This Easy Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a tasty twist on the classic burger! Made with ground beef, cheese, and crispy bacon, it’s comfort food without the carbs!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that tastes like a cheeseburger but is served in a cozy casserole dish? For me, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner. Just pop it in the oven and enjoy! 🍔🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80% lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and fat. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, just keep an eye on cooking times.
Bacon: Bacon adds such a nice crunch! If you’re looking for a healthier choice, turkey bacon works too. Vegans might enjoy using tempeh or coconut “bacon” for a similar effect.
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, and I love the sharpness it brings. For a deeper flavor, try a mix of aged cheddar and pepper jack. If you want to keep it dairy-free, there are many great vegan cheese options available.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness; however, you can swap in half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. It helps bind the casserole well.
Tomato Paste: While it gives a nice tangy flavor, you can use low-carb ketchup or even diced tomatoes as a substitute. Just be aware of the extra liquid they might add!
How Do You Ensure the Casserole Sets Perfectly?
Getting that perfect set in your casserole is key, and it all comes down to the egg and cream mixture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Whisk the eggs and cream until fully combined, ensuring no clumps remain. This helps it blend into the meat mixture.
- Be sure not to overmix after adding the egg mixture to the beef. Just stir until combined for the best texture.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This will help it firm up and make for cleaner slices when you serve.
These simple steps will give your casserole that perfect structure, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious slice every time!
Easy Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80% lean)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese & Cream:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Extras:
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or low-carb ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to bake, making a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×9 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking later on.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your chopped bacon. Cook it until crispy, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, keeping that delicious bacon fat in the skillet!
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Next, toss the chopped onion into the skillet with the remaining bacon fat. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is nice and soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes, or until it’s browned and no longer pink. If there seems to be too much grease, drain a little bit, but leave enough for flavor!
5. Mix in Flavorful Ingredients:
Stir in your tomato paste (or low-carb ketchup), Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix everything well, allowing it to cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine the flavors nicely.
6. Combine with Cheeses and Bacon:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in your cooked bacon along with half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. This will give the casserole a cheesy, hearty base!
7. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until well combined. This mixture helps bind everything together in the oven.
8. Combine Everything:
Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and quickly stir all ingredients together, ensuring everything is well mixed.
9. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Carefully transfer the mixture to your greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
10. Add Final Cheese Layer:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
11. Bake It Up:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. It’s done when the casserole is set and the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
12. Allow to Cool:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up nicely!
13. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, just before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Enjoy this hearty, low-carb bacon cheeseburger casserole as a delicious meal any day of the week!
FAQ for Easy Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat’s fat content.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative, and use vegan cheese for the cheddar and mozzarella. Just be aware that the texture may differ slightly!
Can I Prep This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of cream or broth if it seems dry!
