This low-carb bacon cheeseburger casserole is a delicious way to satisfy your cravings while keeping things simple. It’s warm and cheesy with crispy bacon pieces adding a nice touch. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish is easy to whip up and full of flavor.
Why You Will Love This Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
This recipe is a winner for several reasons. It’s not only tasty but also packed with everyday ingredients. You can make it quickly, making it ideal for busy nights. Everyone in the family will enjoy this twist on a classic, and it’s great for leftovers too.
How to Make Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Cooking this casserole is straightforward. You’ll start by cooking the bacon and browning the beef with some onions and garlic. Then, you’ll mix in creamy ingredients and layer everything in a baking dish. After a quick bake in the oven, you’re ready to dig in!
What You Need
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (softened)
- 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
- 2 tbsp chopped pickles (optional topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step
- 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 tbsp. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft. Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in Cream Cheese: Lower heat, stir in softened cream cheese until melted into the beef mixture. Add crumbled bacon back in. Spread this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, mustard, and ketchup (if using). Stir in half the cheddar and half the mozzarella.
- Assemble: Pour egg mixture over the beef layer in the baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses.
- Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with pickles or parsley if desired.
How to Serve Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
This casserole can be served plain or with some fun toppings. Consider serving it with a fresh salad or roasted veggies on the side. Pickles or extra cheese can make great toppings too!
How to Store Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
To keep leftovers fresh, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze portions for later; just make sure to wrap them tightly. When reheating, do so gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Recipe Tips
- Timing: Keep an eye on the casserole in the oven to avoid over-baking.
- Texture: Let the casserole cool slightly for easier slicing.
- Ingredient Swaps: You can use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Avoid Mistakes: Make sure to drain excess grease from the beef to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Kids-Friendly: Let the kids help sprinkle the cheese on top for a fun cooking activity.
Variations & Swaps
- For a spicier twist, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Use turkey bacon for a lighter version, or opt for vegetarian sausage for a meat-free option.
- Mix in some bell peppers or spinach for added veggies and nutrition.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can prepare it the day before and refrigerate the assembled dish. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Make sure to wrap your portions well to avoid freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat it?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can use a microwave, but the oven helps keep the texture nice.
What can I serve with this?
It pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or even some roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
What are common mistakes to avoid?
Be sure to drain the beef properly. Too much grease will make the casserole soggy. Also, letting it cool slightly before slicing helps keep it together.
Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
Casserole Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Browned and drained
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled) Cook until crispy
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 large eggs Whisked for the egg mixture
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided) Divided for layering
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided) Divided for layering
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup (optional) For mix-in
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt Or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped pickles (optional topping)
- 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 tbsp. 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 heat, stir in softened cream cheese until melted into the beef mixture. Add crumbled bacon back in. Spread this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, mustard, and ketchup (if using). Stir in half the cheddar and half the mozzarella.
Cooking
- Pour egg mixture over the beef layer in the baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses.
- Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with pickles or parsley if desired.
