Low Carb Bacon Cheese Burger Casserole Recipe
If you’ve been hunting for a delicious dinner that loves your low-carb lifestyle as much as you do, then you’re going to be thrilled with this Low Carb Bacon Cheese Burger Casserole Recipe. It’s like all your favorite cheeseburger flavors wrapped up in one cozy casserole, minus the bun and carbs. Trust me, I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and every bite feels like a warm hug after a long day. So, stick around, because I can’t wait to share all my tips and tricks to help you make this fan-freaking-tastic dish!
Why This Recipe Works
- Bold flavors without carbs: This casserole packs in that classic cheeseburger taste using bacon, cheddar, and pickles—all carb-friendly.
- Simple prep, big payoff: With straightforward steps, it’s perfect for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
- Perfectly balanced texture: Cream cheese adds creaminess, bacon brings crunch, and eggs bind it all beautifully.
- Flexible and forgiving: Easy to tweak with ingredients you love, so it fits your tastes and low carb goals.
Ingredients & Why They Work
When it comes to this Low Carb Bacon Cheese Burger Casserole Recipe, each ingredient plays its part to create that iconic burger flavor in casserole form. Choosing quality ingredients not only boosts taste but makes the whole cooking process smoother, so here’s a little insight into why these work so well.
- Bacon: Adds smoky crispiness and an irresistible salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein base that mimics burger patties, bringing juicy richness to every bite.
- Seasoning salt and garlic powder: These simple spices elevate the beef’s flavor without overpowering it.
- Onion and garlic: Classic burger aromatics that soften and melt into the meat for depth.
- Cream cheese: Gives the casserole a creamy, cheesy texture that makes it decadent without carbs.
- Ketchup (no sugar added): Brings that familiar sweet tang to the dish without sneaky sugars.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami magic that ties all the layers of flavor together.
- Dill pickle chips: Provide that punch of tartness and crunch you expect from a cheeseburger.
- Eggs and heavy whipping cream: Act as the custard base to hold the casserole firmly, creating luscious creaminess.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The cheesy crown on top that melts and browns gloriously.
Make It Your Way
I love how adaptable this Low Carb Bacon Cheese Burger Casserole Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with mix-ins and toppings to suit whatever flavors my family craves or whatever I have on hand. Honestly, it’s a great base you can customize without sacrificing that delicious burger vibe.
- Variation: If you’re into a bit of spice, toss in some diced jalapeños or sprinkle cayenne pepper to give it an extra kick — I tried this for a football game night and it was a crowd-pleaser!
- Cheese swaps: Feel free to mix cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for a gooier or spicier twist.
- Vegetable boost: Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions for added texture and nutrition.
- Meat options: Ground turkey or chicken can sub in for beef if you prefer leaner options.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Low Carb Bacon Cheese Burger Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Get that bacon nice and crispy
Start by cooking the bacon until it’s crisp but not burnt. I usually do this on medium heat to render the fat slowly, which makes the bacon perfect for chopping. Once it’s done, drain it on paper towels, then roughly chop. Cooking the bacon first lets you use that flavorful fat to help cook the onions and garlic later, which ups the taste big time!
Step 2: Brown the beef with seasonings and aromatics
Toss the ground beef in the skillet over medium heat along with seasoning salt, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add in your chopped onions and garlic. As the beef cooks, break it up into small pieces—this helps it brown evenly and soak up those spices. Remember to drain excess fat once it’s cooked through so your casserole isn’t greasy.
Step 3: Add creamy and tangy elements
Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese, ketchup (make sure it’s no sugar added to keep it low carb), and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until everything is smooth and warmed through. This mixture is what gives the casserole a rich, saucy flavor that screams cheeseburger but without loading on carbs.
Step 4: Assemble your layers with love
Spread your beef mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Next, sprinkle the chopped bacon and pickle slices over the top—don’t skip the pickles; they add that all-important tang. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, heavy cream, and half your cheese until combined, then drizzle that over the meat layer. Finish by scattering the remaining cheese on top for a golden cheesy crust.
