This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty, flavorful twist on a classic comfort food, with zero guilt. Layers of savory ground beef, melty cheese, and tangy pickles come together in a rich, creamy base that’s both satisfying and low-carb.
In just 10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of baking, you’ll have a dish that’s crispy on top and irresistibly gooey inside. Every bite delivers bold flavors—umami-rich beef, zesty mustard, and a hint of smokiness—making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients for Keto Cheeseburger Casserole
- 1 ¼ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works best for flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (or substitute with ¼ cup finely diced fresh onion)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce (or regular Worcestershire if not gluten-sensitive)
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened (for easier mixing)
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (sharp cheddar recommended for bold flavor)
- ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (plus extra for garnish, if desired)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped, divided (turkey bacon works as a lighter option)
- Optional garnishes: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, dill pickle slices
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 1 to 1 ½-quart casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking the beef into small chunks, until no longer pink (about 6-8 minutes).
- Add flavor: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and cream cheese until fully melted and combined. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle half of the chopped bacon over the beef. Pour the egg mixture on top, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Top with the remaining bacon, pickles, tomatoes, and lettuce, if desired. Serve warm with extra mustard or keto-friendly ketchup on the side.
Toppings and Sauces to Elevate Your Casserole
Take your Keto Cheeseburger Casserole to the next level with creative toppings and sauces! Try adding a dollop of sugar-free ketchup or a drizzle of spicy mayo (mix mayo with a dash of hot sauce). For a fresh crunch, sprinkle on shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or extra pickle slices. If you’re feeling adventurous, a spoonful of guacamole or a sprinkle of jalapeños can add a fun twist!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Your Casserole
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve it with a crisp side salad dressed in olive oil and lemon juice, or try roasted cauliflower for a low-carb option. If you’re craving something warm, a bowl of keto-friendly soup or steamed broccoli makes a great companion. Don’t forget a refreshing glass of sparkling water with lime to balance the richness!
Storing and Reheating for Maximum Freshness
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. For best results, add a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of cheese before reheating to keep it moist and flavorful.
Quick Tips to Save Time in the Kitchen
To streamline prep, cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder to skip chopping. If you’re in a rush, swap the fresh onion powder for onion flakes—they dissolve quickly while cooking. For an even faster meal, double the recipe and freeze half for later!
Customize Your Casserole: Recipe Variations
Make this recipe your own with easy swaps! Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies. If you’re dairy-free, use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese instead of cheddar. For a spicy kick, mix in chopped green chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper!
Keto Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ pounds ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon gluten free Worcestershire sauce
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard plus more to garnish
- 4 slices cooked bacon chopped, divided
- Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, dill pickle slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 1 to 1 ½-quart casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook the ground beef, breaking it into chunks as it cooks.
- When the beef is no longer pink, add the Worcestershire sauce and cream cheese, stirring until it’s melted and well combined. Remove from heat.
- In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, 1 cup shredded cheese, heavy cream, and mustard. Whisk well.
- Spread cooked beef mixture onto the bottom of the prepared dish. Top with half of the bacon pieces.
- Pour the egg mixture over the beef and bacon. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 15-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with sliced pickles, ketchup, and mustard as desired, then serve warm.