This Easy Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty meal that brings together delicious flavors without the carbs! With juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, it’s a winner!
Making this dish is a breeze! Just mix everything together, bake, and enjoy a tasty meal that feels like a hug. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day—if there are any left! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken can work as substitutes, though they may change the taste and texture a bit.
Bacon: Bacon adds a crunchy texture and smokiness to the dish. You can swap it for turkey bacon if you want a lower-fat alternative or even omit it entirely if you’re avoiding pork.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice punch of flavor. If you want to mix things up, feel free to use mozzarella or pepper jack for something extra spicy!
Cream Cheese: This ingredient makes the casserole creamy and rich. For a dairy-free alternative, try using a cashew cream or a dairy-free cream cheese.
Pickles: While optional, they add a nice crunch and tanginess. If you’re not a fan, consider substituting with sliced jalapeños or olives for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Cook the Beef Perfectly in a Casserole?
Cooking the beef properly is crucial for the best texture and flavor in your casserole. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a medium-high heat to quickly brown the beef while avoiding it from stewing in its juices.
- Use a spatula to break it up into crumbles as it cooks. This ensures it cooks evenly.
- Make sure to drain excess fat to prevent the casserole from being too greasy. A few paper towels will help soak up the extra fat.
- A little seasoning during cooking can elevate the flavor. I like adding a pinch of salt while browning the beef.
Following these steps will give you perfectly browned beef that adds great flavor to your casserole!
Easy Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- 1/2 cup pickles, chopped (for garnish or inside)
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty casserole is quick to prepare! You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep time and then 25-30 minutes of baking. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes before you can dig into your delicious low-carb meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking!
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, remove the bacon pieces and let them drain on a paper towel. Keep that tasty bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté it in the bacon grease until it’s translucent, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, toss in the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. If there’s too much fat, drain the excess to keep the casserole from being greasy.
5. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, crispy bacon, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, eggs, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s creamy and evenly combined.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the mixture. This will add that gooey, cheesy goodness that everyone loves!
8. Bake It Up:
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This gives it a chance to set up a bit.
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish with chopped pickles and green onions if you like, then serve warm. Enjoy your delicious low-carb bacon cheeseburger casserole!
This dish is not only easy to make but also satisfies all your cheeseburger cravings while keeping it low-carb. Yum!
FAQ for Easy Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great low-fat alternative to beef and works well in this casserole. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, so you may want to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use cashew cream or a plant-based cream cheese alternative. If you prefer a lighter version, Greek yogurt can also work well, though it may change the texture slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can This Casserole Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