Step 5: Bake and enjoy!
Bake your casserole in a preheated 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once out of the oven, give it a few minutes to rest—it helps the casserole set so it slices nicely. Then, dig in and enjoy that perfect low-carb cheeseburger flavor in every bite!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t skip draining the beef: It keeps the casserole from getting greasy and helps the flavors shine.
- Chop bacon after cooking: It’s easier and you get that perfect, tender-crisp texture that tops the casserole beautifully.
- Use no sugar added ketchup: It keeps your carb count low while still giving you that familiar ketchup tang.
- Rest the casserole before serving: Let it cool for 5-10 minutes to let everything set up and slice cleanly.
How to Serve Low Carb Bacon Cheese Burger Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top my slices with a little extra fresh dill pickle chips and sprinkle some chopped green onions or chives for a fresh touch. A dollop of sugar-free ketchup or even a smear of mustard on the side brings it even closer to that burger feeling. If you want a bit of zing, a few slices of fresh jalapeño are fantastic!
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, I often serve this with a crisp garden salad, or roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. For a fun low-carb potato swap, cauliflower mash or roasted garlic cauliflower florets pair perfectly here. It’s all about balancing that rich casserole with something light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For get-togethers, I’ve made this casserole in mini ramekins for individual servings—everyone loved having their own cheesy burger-inspired dish! You could also serve it layered in a trifle-style clear glass dish to show off each component’s colors and textures. Perfect for impressing guests without losing the comfort factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days and the flavors actually get even better after a day or two, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. I usually bake it first, let it cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. That way, on a busy day, I just thaw and reheat—super convenient for meal prep.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered loosely with foil to keep moisture in, for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but the oven really helps keep that cheese melty and tasty without drying out.
FAQs
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Can I make this Low Carb Bacon Cheese Burger Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, just bake it fresh for best results. This is a lifesaver for busy weeknights!
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What can I substitute if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, mascarpone or even ricotta can work in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly different. Just be sure to use a full-fat version to keep that creamy richness.
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Is this casserole suitable for keto diets?
Yes! This dish is naturally low-carb and high in fat and protein, making it a perfect keto-friendly meal as long as you use sugar-free ketchup and stick to the ingredients listed.
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Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely. Diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach all mix well in and increase nutrition without messing with the flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Bacon Cheese Burger Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a rewarding hug in food form. It’s perfect for anyone craving that cheeseburger comfort without the carbs or fuss of grilling patties and stacking buns. Whenever I make it, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that keeps leftovers disappearing fast. I’m genuinely excited for you to try it — and I’m betting it’ll become a fast favorite in your kitchen, just like it did in mine!
Print
Low Carb Bacon Cheese Burger Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A delicious low carb bacon cheeseburger casserole combining seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, pickles, and melted cheddar cheese in a creamy egg custard base, perfect for a satisfying and keto-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1/2 pound bacon, roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 6 dill pickle chips, sliced
Dairy and Sauces
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons no sugar added ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Bacon: Cook the bacon according to package instructions until crispy. Once cooked, roughly chop and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and season it with seasoning salt, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chopped onion and garlic. Break the meat apart as it cooks until browned all the way through.
- Drain Excess Fat: Drain the browned meat to remove excess fat, then return it to the skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add Cream Cheese and Sauces: Add cream cheese, no sugar added ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir and cook until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Assemble Casserole Base: Remove the beef mixture from heat and spread evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Evenly sprinkle the chopped bacon pieces and sliced pickles over the meat in the baking dish.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until combined.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the beef, bacon, and pickle layer in the baking dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving to set.
Notes
- Use no sugar added ketchup to keep the recipe low carb and reduce sugar content.
- Adjust the number of pickle chips based on your taste preference for tanginess.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the ground beef while cooking.
- Make sure to drain the excess fat from the beef to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- If preferred, substitute cheddar cheese with a sharper variety like aged cheddar for a stronger flavor.
- The casserole can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated before baking to save time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
