Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

This low-carb bacon cheeseburger casserole is that hearty weeknight answer to craving comfort food while still keeping meals light and satisfying. It captures all the flavors of a classic diner cheeseburger layered into a bubbly casserole that never lasts long at my table.

The smell alone gets everyone to the dinner table before I have cut the first slice. My son now asks for it every Sunday after soccer practice because he loves the combination of crispy bacon and melty cheese.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: choose 80 to 85 percent lean for juicy texture and max flavor
• Bacon: thick cut works best for a hearty bite and deep smoky taste
• Onion: select a yellow or red onion and dice it finely for even cooking
• Garlic: fresh cloves boost savory depth and make this dish taste extra homemade
• Salt and black pepper: fine sea salt and freshly ground pepper both bring out the natural flavors
• Paprika: use smoked or sweet whatever you love most
• Dried oregano: check for vibrant green leaves for max aroma
• Sugar free ketchup: look for brands with no added sugar or sweeteners for true low carb
• Mustard: classic yellow or Dijon both boost tanginess and burger authenticity
• Mayonnaise: full fat brings best flavor and creaminess
• Shredded cheddar cheese: choose a sharp cheddar hand shredded for ultimate melt
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: adds stretchy cheese blanket choose low moisture for best results
• Large eggs: pasture raised or free range eggs give richer color and unbeatable texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit Let it come fully to temperature while you grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish for easy cleanup and stress free serving later

Brown the Beef:

In a large skillet brown ground beef over medium heat Take your time for deep rich flavor Break it up with a spoon and cook until not a hint of pink remains then drain away any excess fat

Cook the Aromatics:

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet Stir often and let them cook gently for two to three minutes The onion should look soft and almost see through

Season the Meat:

Sprinkle salt black pepper paprika and dried oregano evenly over the beef and onion mixture Stir and let it mingle on the heat for another full minute This is what gives the meat its signature burger flavor

Mix the Burger Sauce:

In a small bowl stir together sugar free ketchup mustard and mayonnaise until smooth Pour this over the meat mixture and combine thoroughly Every bite should get some sauce

Layer in the Baking Dish:

Transfer the seasoned beef mixture to the prepared baking dish Use a spatula to flatten it out for an even layer

Scatter the Bacon:

Evenly scatter cooked crumbled bacon over the top This brings smoky and salty bits to every bite

Egg Layer:

Crack open the eggs whisk until smooth then pour evenly over the bacon and beef This helps bind the casserole and gives a savory richness

Top with Cheese:

Sprinkle both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top Make sure every corner gets cheesy coverage

Bake Until Bubbly:

Place the casserole in your oven and bake for twenty five to thirty minutes You want the cheese bubbling with brown golden patches at the edges

Rest and Serve:

Let it cool for five minutes before slicing This makes it easier to serve slices that hold their shape and stay gooey inside

Pin

My favorite part has to be the crisped bacon which fills the house with a smoky delicious smell I can still remember my cousin’s face when she first tasted it and asked for seconds right away

Storage Tips

Casserole slices keep well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days Reheat gently in the oven or microwave covering with foil or a lid so the cheese stays moist and melty This dish also freezes remarkably well for make ahead lunches

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef if you prefer a lighter twist Pepper jack or gouda cheese works great in place of mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor If avoiding dairy try dairy free cheese shreds and mayonnaise made with avocado oil

Pin

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with a crisp lettuce salad or a simple slaw for the full burger plate effect Chopped pickles cherry tomatoes or extra mustard on the side also bring more classic cheeseburger flavor Sometimes I offer low carb buns for those who still want to make a sandwich

Cultural Context

This casserole gives a nod to American diner food and cookouts but with the convenience of one pan comfort meals It is my go to recipe when I want both classic flavors and a simpler carb conscious approach It bridges that gap between old fashioned cravings and modern eating

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well in place of beef. It keeps the dish lean while absorbing the same flavorful seasonings.

→ How do I make this casserole ahead of time?

Assemble all ingredients in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

→ What cheeses work best for this casserole?

A mix of cheddar and mozzarella melts beautifully and adds rich flavor, but Colby Jack or Monterey Jack are great substitutes.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, cool the baked casserole completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. Reheat in the oven until warmed through for best texture.

→ Are there keto-friendly alternatives to ketchup?

Choose a sugar-free or low-carb ketchup to keep carb counts low while retaining the tangy-sweet element in the sauce.