Easy Low Carb Cheeseburger Casserole

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Low carb cheeseburger casserole baked with ground beef, cheese, and crispy bacon in a casserole dish

Easy Low Carb Cheeseburger Casserole


  • Author: Diana Carrozza
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings 1x

Description

This recipe takes a nostalgic favorite and gives it a healthy twist. Growing up, cheeseburger casseroles were a weeknight staple in my grandmother’s kitchen. Now, I’ve recreated her classic dish with a low carb makeover that works for both summer cookouts and cozy winter nights.


Ingredients

Scale

For the beef layer:

  • pounds ground beef

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

  • 2 tablespoons dill pickles, chopped

  • ¼ cup sugar-free ketchup

For the cheese sauce:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese

  • ¼ cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Topping:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella

  • 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

  • Fresh parsley or chives (optional garnish)


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Layer

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Next, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned.
Then, add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste, mustard, pickles, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
Finally, transfer it to a greased 9×9-inch casserole dish.


Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine cream cheese and heavy cream. Warm it over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
Add the cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Stir until the sauce thickens.
Once ready, pour it evenly over the beef layer.


Step 3: Add Toppings and Bake

Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella and crumbled bacon.
Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
For a final touch, sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Notes

A cheesy, meaty, keto-friendly casserole that captures the flavor of a classic cheeseburger—without the bun. Great for meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (1/5th of the casserole)
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 740mg
  • Fat: 37g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 5.5g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: low carb cheeseburger casserole, keto cheeseburger casserole, bacon cheeseburger bake

This recipe takes a nostalgic favorite and gives it a healthy twist. Growing up, cheeseburger casseroles were a weeknight staple in my grandmother’s kitchen. Now, I’ve recreated her classic dish with a low carb makeover that works for both summer cookouts and cozy winter nights.

The result? A hearty, cheesy, low carb cheeseburger casserole that’s packed with flavor and keto-friendly ingredients.


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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Low carb and satisfying – Just 5.5 net carbs per serving.

  • Quick and simple – On the table in about 35 minutes.

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    Crowd-pleasing – Loved by adults and kids alike.

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One-pan meal – Less mess, more flavor.

  • Flexible – Easily adapted to your preferences.


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    Ingredients You’ll Need

    For the beef layer:

    • 1½ pounds ground beef

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    1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

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    2 garlic cloves, minced

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    1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

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    1 tablespoon tomato paste

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    1 tablespoon yellow mustard

  • 2 tablespoons dill pickles, chopped

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    ¼ cup sugar-free ketchup

  • art="1424" data-end="1449">For the cheese sauce:

    ata-start="1582" data-end="1594">Topping:


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    Customize It Your Way

    This dish is incredibly versatile. Want to sneak in some veggies? Add chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Prefer turkey instead of beef? Go for it. You can even dial up the spice with a few jalapeño slices or hot sauce.


    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Prep Time: 10 minutes

    Cook Time: 25 minutes

    Total Time: 35 minutes

    Servings: 5


    Step 1: Prepare the Beef Layer

    First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    Next, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned.
    Then, add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
    Stir in tomato paste, mustard, pickles, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
    Finally, transfer it to a greased 9×9-inch casserole dish.


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    Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

    In a small saucepan, combine cream cheese and heavy cream. Warm it over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
    Add the cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Stir until the sauce thickens.
    Once ready, pour it evenly over the beef layer.


    Step 3: Add Toppings and Bake

    Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella and crumbled bacon.
    Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
    Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
    For a final touch, sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.


    Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)


    Tips for Success

    To maximize flavor, use full-fat cheeses and fresh ingredients.
    Letting the casserole rest before slicing helps it hold its shape.
    If you’re meal prepping, divide portions into containers right after cooling.


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    What to Serve with Cheeseburger Casserole

    Here are a few low carb sides that pair well:


    Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

    This recipe is great for meal planning.
    You can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
    To freeze, store the cooked casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
    Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warm.


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    Try These Other Low Carb Favorites


    Join the Conversation

    Have you tried this low carb cheeseburger casserole?
    Leave a comment below with your favorite toppings or twists.
    We love seeing how readers make this recipe their own!

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