Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole (Printable)
Enjoy classic bacon cheeseburger flavors in a hearty baked dish, ideal for keto and low-carb lifestyles.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef, 85% lean recommended
02 - 6 slices bacon, chopped
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 small onion, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup diced tomatoes, fresh or drained canned
06 - 1 cup chopped dill pickles
→ Dairy
07 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
08 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
09 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
→ Condiments & Spices
10 - 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
11 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
12 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels, reserving 1-2 tablespoons bacon drippings in the skillet.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet with reserved bacon fat. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up meat with a spatula, until browned throughout, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Add diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent and fragrant.
05 - Stir in diced tomatoes, chopped pickles, sugar-free ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then remove from heat.
06 - In a medium bowl, whisk softened cream cheese and heavy cream together until completely smooth and no lumps remain.
07 - Spread beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour cream cheese mixture over the top and gently swirl with a spatula to distribute.
08 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, then top with cooked bacon pieces.
09 - Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and beginning to turn golden brown around the edges.
10 - Remove from oven and let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set for cleaner portions. Garnish with sliced green onions or additional pickles if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Everything you love about a bacon cheeseburger without the post-meal carb coma
- The cream cheese swirl creates this incredible velvety texture that keeps everyone guessing
02 -
- I learned the hard way that draining the pickles prevents a watery bottom layer
- Room temperature cream cheese incorporates much more smoothly into the cream
03 -
- Swapping half the cheddar for pepper jack adds a nice kick
- A splash of hot sauce in the meat mixture mimics drive-thru flavor