Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

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It’s hard to beat the flavor of a juicy bacon cheeseburger—but imagine capturing all of that satisfaction in a warm, comforting casserole that skips the bun and the carbs. That’s exactly what I’ve done with this Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole. I first made this when I was craving something hearty yet keto-friendly, and it instantly became a favorite. The layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, savory bacon, and a creamy sauce hit all the right notes for a filling meal that doesn’t weigh you down.

Whether you’re sticking to a low-carb lifestyle or simply want a cozy weeknight dinner that comes together without fuss, this casserole fits the bill. It’s endlessly adaptable, family-approved, and reheats beautifully—making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers the next day.

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Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

This casserole delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—savory beef, crispy bacon, rich cheese, and a hint of tang from the creamy layer—without the bread. It’s indulgent without being heavy, and perfect for those following keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder that saves you time and cleanup.

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What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use?

For this casserole, I recommend using 80/20 ground beef—that is, 80% lean and 20% fat. The fat content keeps the meat juicy and flavorful, which is important since it’s the main component. If you prefer something leaner, you can go with 90/10, but be prepared to add a bit more seasoning or a splash of cream to avoid dryness. Always drain the excess fat after browning to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.

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Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re missing an ingredient or catering to dietary needs, there’s room to play with this recipe:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: A leaner alternative that still works well with the creamy sauce and cheese, though the flavor will be slightly lighter.
• Dairy-Free Cheese: For those who are lactose intolerant, go with your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese.
• Turkey Bacon: A lighter substitute for pork bacon, just be sure to cook it until crisp to keep the texture contrast.
• Heavy Cream Swap: If you want something lighter, use half-and-half or even a mix of cream cheese and almond milk.
• Add Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, onions, or chopped pickles can be folded into the meat mixture for extra flavor and volume without upping the carbs.

These swaps allow the dish to stay low carb while adjusting to personal preferences or pantry availability.

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Ingredients for This Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Each ingredient in this dish serves a purpose to build that iconic cheeseburger flavor profile—minus the bun.

• Ground Beef
  This is the heart of the casserole, offering savory, rich flavor and hearty texture.
• Bacon
  Adds a smoky, crispy finish that makes every bite feel indulgent and satisfying.
• Cheddar Cheese
  Melted sharp cheddar creates that classic cheeseburger taste and gives the casserole its gooey, golden topping.
• Cream Cheese
  Blended into the sauce for a rich, tangy element that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
• Heavy Cream
  Helps create the luscious, creamy texture that holds the casserole together and gives it body.
• Eggs
  Acts as a binder, helping set the creamy layer and giving the casserole its firm, sliceable structure.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder
  Simple but essential for seasoning the beef and boosting the savory depth.
• Salt & Black Pepper
  Balances and enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.

These ingredients come together in perfect harmony to recreate the experience of a cheeseburger in a spoonable, cozy casserole form.

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Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by slicing your bacon into bite-sized pieces and cooking them in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and set it aside. Don’t discard all the bacon fat—just enough to leave a little flavor in the pan.

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Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same skillet, add your ground beef. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain the excess fat, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavor.

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Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and eggs until smooth. This creamy base will hold everything together and give the casserole its rich, custard-like layer.

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Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In a greased baking dish, layer the cooked ground beef evenly along the bottom. Pour the cream mixture over the beef, making sure it spreads across the entire dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces on top.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and bubbling. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the layers can firm up.

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How Long to Cook the Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Once assembled, bake the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is fully melted and slightly browned, and the egg-based cream layer is set in the middle. If you insert a knife and it comes out mostly clean (not runny), it’s done. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set up perfectly for slicing.

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Tips for Perfect Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

• Drain the Beef Well: After browning, remove as much grease as possible to keep the casserole from becoming overly oily.
• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This ensures the cream mixture blends smoothly without lumps.
• Layer Smartly: Spread the meat mixture flat and evenly distribute the creamy layer—this helps the dish bake uniformly.
• Crisp the Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s just shy of crunchy. It will finish crisping in the oven without becoming overly dry.
• Let It Rest: Don’t skip the rest period after baking. It helps the casserole hold its shape when sliced and makes for a cleaner serving.
• Add Pickles for a Twist: Chopped dill pickles mixed into the beef layer add a burst of brightness and even more cheeseburger vibes.

These little details make a big difference between a good casserole and one you’ll be craving again tomorrow.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even with a simple dish like this, a few missteps can throw things off. Here’s what to avoid:

• Using cold cream cheese: It won’t blend smoothly and will leave clumps in your sauce.
• Not draining the beef: Skipping this step leads to a greasy, soggy bottom layer.
• Overcooking: If the casserole stays in the oven too long, it can dry out or cause the eggs to curdle.
• Skipping seasoning: Ground beef needs proper seasoning; otherwise, the dish can taste bland.
• Undercooking bacon: If it’s too soft going in, it’ll stay chewy rather than crisp up in the oven.
• Pouring the cream layer unevenly: Uneven distribution makes for inconsistent texture throughout the casserole.

Avoid these and you’re golden!

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What to Serve With Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole?

Simple Green Salad

A light salad with romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.

Pickle Spears or Relish

Pickles pair perfectly with cheeseburgers—why not here too? Their acidity cuts through the richness beautifully.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli with garlic and olive oil is a crisp and healthy counterbalance.

Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Earthy and savory mushrooms cooked in garlic butter add an umami boost.

Sautéed Spinach

A quick sauté of spinach with a hint of lemon makes for a nutritious, low-carb side.

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

If you’re doubling down on comfort food, this cheesy cauliflower side fits right in.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

Bright and juicy, this chilled salad refreshes the palate and adds a fresh crunch.

Deviled Eggs

They’re not just for parties—deviled eggs work surprisingly well with the savory notes of the casserole.

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Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is how well it stores. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
• Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, or reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes.

Make sure the casserole is completely cooled before sealing it up to prevent condensation and sogginess.

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Estimated Nutrition

Please note that nutritional content will vary depending on exact ingredients and portion size, but here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings total):

• Calories: 460
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Net Carbs: 4g

This casserole is rich in protein and fat while keeping carbs very low, making it ideal for keto or low-carb diets.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. You may need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

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Can I use pre-cooked bacon?

Absolutely. Pre-cooked bacon can save time. Just chop it up and sprinkle it on top before baking. Make sure it’s crisp to avoid sogginess.

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Is this casserole keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s very keto-friendly. With high fat, moderate protein, and very low carbs, it’s a great fit for a ketogenic lifestyle.

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Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely. While sharp cheddar is classic, you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.

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What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

The oven is ideal for maintaining texture. Reheat at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes. The microwave works too—just be sure not to overheat to avoid rubbery eggs.

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How can I make this spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or substitute some of the cheddar with pepper jack cheese.

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Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, though it changes the flavor. Use dairy-free cheese, almond or coconut cream, and skip the cream cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

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Is it kid-friendly?

Very much so! The familiar cheeseburger flavors usually appeal to kids, especially with the gooey cheese and crispy bacon.

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Conclusion

This Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole brings together comfort, flavor, and simplicity in one baking dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that suits a variety of dietary needs, stores like a dream, and tastes even better the next day. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a family, or just indulging your cheeseburger cravings without the bun, this dish has you covered. Now let’s get to the printable version so you can keep it on hand!

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