Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 74 reviews

If you’re craving that classic cheeseburger flavor without all the carbs, you’re going to love this Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe. It’s like biting into your favorite burger, but in a cozy, creamy, cheesy casserole form that’s perfect for weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation — it’s comforting, rich, and packed with all those flavors that make cheeseburgers so irresistible!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Bold Flavors: The perfect blend of bacon, seasoned beef, and tangy pickles delivers authentic cheeseburger taste without the bun.
  • Low Carb-Friendly: Swapping out the bread for a creamy casserole keeps the carbs low, perfect for keto or low-carb diets.
  • Simple Prep: Minimal ingredients and one-baking-dish ease make this a fuss-free comfort meal.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: It’s hearty and cheesy—something everyone will rave about at your table.
Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole, keto cheeseburger casserole, low carb beef casserole, bacon cheeseburger skillet, keto burger bake - A clear glass rectangular baking dish on a white marbled surface contains a layered casserole. The bottom layer is made of dark brown cooked ground meat. On top of that are pieces of cooked green vegetables and small chunks of dark red meat. The top layer is sprinkled with shredded bright orange cheese, covering the surface unevenly. A blue and white striped cloth is partly visible around the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is a star that plays off the others beautifully — from crispy bacon to creamy cheese, with just the right punch from pickles and spices. Here’s a quick rundown on why each one is key, plus tips to help you shop smart.

Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole, keto cheeseburger casserole, low carb beef casserole, bacon cheeseburger skillet, keto burger bake - Flat lay of roughly chopped raw bacon strips, a mound of fresh raw ground beef, a small heap of coarse salt and black peppercorns, peeled whole garlic cloves, half of a freshly chopped white onion, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of rich red ketchup, a small white ceramic bowl of dark Worcestershire sauce, six green dill pickle slices arranged neatly, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick heavy whipping cream, a small pile of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Bacon: Adds smoky crunch and that unmistakable savory bacon flavor that elevates the casserole.
  • Ground Beef: Use a good quality, preferably 80/20 for juiciness; it’s the meaty base that makes the dish filling.
  • Seasoning Salt & Garlic Powder: Simple seasonings that bring out the beef’s flavor without overpowering.
  • Onion & Garlic: These aromatics freshen the overall taste and add a subtle sweetness.
  • Cream Cheese: It makes the casserole silky and creamy, blending everything together.
  • No Sugar Added Ketchup: Keeps the carb count low but still gives you that classic ketchup tang.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami depth to the meat mixture—a small amount goes a long way.
  • Dill Pickle Chips: Essential for that mild tang and crunch that truly emulate a cheeseburger.
  • Eggs & Heavy Cream: Bind everything together and keep the casserole rich and moist.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and complements the savory notes perfectly.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the reasons I adore the Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is how flexible it is—you can easily make it your own. I like to add my little twists depending on the mood or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to experiment! Here are some of my favorite personal tweaks.

  • Extra Veggies: Sometimes I toss in diced bell peppers or mushrooms sautéed with the onions for a veggie boost without sacrificing flavor.
  • Spicier Kick: Adding a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce to the beef mixture gives it a surprising but welcome heat.
  • Cheese Variations: Mixing in Monterey Jack or mozzarella with the cheddar adds a creamier melt and different flavor notes.
  • Pickle Preference: If you like a stronger pickle punch, use sliced dill spear pickles instead of chips—it’s totally up to you!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Crispy Bacon First

Start by cooking your bacon until it’s nice and crispy—this sets the stage for amazing texture in your casserole. I usually do this in a skillet over medium heat, turning often to avoid burning. Once done, transfer it to a paper towel to drain excess grease, then roughly chop it. Don’t skip this—crispy bacon bits scattered on top make all the difference!

Step 2: Season and Brown the Ground Beef

Next, toss your ground beef into the skillet. Sprinkle seasoning salt, garlic powder, plus a little salt and pepper evenly over the meat. Add the chopped onion and garlic right in, then start breaking up the meat with your spatula. Cook until it’s fully browned with no pink left, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Draining the excess fat at this point is important to avoid a greasy casserole.

Step 3: Creamy Sauce Magic

While your beef mixture is still hot, stir in the cream cheese, no-sugar-added ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce directly in the skillet. The cream cheese will melt into a smooth, luscious sauce that clings to every crumbled piece of beef—this is where the casserole gets its comforting creaminess. Stir continuously until everything is combined and heated through.

