Pin it
This comforting low carb bacon cheeseburger casserole truly delivers on every craving for classic cheeseburgers in a rich and cheesy baked dish without all the bread. It is loaded with savory beef, gooey cheese, and crispy bacon—just the right kind of weeknight indulgence when I want hearty flavors with easy cleanup. It has regularly rotated on my dinner table for quick family meals and weekend leftovers.
My family loves how much this tastes just like a loaded burger without the bun. The first time I made it we could not believe we were actually eating something so low in carbs yet so deliciously cheesy and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: adds meaty flavor and texture look for eighty five percent lean for juiciest results
- Small onion: brings sweetness and depth yellow onions are best here
- Garlic: for bold flavor fresher cloves make a difference
- Worcestershire sauce: for classic burger tang buy one with simple ingredients if possible
- Salt and pepper: to highlight savory flavors use fresh cracked pepper for punch
- Cream cheese: makes the sauce rich and creamy use block style for better blending
- Heavy cream: keeps the sauce decadent and smooth choose a fresh carton
- Shredded cheddar: sharpness and gooey melt buy a block and shred for best texture
- Mustard: classic cheeseburger zing yellow or Dijon both work
- Sugar free ketchup: for sweetness without extra carbs check for good tomato content
- Eggs: bind the casserole together fresh eggs give the best lift
- Bacon: for smoky crunch cook your slices till crispy before crumbling
- Mozzarella and extra cheddar: top for bubbling cheesy finish buy blocks for grating if possible
- Chopped pickles: for tangy bite use crisp refrigerated pickles
- Green onions or parsley (optional): freshness and color try both for a pretty finish
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Dish:
- Set the oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit one hundred seventy five Celsius and grease an eight by eight inch baking dish with a little butter or oil for easy casserole removal
- Cook the Beef Layer:
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat then add ground beef and break it up as it cooks add the chopped onion and sauté until the onions are soft and the beef is browned this usually takes eight to ten minutes stir in minced garlic and continue cooking one more minute then season generously with salt pepper and Worcestershire sauce if using
- Arrange the Beef Mixture:
- Spread the beef onion and garlic mixture evenly across the bottom of your greased dish press down gently with a spatula to form a uniform layer which helps every bite have the perfect base
- Mix the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl whisk together softened cream cheese heavy cream shredded cheddar mustard sugar free ketchup and eggs keep whisking until the mixture is completely smooth with no streaks of cream cheese
- Pour and Top the Casserole:
- Pour your sauce evenly over the meat mixture making sure all the beef is nicely coated scatter crumbled cooked bacon over the top then sprinkle with both mozzarella and more cheddar for that true cheeseburger melt finish
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until golden and bubbling on top the center should be set let the casserole rest out of the oven for about eight minutes before slicing this makes portions tidy and helps flavors settle
Pin it
Stays tender and cheesy even after freezing or reheating. Using fresh blocks of cheese really brings a creamier texture and stronger flavor. My family always rushes for the corners with extra crispy cheddar and bacon so I add a sprinkle more cheese to those spots just for fun.
Storage Tips
Cool the casserole completely before storing for the cleanest slices and best texture. I keep leftovers in airtight containers for up to four days in the fridge. For freezing wrap individual squares tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to keep that melty cheese top.
Ingredient Substitutions
Turkey or chicken can step in for beef if you want something lighter. Swap the cream cheese for full fat Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Mozzarella can be boosted with pepper jack for a spicier casserole or toss in sliced jalapeños for extra heat without changing the texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a simple leafy salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal. It makes a satisfying lunch slice or even a brunch dish thanks to the eggs and bacon. Sometimes I top each portion with more pickles or a fresh tomato slice for added crunch and classic burger flair.
Cultural Context
This dish takes all the beloved flavors of the American diner burger and transforms them into a homey bake suitable for keto or gluten free guests. If you grew up with cheeseburgers as comfort food this casserole will pull you right back to family cookout nights but with a modern low carb spin.
Pin it
This casserole brings family together for comfort food nights and reheats beautifully for next day meals. Enjoy a slice whenever you crave the flavors of your favorite burger, but with an easy, hearty twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used for a lighter variation while keeping the classic flavors intact.
- → What cheese works best in the casserole?
Cheddar and mozzarella provide a great balance of melt and flavor, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or Swiss if preferred.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. It stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.
- → How can I add a spicy kick?
Add chopped jalapeños to the beef layer or sprinkle with crushed red pepper before baking for extra heat.
- → Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool fully before freezing and reheat gently for best texture.
- → What toppings work best besides bacon?
Chopped pickles, green onions, or fresh parsley add crunch and color to each serving.