Craving the juicy, savory flavors of a bacon cheeseburger but sticking to a keto diet? Look no further than this Ultimate Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole!
Packed with ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, tangy pickles, and a creamy sauce with a hint of mustard and Worcestershire, this dish delivers all the satisfaction of a classic cheeseburger—without the carbs.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this casserole is quick, easy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re a keto veteran or just starting your low-carb journey, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Let’s dive into this delicious, guilt-free comfort food!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: No bun, no problem—this casserole is packed with flavor, not carbs.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering casserole. All ingredients are simple and easy to find:
Main Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1.5 pounds (80/20 blend for optimal flavor).
- Bacon: 6 slices, cooked and crumbled.
- Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar + ½ cup grated parmesan.
- Heavy cream: ½ cup for a rich, creamy sauce.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs to bind the casserole.
- Pickles: ½ cup diced dill pickles (plus extra for garnish if desired).
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect keto bacon cheeseburger casserole:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and the cheese gets perfectly melted.
2. Cook the Bacon
Place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Let it cool, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Brown the Ground Beef
In the same skillet (using the bacon grease for extra flavor), add the ground beef. Cook over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula as it browns. Once fully cooked (no pink remains), drain any excess grease.
4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This sauce will bind the casserole and add a rich, tangy flavor.
5. Assemble the Casserole
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, crumbled bacon, diced pickles, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil. Transfer the casserole mixture to the dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar and the grated parmesan evenly over the top of the casserole. If you’re a bacon lover, you can sprinkle more on top.
8. Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Let It Rest
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Nutritional Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the nutritional profile per serving:
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 470 kcal |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 36g |
| Net Carbs | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
This casserole is a fantastic source of protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and guilt-free meal for anyone on a keto or low-carb diet.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and hearty casserole pairs perfectly with lighter sides to balance the meal. Here are a few ideas:
- A simple side salad with ranch dressing.
- Steamed green beans or asparagus.
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist on a classic side.
For a fun touch, garnish with extra diced pickles or a drizzle of sugar-free ketchup or mustard.
Storing & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave at 50% power or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter option.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This casserole is naturally gluten-free.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to experiment with cheeses like pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda.
5. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Try adding diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
Why This Casserole is a Keto Must-Try
If you’ve been craving the iconic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger while sticking to your keto goals, this Ultimate Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is here to save the day. It’s loaded with all the savory, cheesy, and tangy goodness you love—just without the carbs. Quick, easy, and insanely delicious, it’s bound to become a regular on your dinner table.
So, what are you waiting for? Preheat the oven, gather your ingredients, and dive into a dish that proves flavor and health can go hand in hand.
We’d love to see how you make it your own—share your creations with us using #KetoCheeseburgerCasserole. Let’s make dinner fun, flavorful, and totally guilt-free!