This Easy Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a comforting dish packed with flavor! It combines ground beef, crispy bacon, and lots of melty cheese—yum!
I love how simple this recipe is. Just mix everything together and pop it in the oven! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a treat. Who doesn’t love bacon, right? 🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken, but it may change the taste a bit.
Bacon: Bacon adds a delicious crunch! If you prefer turkey bacon, it can work. Just note it won’t be as crispy or flavorful as pork bacon.
Cream Cheese: This gives the casserole its creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a plant-based cream cheese or cashew cream for a similar consistency.
Cheddar & Mozzarella: For cheese lovers, feel free to mix in other cheeses like pepper jack for a kick or gouda for a smoky flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Bacon Perfectly?
Cooking bacon can be tricky, but here are my steps for crisp perfection:
- Use medium heat to allow the fat to render out slowly, which helps prevent burning.
- Add bacon pieces to a cold skillet; it renders better than starting in a hot pan.
- Keep an eye on it! Stir occasionally, letting it get nicely browned and crispy without burning.
Once done, draining on paper towels soaks up that extra grease, giving you crispy bacon goodness without excess oil!
How to Make Easy Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: pickles, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then around 25 minutes to bake. Total time from start to finish is about 35-40 minutes, which is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a medium-sized casserole dish and grease it lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon and cook until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set them on paper towels to drain. Keep about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet because it’s full of flavor!
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its wonderful aroma.
4. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s a lot of grease, feel free to drain some off.
5. Mix in Seasonings and Bacon:
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix and then fold in the cooked bacon pieces. Remove from heat.
6. Prepare the Creamy Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and eggs until you have a smooth mixture. This will help create a creamy texture in your casserole.
7. Combine Everything:
Toss the creamy mixture into the skillet with the beef, bacon, onions, and garlic. Stir everything together until well combined.
8. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the mixed ingredients into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese generously on top.
9. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. You’ll love watching it transform into a cheesy delight!
10. Let it Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it up with optional toppings like pickles, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce for that classic cheeseburger feel.
Enjoy this cheesy, bacon-y, satisfying low-carb casserole with your family and friends! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that turkey may not have the same depth of flavor, so you might want to season it a bit more to enhance the taste.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance! Assemble it up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm it gently in the oven until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in low-carb veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic before adding the beef for added flavor and nutrients!
