Keto Cheeseburger Casserole (Low-Carb, Meaty & Ultra Satisfying)
This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole has everything you love about a classic cheeseburger—savory ground beef, melted cheese, creamy sauce, and crispy toppings—but without the carbs. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
A rich, cheesy, low-carb cheeseburger casserole made with seasoned ground beef, eggs, cream, and layers of melted cheese. This keto-friendly dish is flavor-packed, family-friendly, and ideal for meal prepping or quick dinners.
Whenever I want a satisfying keto dinner that feels hearty and nostalgic, this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is my go-to. It brings all the flavors of a classic burger—minus the bun.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Perfect for macro tracking and bun-free eating.
- Family Favorite: Tastes like a cheeseburger in casserole form.
- Meal Prep Approved: Stores and reheats beautifully.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy pantry staples—nothing fancy required.
- Customizable: Works for Keto Big Mac Casserole, bacon versions, or cheeseburger pie variations.
Keto Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
- For the Beef Layer
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste sugar-free
- ¼ cup pickle juice optional for Big Mac flavor
- For the Creamy Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Toppings & Add-Ins
- Customize according to preferred cheeseburger casserole recipes:
- More cheddar cheese
- Cooked bacon for low carb bacon cheeseburger casserole
- Diced pickles
- Sliced tomatoes
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Shredded lettuce added after baking for Big Mac style
Instructions
- Cook the Beef Base
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Stir in smoked paprika, mustard, tomato paste, and pickle juice.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove excess grease if needed—this keeps the casserole from becoming oily.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and 1 cup cheddar.
- This creates the creamy, custard-like layer that binds the entire casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into a greased baking dish.
- Pour the egg mixture over the top.
- Sprinkle more cheese across the surface.
- Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until set and lightly golden.
- Add crisped bacon during the last 5 minutes for extra flavor.
- Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Optional Big Mac Style
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced pickles, and keto-friendly Big Mac sauce after baking. It becomes the ultimate Keto Big Mac Casserole.
Nabeela’s Pro Tips
1. Drain excess grease for the perfect texture
Ground beef releases a lot of fat, and leaving it in makes the casserole oily. Drain well before adding seasonings—this keeps the layers firm and the dish perfectly sliceable.
2. Add pickle juice for real cheeseburger flavor
This small ingredient makes a huge difference. It adds tang and depth, transforming the dish into a true keto Big Mac casserole flavor profile without extra carbs.
3. Use a blend of cheeses
Cheddar gives a sharp, classic cheeseburger taste, but mixing in mozzarella makes it extra melty. Using both gives the casserole the best combination of flavor and texture.
4. Let it rest before cutting
Just like lasagna, this casserole sets as it cools. Resting helps it hold its shape and prevents it from falling apart when served.
5. Add toppings after baking
If using lettuce, tomatoes, or pickles, add them once the casserole cools slightly. This keeps the freshness intact and prevents sogginess.
6. Bake uncovered for a crispy top
To achieve that golden, bubbly cheese crust, always bake the casserole uncovered. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
7. Make it bacon-loaded
For a low carb bacon cheeseburger casserole, mix in cooked bacon into the beef layer and sprinkle extra on top before baking. It adds smoky richness and crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! Replace cheddar with dairy-free shredded cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk mixed with 1 egg for thickness. The flavor stays rich, and the dish becomes fully dairy-free and low-carb.
2. How do I store and reheat Keto Cheeseburger Casserole?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture, or microwave individual slices for 45–60 seconds. It reheats extremely well, making it perfect for meal prep.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen at 350°F for 45–55 minutes. Freezing doesn’t affect the texture because keto casseroles have no pasta or bread.
4. Can I make this casserole without eggs?
Yes. Replace eggs with 1 cup heavy cream mixed with ½ cup shredded cheese. The casserole will be softer and more creamy—closer to a keto cheeseburger pie texture—but still delicious.
