Craving the rich, savory flavors of a bacon cheeseburger while sticking to a low-carb lifestyle? Look no further than this Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole. Packed with seasoned ground beef, smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and a velvety egg custard, this dish delivers all the indulgence of a classic cheeseburger—without the carbs.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even serving a crowd, this casserole is quick to assemble, loaded with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy. It’s a hearty, family-friendly dish that keto and non-keto eaters alike will devour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole brings comfort food to the table while keeping things low-carb:
- Flavorful and Hearty: All the best parts of a bacon cheeseburger, reimagined into a rich, satisfying casserole.
- Keto-Friendly: Packed with protein and healthy fats, it’s a dish designed to fit your keto goals.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this dish ready to serve in under an hour.
- Customizable: Add veggies, change the cheese, or adjust the seasonings to make it your own.
- Great for Meal Prep: It stores and reheats beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead option.
Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering casserole, gather the following:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pound cooked bacon, cut into pieces
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 12 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Cook the Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy. Use a skillet over medium heat or bake it in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then crumble or chop it into small pieces.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the minced garlic and onion powder. Cook for another minute or two until the garlic is fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat and set the beef aside.
3. Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, salt, and black pepper. This creamy mixture will bind the casserole and give it a rich, custard-like texture.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the cooked ground beef evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar cheese over the beef. Layer the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese.
Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the entire dish, allowing it to seep into all the layers. Finish by sprinkling the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese over the top.
5. Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the egg mixture is set and the top is golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is firm, and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes for cleaner portions.
Optional garnishes like diced tomatoes, chopped pickles, or a drizzle of sugar-free ketchup or mustard can add extra cheeseburger flair.
Tips for Success
- Drain Excess Grease: Be sure to remove excess grease from the cooked beef and bacon to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Shredding your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded ensures better melting and flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool slightly after baking so it holds together when sliced.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to add spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor.
Variations to Try
This casserole is highly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste:
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a boost of nutrients.
- Spicy Twist: Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Barbecue Style: Drizzle sugar-free barbecue sauce over the beef before adding the cheese for a smoky, tangy variation.
- Different Cheeses: Swap out Cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or smoked Gouda for a new flavor profile.
- Southwest Flair: Add a layer of salsa or diced green chilies and top with Monterey Jack cheese for a Tex-Mex-inspired dish.
Serving Suggestions
While this casserole is a complete meal on its own, you can pair it with sides to round out your plate:
- Green Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the casserole’s richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower make excellent low-carb side dishes.
- Zoodles or Cauliflower Rice: Add zucchini noodles or riced cauliflower for a hearty, keto-friendly accompaniment.
Storing and Reheating
This casserole is perfect for meal prep and stores well for leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
This Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a perfect blend of comfort food flavors and keto-friendly ingredients. It’s high in protein, loaded with healthy fats, and free from carb-heavy fillers like buns or breadcrumbs. The savory beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese create a satisfying dish that feels indulgent while supporting your dietary goals.
It’s also a breeze to make, with simple ingredients and minimal prep required. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, serving your family, or looking for a keto-friendly dish to share, this casserole is a versatile, foolproof option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, this Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a must-try recipe. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to customize, making it a dish you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.
Enjoy all the deliciousness of a bacon cheeseburger in a convenient, bun-free format. This casserole is comfort food at its best—without any of the guilt.
Bon appétit and happy cooking!