Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving a comfort meal that’s as delicious as a cheeseburger but stays on track with your low-carb lifestyle, I’ve got just the thing: my Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe. It’s packed with smoky bacon, juicy seasoned beef, tangy pickles, and gooey melted cheese that all come together in one easy dish you can whip up any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll become a go-to favorite, especially when you want something super satisfying without the extra carbs.
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor Layering: The combination of bacon, ground beef, cream cheese, and pickles builds a rich, balanced taste that hits all the right notes.
- Low Carb Comfort: It satisfies those burger cravings without any buns or hidden sugars, making it perfect for keto or low-carb diets.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients mean you can throw this together even on a busy weeknight.
- Versatile: Customize it easily with your favorite toppings or extra veggies to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe plays a key role—whether it’s the rich cream cheese that adds creaminess or the dill pickles that bring that classic cheeseburger tang. Knowing a bit about why each one makes the dish shine can help you make smart swaps or pick the best versions at the store.
- Bacon: I use thick-cut for that perfect crispy texture and smoky depth; cooking it until just right is key to avoid dryness.
- Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 or 85/15 for a nice mix of fat that keeps the casserole juicy and flavorful.
- Seasoning Salt & Garlic Powder: These simple spices boost umami and bring out the meat’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
- Onion & Garlic: Fresh aromatics soften the richness and add subtle layers of sweetness and punch.
- Cream Cheese: This brings that luscious, creamy texture that makes the casserole melt-in-your-mouth good.
- No Sugar Added Ketchup: Adds a touch of tang and sweetness without sneaky carbs – I always check labels carefully.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A little splash amps up the savory, “meaty” notes and balances the creaminess.
- Dill Pickles: The acid and crunch from sliced pickles cut through all the richness beautifully.
- Eggs & Heavy Cream: These bind everything together, giving the casserole structure and a custardy finish.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts nicely on top and inside, adding gooey cheeseburger goodness.
Tweak to Your Taste
I’m a fan of making this casserole my own depending on mood and pantry staples. Feel free to adjust the pickles for tanginess or swap sharp cheddar for a milder cheese to please picky eaters. This recipe’s really forgiving, so have fun experimenting!
- Add Veggies: I like tossing in some diced bell peppers or chopped spinach to sneak in some extra nutrients without losing flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Try adding a bit of chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick—I do this when I want more heat.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to keep it creamy but vegan-friendly.
- Extra Bacon: Who can say no to more bacon? Adding extra crispy bacon on top before baking makes it ultra indulgent (and totally worth it!).
Step-by-Step: How I Make Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon Perfectly
Start by cooking your bacon until nice and crispy — I like to pan-fry it so I can keep an eye on it, but baking on a rack works well too. Once it’s done, drain on paper towels and roughly chop it. This adds that smoky crunch we’re aiming for, so don’t skip this part or use soft bacon.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef with Seasonings
In the same skillet (no need to clean it out—those bacon drippings are flavor gold), add the ground beef along with chopped onion, garlic, seasoning salt, garlic powder, and some salt and pepper. Break the meat apart as it cooks, aiming for an even brown without overcooking. Drain excess fat once fully browned but keep things moist.
Step 3: Mix in Creamy and Tangy Ingredients
Turn the heat back to medium, and stir in the cream cheese until melted. Then add the no-sugar-added ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything thoroughly so the beef gets all that creamy, savory flavor infused. This is the heart of the cheeseburger taste in casserole form.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread your beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top it with your chopped crispy bacon and sliced dill pickles. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and half of the shredded cheddar. Pour this custardy mix over the top, then sprinkle the rest of the cheese evenly on the surface. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for 5 minutes—it’ll set up nicely.
Pro Tips for Making Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
- Don’t Overcook Bacon Early: Cook bacon to crispy but not burnt before chopping; it’ll continue to cook a bit in the oven.
- Drain Excess Fat: Drain the browned beef well to prevent a greasy casserole and keep texture just right.
- Use Full-Fat Dairy: Full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream really improve creaminess and flavor balance.
- Sliced Pickles Matter: Thin slices distribute tang evenly and keep every bite interesting rather than clumpy pickle chunks.
How to Serve Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my served slices with a dollop of sugar-free mustard or a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives for color and a mild bite. Sometimes, a few extra dill pickle slices on top add a refreshing crunch that brightens this rich dish.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is pretty filling on its own, I usually keep sides light. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus pairs beautifully. Sometimes, I throw together a quick cauliflower rice to soak up the cheesy goodness without adding carbs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at a family dinner or potluck, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a mini pickle spear and fresh herbs. It’s simple but feels special. You could also layer it in a clear dish to show off the bacon and cheese layers for a crowd-pleasing visual.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store any leftovers tightly covered in the fridge and they’re still great for up to 4 days. Just reheat single servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Pro tip: Adding a small splash of water or covering the dish with foil helps keep it from drying out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole successfully—just wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil or use an airtight freezer container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Texture holds up nicely, but the pickles get a little softer after freezing, so I sometimes add fresh pickles when serving.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F covered with foil for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions until warm. I prefer the oven to keep the cheese melty without becoming rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I make this Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. This makes it perfect for meal prep or busy days.
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What can I substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
If you don’t have cream cheese or want a dairy-free option, you could try a full-fat coconut cream or a cashew-based cheese spread, though the texture and flavor will change slightly.
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Is this recipe suitable for keto diets?
Absolutely! The Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is designed with low carbs and high fats, making it a great fit for keto and other low-carb eating plans.
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Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even zucchini work well. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the beef for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe feels like a warm hug for your taste buds—and it’s super doable on a weeknight when you need something comforting without fuss. I love how it brings that classic burger flavor into a casserole form that’s high on flavor and low on carbs. Give it a try, tweak it your way, and I promise it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation just like it is in mine.
Print
Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger 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
This Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish combining savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese, baked to perfection. Perfect for a comforting low-carb meal, this casserole delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger without the bun.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 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
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
Creamy Mixture
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons no sugar added ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Toppings and Others
- 6 dill pickle chips, sliced
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Bacon: Cook the bacon according to the package instructions until crispy. Once done, roughly chop and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and season evenly with seasoning salt, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chopped onion and garlic. Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it up and crumbling as it cooks.
- Drain and Mix: Drain the cooked ground beef to remove excess fat and return it to the skillet over medium-high heat. Add cream cheese, no sugar added ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is combined and heated through.
- Assemble Casserole: Remove skillet from heat and spread the ground beef mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top evenly with the chopped bacon and sliced pickles.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy whipping cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef and bacon layer in the baking dish.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes before serving to let the casserole set slightly.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add some chopped green onions or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the best creamy texture.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a different cheese pull.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the cooked ground beef to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg