Craving a cheeseburger but want to keep it low-carb? This Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect solution! Packed with all the delicious flavors of a bacon cheeseburger without the bun, this casserole is both satisfying and keto-friendly. Itโs a fantastic dish for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Ready to indulge in a guilt-free, flavorful meal? Letโs dive into the recipe.
What is a Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole?
A Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole combines the savory flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger into a convenient, hearty casserole. It features layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a creamy egg mixture, all baked to perfection. This dish offers the taste you love while keeping carbs to a minimum, making it ideal for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Ingredients List for Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
To make this delicious Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole, youโll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ยฝ cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- ยผ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- ยฝ cup dill pickles, chopped (optional)
- ยฝ cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- ยฝ cup shredded lettuce (optional, for serving)
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some substitutions and variations to consider for your Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole:
- Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken as a lower-fat alternative to ground beef.
- Cheese: Swap cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or your favorite cheese blend.
- Cream: Use half-and-half or coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a different flavor.
- Add-ins: Include chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeรฑos for added flavor and texture.
- Toppings: Garnish with avocado slices, sour cream, or hot sauce for extra flair.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
How to Cook Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In the same skillet, remove excess bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the ground beef.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried parsley (if using).
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the beef, bacon, and cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the casserole into portions and serve warm.
- If desired, top with chopped dill pickles, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining the Beef:
- Make sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Overcooking the Eggs:
- Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes to avoid overcooking, which can cause the eggs to become rubbery.
- Skipping the Seasonings:
- Donโt skimp on the seasonings. Mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and spices are essential for achieving that classic cheeseburger flavor.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
- Hot: Serve the casserole hot out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.
- With Toppings: Garnish with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and chopped pickles for added freshness and crunch.
- As a Meal: Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
Presentation Ideas for Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
- Individual Portions: Slice the casserole into neat squares and serve on individual plates with a side of your favorite low-carb sauce.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
- Layered Presentation: Serve in a clear glass dish to showcase the layers of beef, bacon, and cheese.
Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe Tips
- Prep Ahead: Cook the ground beef and bacon ahead of time, and assemble the casserole just before baking for a quick and easy meal.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the beef mixture before baking and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
- Double the Recipe: For larger families or meal prep, double the recipe and bake in two separate dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
A: Yes, pre-cooked bacon can be used to save time. Simply crumble it and add it to the casserole as directed.
Conclusion
This Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger to your table without the carbs. Itโs perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet, or anyone looking for a comforting, satisfying meal. Follow this recipe to create a mouthwatering casserole that will become a family favorite. Enjoy your guilt-free, flavorful meal!
PrintLow-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Savor the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in this Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole. Perfect for keto and low-carb diets, this casserole is easy to prepare and delicious. Keywords: Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole, keto cheeseburger casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- ยฝ cup heavy cream
- ยฝ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ยผ cup pickles, chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- Spread cooked beef mixture evenly in a greased 9x9 inch baking dish. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, mayonnaise, mustard, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the beef and bacon.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the top is set and golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped pickles and parsley if desired.
Notes
- For an extra flavor boost, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the egg mixture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
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