This easy low-carb bacon cheeseburger casserole is a tasty, hearty meal everyone will love! With juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, it’s comfort food at its best.
It’s a winner in my house because it’s simple to make and the leftovers are fantastic. Plus, who can resist bacon and cheese? You’re going to want seconds, trust me! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works too. Just remember, the flavor might vary a bit!
Bacon: Bacon adds so much flavor! If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use turkey bacon. Just know that it may not get as crispy and might have a different taste.
Cream: Heavy cream gives this casserole a rich texture. If you want a lighter alternative, use half-and-half or even unsweetened almond milk, but the texture might be a bit thinner.
Cheese: I love a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for the best gooeyness. You can swap out for other cheeses like Monterey Jack or even a dairy-free cheese if you want to keep it dairy-free.
How Do I Perfectly Cook the Bacon for My Casserole?
Cooking the bacon properly is key for a great texture and flavor. Here’s how you do it:
- Start with a cold skillet on medium heat to gradually render the fat.
- Cook the chopped bacon pieces for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re crispy.
- Transfer the bacon to paper towels to catch excess grease. This keeps it crispy when added to the casserole.
This technique helps get that wonderful crunch that complements the casserole perfectly! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Egg Mixture:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Spices and Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For Garnish (optional):
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- Pickles or low-carb ketchup (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, plus an additional 5 minutes to cool. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes to have this delicious casserole ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly once it’s ready to go in!
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. This helps soak up extra fat. Don’t forget to drain most of the excess bacon fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet with the leftover bacon fat, add the chopped onion. Sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells wonderful!
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef into the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, be sure to drain it off!
5. Season the Beef:
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Once everything is mixed well, remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
7. Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 9×9-inch (or similar size) baking dish. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the dish, followed by the crispy bacon sprinkled on top.
8. Add the Egg Mixture:
Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the beef and bacon layers. Then, top everything off with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
9. Bake It:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is melted and golden on top.
10. Cool and Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, diced tomatoes, pickles, or a drizzle of low-carb ketchup, if you like.
11. Enjoy:
Slice into portions and serve warm. Enjoy this comforting, low-carb bacon cheeseburger casserole with your family and friends!
This recipe is flexible! Feel free to add diced green peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition while keeping it low carb. Enjoy your cooking!
FAQ for Easy Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner version. Just keep in mind that it has a milder flavor, so you might want to season it a bit more to enhance the taste.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time as it will be cold from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If it’s a bit dry, add a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to life!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Casserole?
Definitely! Diced green peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach would work wonderfully in this casserole. Just sauté them along with the onion and garlic for a tasty veggie boost!
