to Traditional Cheeseburgers
This casserole skips the carb-heavy bun and sugary condiments but delivers savory beef, crispy bacon, oozy cheese, and that unmistakable cheeseburger flavor. It’s richer and more filling, curbing cravings instead of sparking more hunger.
Tips for Best Results
- Use quality ingredients: Good beef and cheese elevate the dish from okay to unforgettable.
- Freshly shred your cheese: Avoid anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded cheese for superior melt and flavor.
- Season boldly: Salt, pepper, paprika, and a touch of mustard powder enhance the beef and dairy base beautifully.
- Let it rest: Allow 5–10 minutes after baking so it sets up perfectly for easy slicing.
Meal Prep, Storage & Reheating
Bake once, portion, and enjoy effortless grab-and-go meals. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze portions for 2–3 months.
Reheat options include microwave for speed, oven at 350°F for texture and crispness, or air fryer for crispy reheats.
Serving Suggestions
Great for weeknight dinners, keto meal prep lunches, or game-day spreads. Pair with crisp green salads, roasted broccoli, green beans, or cauliflower fries for that true burger joint vibe.
Let everyone customize with dill pickles, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, sour cream, and fresh lettuce and tomato for the full cheeseburger experience.
Conclusion
This Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole proves you can enjoy comforting keto meals without compromise. It’s simple, satisfying, and makes dinner feel like a treat every time. Give it a try and see why it’s quickly becoming a keto classic.
Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Cassrole
Equipment
- large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Oven
Ingredients
For the beef and bacon base
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 80/20
- 8 ounces bacon chopped
- 1/4 cup yellow onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce check for sugar-free, gluten-free
For the egg and cheese topping
- 4 large eggs room temperature if possible
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese freshly shredded, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For serving (optional but recommended)
- 1/4 cup dill pickles chopped, no sugar added
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard for drizzling
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce optional, for serving on the side
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add the chopped bacon to a large skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy, then remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet with the bacon fat and cook over medium heat, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and mustard powder and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Turn off the heat and mix in the sugar-free ketchup and Worcestershire sauce until the beef mixture is evenly coated.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle half of the cooked bacon over the top.
- In a mixing bowl whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for topping.
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the beef in the baking dish, gently tilting the dish if needed to help it distribute.
- Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and the rest of the crumbled bacon.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is set in the center and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up before slicing into portions.
- Serve hot topped with chopped dill pickles and drizzles of sugar-free ketchup and mustard, with shredded lettuce on the side if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
