Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole That’s Hearty, Cheesy, and Satisfying

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole delivers all the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger without the bun. It is rich, savory, and comforting, making it perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto lifestyle while still craving familiar comfort food. Crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese come together in a creamy, oven-baked casserole that feels indulgent yet practical for everyday meals.

I love this recipe because it is simple, filling, and incredibly family-friendly. I tested it as a weeknight dinner and again as a make-ahead meal, and it worked beautifully both times. The flavors deepen as it bakes, and the casserole slices cleanly for easy serving. Whether you are cutting carbs or just looking for a hearty, no-fuss dinner, this recipe is dependable, satisfying, and full of cheeseburger flavor.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Ground beef provides the savory base and classic cheeseburger flavor.

Bacon
Bacon adds smoky richness and crispy texture throughout the casserole.

Cheddar cheese
Cheddar delivers sharp, melty cheeseburger flavor and a golden top.

Cream cheese
Cream cheese adds creaminess and helps bind the casserole together.

Eggs
Eggs set the casserole and give it structure while keeping it tender.

Onion
Onion adds sweetness and depth that balances the richness.

Garlic
Garlic enhances the savory profile without overpowering the dish.

Mustard
Mustard adds tang and classic cheeseburger character.

Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors in the casserole.

Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balance.

Paprika
Paprika adds warmth and subtle smokiness.

Pickles (optional)
Pickles add tang and contrast, mimicking a traditional cheeseburger.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 190°C and lightly grease a casserole dish. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp, then remove and set aside. Chop once cooled.

In the same skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat with chopped onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika, then remove from heat.

In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs with softened cream cheese and mustard until smooth. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.

Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the top. Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the beef and bacon.

Top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden and bubbly. Allow to rest briefly before serving. Add chopped pickles on top if desired.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 to 6 people.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes, baking time is 35 minutes, and resting time is 5 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This casserole also reheats well for meal prep.

Variations and Customizations

Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is very adaptable. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option or use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a milder cheese profile.

For extra flavor, add a splash of sugar-free ketchup or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. If you enjoy heat, diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper work well.

To turn this into a complete one-dish meal, serve it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. Each variation keeps the low-carb focus while allowing flexibility.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This casserole is low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fats, making it suitable for keto and low-carb diets. It is naturally gluten-free and can be adjusted by using leaner meats if desired.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Drain excess fat
Removing extra grease prevents a heavy casserole.

Cheese balance
Use sharp cheddar for the best cheeseburger flavor.

Rest before slicing
Allowing it to rest helps the casserole set cleanly.

FAQs

Is this casserole keto-friendly?

Yes, it is low in carbohydrates and keto-approved.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble ahead and bake when ready.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, freeze baked portions for up to two months.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is ideal, but blends work too.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, mushrooms or zucchini work well.

Is mustard necessary?

It adds classic flavor but can be reduced.

Can I use precooked bacon?

Yes, chop and add it directly.

How do I make it spicier?

Add jalapeños or chili flakes.

Does it reheat well?

Yes, it reheats evenly and keeps its texture.

Is this family-friendly?

Yes, it is comforting and well-loved by all ages.

Conclusion

Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that delivers everything you love about a cheeseburger in an easy, oven-baked format. Rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, it is perfect for low-carb dinners, meal prep, or casual family meals. This recipe offers dependable results and classic comfort with every bite.

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