This Easy Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a yummy twist on the classic burger. It’s packed with ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, all baked together in one pan!
You’ll love how simple it is to make! Just mix, bake, and enjoy. Perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty meal without all the carbs. Who’s ready for a cheesy burger feast? 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and moisture. You can use turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option.
Bacon: Bacon adds a great crunch! If you prefer turkey bacon for a leaner choice, that works too, but keep in mind it’s less crispy.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella create a creamy goodness. If you want to shake it up, try pepper jack for some spice or dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness. You can swap it with sour cream or full-fat coconut milk for a different flavor and texture.
Mayonnaise: It adds creaminess! Plain Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute that still keeps the texture nice.
How Do I Properly Cook Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Cooking ground beef right is key! Here’s how to do it well:
- Use a skillet over medium heat to prevent the beef from cooking too fast and drying out.
- Break the beef apart while cooking so it cooks evenly. Stir frequently.
- Cook until it’s fully browned, about 6-8 minutes, and make sure there’s no pink left.
- Drain any excess grease if necessary to keep the casserole from being too oily.
These steps will help ensure your casserole is juicy and flavorful.
What’s the Best Way to Layer My Casserole?
Layering makes a difference in how the flavors mix! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with the cooked beef mixture in the bottom of the dish for a solid base.
- Next, pour the egg mixture over the beef evenly to create a good bind.
- Finally, top with shredded cheese for that melty finish.
This layering technique is easy and helps each bite have balanced flavors.
Easy Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
- Pickles for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 10-15 minutes for prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, totaling around 40-45 minutes from start to finish. It’s simple and quick, perfect for a hearty weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish to keep the casserole from sticking.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Once done, remove it from the skillet and let it drain on some paper towels. Leave a little bit of the bacon grease in the skillet for flavor. Then, crumble the bacon into bits for later.
3. Sauté Onions:
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the leftover bacon grease. Sauté it until it starts to become translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This adds a wonderful sweetness to the dish!
4. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook everything together, breaking the meat apart, until it’s fully browned and cooked through. If there’s any excess grease, be sure to drain it off.
5. Mix in the Flavors:
Once the beef is browned, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the crumbled bacon, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). This combination will bring that classic cheeseburger flavor to your casserole!
6. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, mayonnaise, and yellow mustard until everything is well combined. This creamy mixture will help bind the casserole together.
7. Layer It Up:
Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then, pour the egg mixture evenly over the beef layer, ensuring everything is covered.
8. Add Cheese:
Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese and then sprinkle the mozzarella on top. This cheesy layer will make your casserole extra delicious!
9. Bake:
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Cool & Garnish:
Once you take it out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes. This will help everything set. Garnish with sliced green onions and pickles if you like, and it’s ready to serve!
Enjoy your delicious and easy low-carb bacon cheeseburger casserole! It’s perfect for the whole family!
FAQ for Easy Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lower-fat alternative. Just be aware that it might be a bit drier, so consider adding a dash more seasoning or a little olive oil to keep it moist.
What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, full-fat coconut milk, or even plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option while still keeping a creamy texture.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole and store it unbaked in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to bake it, remove the cover and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. You might want to sprinkle a little cheese on top before reheating for an extra melty touch!