Few dishes capture the indulgent flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger while keeping things light and low-carb like this Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole. Packed with hearty ground beef, crispy bacon, rich cheese, and a creamy egg base, this dish has all the savory goodness you crave—without the carbs from a traditional bun.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or meal prep, this casserole is easy to make and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply looking for a hearty, guilt-free comfort food, this recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bacon cheeseburger casserole hits all the right notes:
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: It’s high in protein, loaded with healthy fats, and keeps carbs to a minimum.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s ready to serve in under an hour.
- Family-Approved: Everyone, keto or not, will love the rich, cheesy, bacon-filled flavors.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and seasonings to make it your own.
Ingredients
To make this Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole, you’ll need:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pound cooked bacon, cut into pieces
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 12 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
Begin by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat or bake it in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then crumble or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the minced garlic and onion powder. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This creamy mixture serves as the binding agent for the casserole.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of butter.
Spread the cooked ground beef evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar cheese over the beef, then layer the crumbled bacon on top. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire dish, ensuring it seeps into all the layers.
Top with the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese to create a golden, bubbly crust.
5. Bake the Casserole
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. You’ll know it’s done when the center no longer jiggles, and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to let the layers settle. Slice into portions and serve warm.
Optional toppings like chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of sugar-free ketchup and mustard can add an extra burst of cheeseburger flavor.
Tips for Success
- Drain the Beef Well: Removing excess grease from the ground beef helps the casserole stay light and prevents it from becoming overly oily.
- Let It Cool Before Serving: Resting the casserole for a few minutes after baking helps it hold together better when sliced.
- Customize the Cheese: While Cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a smoked variety.
- Use Quality Meat: High-quality ground beef and bacon make a big difference in flavor. Grass-fed beef and nitrate-free bacon are excellent options.
Customizations and Variations
This casserole is incredibly versatile, so feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste:
- Add Veggies: Incorporate sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for some heat.
- Barbecue Twist: Drizzle sugar-free barbecue sauce over the beef layer before adding the cheese for a smoky, tangy variation.
- Pizza-Inspired: Add pepperoni slices and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a pizza-flavored casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a meal on its own, but you can pair it with a variety of low-carb sides to round out your plate:
- Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a crisp, refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts are great low-carb options.
- Zoodles: Serve with zucchini noodles for a satisfying, pasta-like side.
Storing and Reheating
This casserole is perfect for leftovers and meal prep:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole delivers everything you love about a cheeseburger—savory beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and creamy richness—without the bun or carbs. It’s filling, satisfying, and perfectly aligned with keto and low-carb dietary goals.
This dish is also easy to prepare and versatile enough to fit any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or sharing it at a potluck, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for anyone craving indulgent flavors while staying on track with their dietary goals. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with the classic bacon cheeseburger taste you love, all in a low-carb package.
Try this recipe today and see for yourself why it’s a favorite among keto and low-carb eaters. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how delicious every bite is.
Bon appétit and happy cooking!
