Introduction

If you love the rich flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger but want to keep things low carb, this Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect recipe to satisfy your cravings. Packed with juicy ground beef, smoky bacon, melty cheese, and a creamy sauce, this casserole brings all the indulgent flavors of your favorite fast-food burger—without the bun. It’s a comfort food staple that fits beautifully into a keto or low-carb lifestyle while still being hearty enough for the whole family to enjoy.

My Recipe Story

This casserole was born out of my constant craving for cheeseburgers while trying to eat low carb. I wanted a recipe that delivered the same delicious taste without making me miss the bread. After experimenting with ground beef, eggs, cream, and cheese, I finally created this hearty dish that became a weekly staple in my home. It’s now my go-to recipe for busy weeknights because it comes together easily, tastes incredible, and makes enough for leftovers that taste even better the next day. Friends and family—even those not on a low-carb diet—always ask for seconds, which proves just how irresistible it is.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low-carb and keto-friendly while still satisfying your cheeseburger cravings.
• Easy to prepare with simple, affordable ingredients.
• Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
• Family-friendly—everyone at the table will enjoy it, regardless of diet.
• Customizable with fun toppings and variations to suit your taste.
• Rich, cheesy, and comforting without feeling heavy or greasy.

Ingredient Breakdown

The star of this casserole is ground beef, which forms the hearty base. Ground chuck or an 80/20 blend is best because it provides just the right amount of fat to keep the casserole juicy and flavorful. If you prefer a leaner version, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but beef truly gives it that cheeseburger essence.

Bacon adds smoky, salty depth that enhances the meat and cheese. Using thick-cut bacon ensures a satisfying texture, but any bacon will do the job. The cheese layer is crucial—shredded cheddar melts beautifully and provides a sharp, tangy balance to the richness of the beef and cream mixture. You can mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for extra gooeyness or spice.

The binding elements are eggs and heavy cream, which create a custard-like base that holds everything together. This not only keeps the dish low-carb but also gives it a luscious, silky texture. Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper complete the flavor profile, bringing it closer to that iconic cheeseburger taste.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Cheese grater (if shredding cheese from a block)
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the bacon. Begin by frying your bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. This will take about 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. Chop into bite-sized pieces once cooled. Keep about one tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor in the next step.
2. Brown the beef. In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add the ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully browned, about 7–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to infuse the beef with classic burger flavors.
3. Prepare the egg mixture. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will act as the custard-like binder that keeps the casserole light but cohesive, creating that luscious texture once baked.
4. Assemble the casserole. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray. Spread the cooked beef evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the beef layer, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Add the custard layer. Slowly pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the beef and bacon layers. The liquid should seep through the meat and cheese, ensuring every bite has a creamy richness once baked. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese for that irresistible golden crust.
6. Bake until golden and bubbly. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and the cheese on top is melted and slightly browned. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.

Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For added vegetables, mix in chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to bulk up the dish without adding carbs. If you enjoy spice, toss in some diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. You can also drizzle sugar-free ketchup or mustard on top after baking to mimic the flavors of a classic cheeseburger. For dairy-free diets, substitute heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free shredded cheese.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

• Drain excess grease: After cooking the beef, drain the grease well to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
• Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting. Shredding from a block gives the best melt and flavor.
• Don’t skip the rest time: Let the casserole cool for at least 10 minutes after baking to set properly. Cutting too early can make it fall apart.
• Season generously: Since eggs and cream can mellow out flavors, be sure to season your beef mixture well before assembling.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead

This casserole is excellent for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through. For freezing, bake the casserole as directed, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven. You can also prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Serve this casserole with a crisp side salad dressed in ranch or Caesar dressing for a balanced, refreshing meal. Steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or sautéed zucchini make excellent low-carb sides. If you’re not strictly low-carb, pair it with roasted sweet potatoes or whole-grain rolls for a complete family dinner. For toppings, consider adding sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, or shredded lettuce right before serving to really mimic the flavors of a cheeseburger.

FAQ

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with unsweetened almond or coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

How do I prevent my casserole from becoming watery?
Make sure to drain the beef thoroughly after browning. Also, allow the casserole to rest after baking so it sets properly.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach work well and add nutrition without raising carbs significantly.

What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is the classic choice, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend all taste fantastic.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch dishes. Cooking time will remain about the same.

Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be carb-heavy to be delicious. It captures all the flavors you love in a cheeseburger—savory beef, smoky bacon, rich cheese—without the bun. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings, it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy, whether they’re following a low-carb diet or not. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A cheesy, savory casserole that delivers all the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger without the bun. Perfect for keto or low-carb meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 3 large eggs

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Butter or cooking spray, for greasing the dish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. Chop into small pieces.

3. In the same skillet, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Spread the cooked beef evenly in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle with chopped bacon.

5. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour evenly over the beef and bacon.

6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the center is set and cheese is melted and golden.

7. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, top with diced pickles, tomatoes, or a drizzle of sugar-free ketchup. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This casserole also freezes well for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American