Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Cooking has always held a special place in my heart, especially when it comes to creating meals that unite friends and family around the dining table. Each dish tells a story, and the Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is no exception. This hearty dish transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal that captures the essence of a classic cheeseburger, minus the carbs.

The first time I made this casserole, I craved a traditional cheeseburger but also wanted something that fit more into my low-carb lifestyle. I decided to combine the flavors and textures of a cheeseburger into one delightful dish the whole family could enjoy. The rich flavors of ground beef and crispy bacon mingle perfectly, while the creamy cheese and eggs create a satisfying texture.

What makes this recipe shine is its simplicity. By using just a handful of ingredients, anyone can prepare this delicious casserole with ease. From busy weeknights to special gatherings, this recipe offers a comfort food experience that’s hard to resist. With every bite, you’ll find yourself savoring the rich flavors and enjoying the company of those around you, bringing everyone closer together.

Let’s dive into how this savory, low-carb dish comes together.

Understanding Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Fundamentals

This casserole hits all the right notes of a classic cheeseburger without the added carbohydrates from buns. It combines cooked ground beef and crumbled bacon as the base, then layers in creamy cheeses and a fluffy egg mixture that binds it all together. The key flavors come from seasoned ground beef and crispy bacon, perfectly blended into an irresistible cheesy layer.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its preparation. It requires minimal cooking time with maximum flavor pay-off. Perfect for dinner parties or simply satisfying your cheesy cravings, this dish won’t disappoint. You’ll love how the aromatic spices enhance the overall flavor profile, making it a delightful addition to any meal rotation.

Preparation/setup

Before diving into the cooking process, gather all the necessary ingredients. You’ll need ground beef, bacon, onion, garlic, eggs, heavy cream, and an assortment of cheeses. Having everything prepped will make the assembly process smooth and stress-free.

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prepare for layering. This simple step ensures that your casserole comes out easily and maintains a pleasing presentation. Once everything is prepped, follow the cooking instructions carefully, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying this delicious dish in no time.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 2 tbsp cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup (optional)
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped pickles (optional topping)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef: Drain most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tbsp. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and onion is soft. Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix in Cream Cheese: Lower heat and stir in softened cream cheese until melted into the beef mixture. Add crumbled bacon back in. Spread this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, mustard, and ketchup (if using). Stir in half the cheddar and half the mozzarella.
5. Assemble: Pour the egg mixture over the beef layer in the baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses.
6. Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
7. Serve: Let cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with pickles or parsley if desired.

Elevating Your Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Technique

The technique employed in this dish is straightforward and allows for flexibility. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, you’ll appreciate the simplicity of this recipe. Make sure to cook the beef until it’s nicely browned to bring out its flavor.

Mixing the cream cheese properly into the crumbled meat ensures every bite has that rich, creamy taste that complements the other ingredients. Layering is essential too. Ensure that the beef mixture is evenly spread in the dish so that the egg mixture holds it all together uniformly.

Tips/tricks

A few tricks can help elevate this casserole to the next level. Consider adding other spices or herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning to personalize the flavors.

If you enjoy a hint of heat, a little cayenne pepper can provide an extra kick that complements the richness of the dish. For those wanting a crunchier top layer, broil the casserole for the last few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning!

Another advantage to this recipe lies in the options for cheese. Mixing different types of cheddar or replacing mozzarella with a spicy pepper jack can dramatically change the overall flavor, catering to various palates.

Perfecting Your Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Perfecting results

Achieving the perfect texture and taste relies on attention to detail. The ground beef should be cooked thoroughly but not overdone, as this can result in a dry texture. Season the beef well before adding the other ingredients to ensure a well-rounded flavor profile.

The egg mixture is critical in binding everything together. Whisk the eggs and heavy cream thoroughly to achieve a light and fluffy consistency. This will enhance the overall texture of the casserole. Allowing the casserole to cool slightly before slicing also helps it hold its shape, making for neater portions.

Troubleshooting/variations

Keeping an eye on cooking times is essential to avoid potential mishaps. If your casserole isn’t setting up as expected, check the temperature of your oven. Ovens can vary, so adjusting the time by a few minutes might be necessary.

You can easily alter the dish to suit your dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, substitute cream and cheese with cashew cream and your preferred dairy-free cheese. This flexibility allows for customization without sacrificing flavor.

If you prefer a more substantial meal, consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini into the beef mixture for added nutrients.

Serving Your Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Serving/presentation

Presentation plays a crucial role in cooking, and serving this casserole can be an enjoyable experience. Slice the casserole into squares and plate them alongside fresh pickles or a simple salad to enhance the meal.

To add a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. This adds visual appeal and enhances the overall flavor profile by introducing a fresh herbal note.

Pairings/storage

Storing leftovers is easy and practical. Keep any unused casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to three days, making it perfect for quick meals throughout the week.

Pair your casserole with a traditional side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Avoid heavy, carb-loaded sides to maintain the dish’s low-carb integrity. This balance helps in creating a meal that feels indulgent yet aligns with your dietary preferences.

The Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole unites rich flavors and comforting textures in a sleek, easy-to-make dish. It brings the joy of a cheeseburger into a casserole form, perfect for satisfying cravings while adhering to low-carb lifestyles. Embrace the deliciousness that comes from simple ingredients and delightful preparation. Enjoy every bite, knowing that you’ve created a dish that nourishes both the body and the spirit of connection at the table.

Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

---

• Author: emma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low-Carb

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A hearty casserole that captures the essence of a cheeseburger with low-carb ingredients, perfect for any meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 2 tbsp cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup (optional)
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped pickles (optional topping)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

---

Instructions

1. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside.
2. Drain most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tbsp. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and onion is soft. Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Lower heat and stir in softened cream cheese until melted into the beef mixture. Add crumbled bacon back in. Spread this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, mustard, and ketchup (if using). Stir in half the cheddar and half the mozzarella.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the beef layer in the baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses.
6. Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
7. Let cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with pickles or parsley if desired.

Notes

For a crunchier top layer, broil the casserole for the last few minutes of baking, keeping an eye to prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 300mg

Keywords: casserole, low-carb, bacon, cheeseburger, dinner