Step 4: Build Your Casserole Layer by Layer

Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now sprinkle the chopped bacon and sliced pickles on top—that crunch and tang are what set this recipe apart. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, then pour this custard over the beef and bacon layers. Finally, top the casserole with the remaining cheese for a golden, bubbly crust.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy

Pop the casserole into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and the custard is gently set. Let it cool for a few minutes so everything firms up a bit before serving. This little wait makes slicing easier and helps the flavors meld beautifully.

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Pro Tips for Making Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Draining: Always drain excess fat after browning your ground beef to prevent greasy casserole.
  • Room Temp Eggs: Let your eggs come to room temperature before mixing them with cream to avoid curdling during baking.
  • Chop Pickles Evenly: Slice pickles thinly and evenly for a balanced tang in every bite without overwhelming the dish.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole cool for at least 5 minutes to firm up and make serving easier.

How to Serve Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole, keto cheeseburger casserole, low carb beef casserole, bacon cheeseburger skillet, keto burger bake - The dish is a baked casserole inside a clear glass rectangular dish placed on a woven mat. It has a thick top layer of melted orange and white cheese, with some browned spots indicating it was baked until golden. Below the cheese, bits of cooked ground meat and some green jalapeño slices peek through, showing a mixed texture of gooey cheese and tender meat. The overall top layer is uneven with small pockets and clusters of cheese and meat, giving a hearty and rich look. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish mine with a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions or chives—adds a subtle pop of color and fresh oniony crunch that brightens the rich casserole. Sometimes a dollop of sugar-free ketchup or a little mustard on the side makes it even more like an actual cheeseburger experience!

Side Dishes

This casserole shines as a one-dish meal but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon juice, or some roasted asparagus for extra veggies. If you want a little crunch, I love serving it with keto-friendly pork rinds or crunchy veggie sticks.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served individual portions in small ramekins and broiled the cheese top for an extra bubbly finish. It’s fun for guests and a bit fancy without extra effort. Sometimes I add a layer of sliced tomatoes or avocado on top at serving for a fresh, colorful twist that also balances the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and have found the casserole holds up well for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had extra time to meld. Just warm single servings gently in the microwave or stovetop.

Freezing

This Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe also freezes nicely. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers before baking or after it’s cooled, and it keeps well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F to avoid drying out, ideally covered with foil. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the texture is best preserved when warmed in the oven or on the stovetop over low heat.

FAQs

  1. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef in this Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe?

    Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind they are milder in flavor than beef, so you might want to boost seasoning slightly or add a bit more Worcestershire sauce to keep that rich, savory taste.

  2. What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?

    If you don’t have cream cheese, full-fat sour cream or mascarpone can work in a pinch. They’ll also add creaminess and tang to the dish, though the texture might be a bit different.

  3. Is this recipe suitable for keto diets?

    Yes! This Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is designed to be low in carbs, making it perfect for keto. Just make sure to use sugar-free ketchup and watch portion sizes.

  4. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

    Definitely! You can add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach sautéed in with the onions to sneak in more veggies without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes when I want something comforting, flavorful, and satisfying without the carb overload. It’s like everything you love about a cheeseburger wrapped up in a creamy casserole. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking for family, this recipe delivers every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how simple it is to whip up a hearty, low-carb meal that everyone raves about!

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Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 74 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Carb
Print Recipe

Description

This Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish combining savory ground beef, crispy bacon, pickles, and rich cheese in a creamy custard base. Perfect for those following a low-carb lifestyle, this casserole satisfies burger cravings without the bun, baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Meat and Seasonings

  • 1/2 pound bacon, roughly chopped
  • 1 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 6 dill pickle chips, sliced

Dairy and Sauces

  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons no sugar added ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Cook bacon: Cook the bacon according to the package instructions until crispy. Once cooked, roughly chop and set aside for later use.
  3. Cook ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and season with seasoning salt, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Brown the meat thoroughly by breaking it up and crumbling it as it cooks.
  4. Drain and reheat beef: Drain excess grease from the browned meat and return it to the skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Add cream cheese mixture: Stir in the cream cheese, no sugar added ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. Cook and mix until fully combined and heated through.
  6. Assemble casserole base: Remove the beef mixture from heat and spread it evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Add bacon and pickles: Sprinkle the chopped bacon and sliced dill pickle chips evenly over the beef layer.
  8. Prepare custard topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
  9. Pour custard and cheese: Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the beef, bacon, and pickles. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  10. Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  11. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
  • You can substitute cheddar cheese with a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a creamier texture.
  • If you prefer, use turkey bacon as a lower-fat alternative to regular bacon.
  • Make sure to drain the ground beef well to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
  • To save time, cook bacon and brown ground beef the night before; assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg

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