This Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that packs all the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger, without the carbs. Juicy ground beef, smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and tangy condiments come together in a layered bake that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s a one-dish wonder that keeps cleanup simple while delivering big on taste.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can spice it up with jalapeños, add a layer of sautéed mushrooms, or sprinkle on extra cheese for even more indulgence. Serve it with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or even a dollop of guacamole for a fresh twist. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or just want a satisfying, protein-packed dinner, this casserole will become a regular in your meal rotation.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
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1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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4 large eggs
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
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2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
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1 tbsp yellow mustard
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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2 tbsp chopped pickles (optional garnish)
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside on paper towels.
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Discard most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
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Add ground beef and garlic to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
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Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, sugar-free ketchup, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
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Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese over the top.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and cream cheese until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef layer.
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Top with remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle with cooked bacon pieces.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is set and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped pickles and fresh parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole – A Comfort Food Classic Without the Guilt
If you’ve ever craved the indulgent flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger but wished you could skip the carbs, this Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is the answer. It’s a warm, cheesy, savory dish that combines all the burger goodness you love, smoky bacon, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and tangy condiments, into one hearty, low-carb meal you can feel good about eating. Whether you’re on a ketogenic diet, watching your carb intake, or just looking for a satisfying dinner that feeds the whole family, this casserole checks all the boxes.
This recipe is more than just a quick weeknight dinner. It’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s equally at home at potlucks, family gatherings, and meal prep menus. With simple, budget-friendly ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a great way to turn everyday staples into something special. The best part? It’s a one-dish wonder, which means fewer dishes to wash after dinner, a win for busy home cooks everywhere.
Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
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Low in carbs, high in flavor – By skipping the bun and replacing it with a creamy egg-and-cheese base, you get all the flavor of a cheeseburger without the blood sugar spike.
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Perfect for meal prep – This casserole reheats beautifully, making it ideal for cooking ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
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Family-friendly – Even picky eaters love the cheesy, beefy layers. Serve it with a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
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Customizable – Swap cheeses, add extra veggies, or spice it up to fit your preferences.
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One-pan convenience – From stovetop to oven, everything comes together in a single baking dish.
Ingredients and Substitutions
One of the beauties of this dish is its adaptability. While the base recipe calls for ground beef, cheddar cheese, and bacon, you can easily make adjustments to suit your taste or dietary needs.
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Ground Beef – Opt for 80/20 for maximum flavor and juiciness. You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a leaner version.
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Bacon – Thick-cut bacon delivers the best smoky flavor, but turkey bacon works for a lighter option.
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Cheese – Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack will bring different flavor profiles.
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Eggs & Cream – These give the casserole its custard-like structure. Heavy cream makes it richer, but half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk can work for a lighter dish.
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Seasonings – Smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and mustard add depth. You can also mix in chili powder or cayenne for a spicy kick.
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Toppings – Chopped pickles, fresh parsley, or even diced tomatoes add freshness and a pop of color.
How This Casserole Fits Into a Low-Carb Lifestyle
When you’re cutting carbs, finding comfort foods that satisfy without derailing your goals can be tricky. This casserole is a prime example of how you can enjoy classic flavors in a healthier way.
By omitting the bun and adding an egg-and-cream custard, you turn the cheeseburger into a keto-friendly baked dish that’s rich in protein and fat, keeping you fuller for longer. Pair it with low-carb sides like cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, or a crisp salad for a balanced plate.
Plus, because it’s high in protein and moderate in fat, it helps maintain steady energy levels without the mid-afternoon crash that often follows high-carb meals.
Tips for the Best Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
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Drain excess grease – This keeps the casserole from becoming oily.
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Use room temperature cream cheese – It blends more smoothly into the egg mixture.
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Layer cheese strategically – Adding some cheese between the beef and the egg mixture ensures every bite is cheesy.
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Rest before slicing – Giving the casserole 5–10 minutes to cool helps it set, making cleaner slices.
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Don’t skip the toppings – Fresh parsley, chopped pickles, or even a drizzle of sugar-free ketchup elevates both flavor and presentation.
Serving Suggestions
While this casserole is filling on its own, you can create a full low-carb meal by pairing it with:
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Crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness
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Roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus
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Cauliflower rice for a comforting, grain-free side
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Zucchini fries for a fun twist on the burger-and-fries combo
If you’re cooking for carb lovers, you can also serve it with crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side, they’ll be happy, and you can stick to your low-carb plan.
Storage and Reheating
This dish stores exceptionally well, making it a great make-ahead meal:
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Wrap portions tightly in foil and place in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Variations to Try
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Bacon Cheeseburger Deluxe – Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and jalapeños.
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BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger – Swap ketchup for sugar-free BBQ sauce and top with crispy fried onions (low-carb version).
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Southwest Bacon Burger Bake – Use pepper jack cheese, diced green chiles, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
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Bacon Cheeseburger Breakfast Casserole – Add more eggs and serve with avocado slices for a hearty morning meal.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
Few recipes manage to strike the perfect balance between comfort and nutrition, but this one does just that. It has all the satisfaction of a hearty, cheesy casserole without the carb overload. It’s easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for company, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a repeat-worthy dish, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes part of your regular rotation because it’s just that good.
Conclusion
This Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is proof that you don’t have to give up your favorite flavors to eat healthier. By combining seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and rich cheese in a low-carb base, you get a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and completely guilt-free. Whether you’re following a ketogenic lifestyle, reducing carbs for health reasons, or just want a delicious family dinner, this casserole delivers.
It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. Pair it with your favorite low-carb sides, make it ahead for busy weeks, or dress it up for a weekend feast, the possibilities are endless. Once it’s on your table, it won’t just be a recipe, it will be a family tradition.