If you’re looking for a hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying low-carb comfort food, this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. It captures everything we love about a classic cheeseburger, but skips the bun and keeps things friendly for your keto goals. Think juicy beef, gooey cheese, tangy pickles, and all your favorite burger flavors, baked into a bubbly, golden casserole that makes everyone come running to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is how it pulls together everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing out that nostalgic cheeseburger taste, as well as the rich, creamy texture that makes every bite so satisfying.
- Ground beef (1 1/2 pounds): Opt for 80/20 for juicy beef with built-in flavor, the heart of your casserole.
- Onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup): Just the right amount for a subtle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds an aromatic punch that rounds out the savory profile.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for amplifying all the other flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A little heat to balance the richness.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): A smoky layer that echoes the chargrilled taste of a burger.
- Mustard powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers subtle tang and that distinctive burger zing.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the custard base decadently silky and moist.
- Large eggs (4): Binds everything together into a fluffy, cohesive casserole.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds richness and that classic burger-shop creaminess.
- Sugar-free ketchup (1/4 cup): Brings tangy, sweet tomato flavor without the carbs.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts beautifully, providing bold flavor and irresistible cheesiness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Gives stretch and balances the sharper cheddar with creamy subtlety.
- Dill pickles, sliced (2): For that crave-worthy burst of acidity and crunch every burger needs.
- Green onions, sliced (2 tablespoons, for garnish): A fresh, colorful finish to each serving.
How to Make Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick grease. In a big skillet over medium heat, toss in the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for about 7 minutes, breaking up the meat as you go, until the beef is nice and brown and the onions are soft and sweetly fragrant. This sets the flavorful base for your casserole.
Step 2: Add Flavor Boosters
Once your meat and onions are looking perfect, stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and mustard powder. These spices and aromatics are what transport this dish straight to burger heaven. If your skillet rendered a lot of fat, feel free to drain off the excess—just enough to keep everything moist but not greasy.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Base
Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, pressing it down with a spatula so you have a nice even layer. This creates the savory foundation that will soak up all the creamy, cheesy goodness to come.
Step 4: Whisk Up the Creamy Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, mayonnaise, and sugar-free ketchup until it’s silky smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef in the casserole dish. This custard will puff up slightly as it bakes, binding everything together and delivering luscious texture in every bite.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake
Scatter the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses right over the top. This double-cheese combo melts down into a gooey, golden blanket that’s absolutely irresistible. Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until it’s set and gently bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Finish with Pickles and Green Onions
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a couple minutes, then garnish with sliced dill pickles and a sprinkle of green onions. The pickles add a burst of brightness and crunch that truly completes the cheeseburger experience.
How to Serve Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A classic cheeseburger is all about the fixings, and the same goes for this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe! Besides pickles and green onions, you can try crumbled crispy bacon, diced tomatoes, a drizzle of homemade sugar-free burger sauce, or even sliced jalapeños for a little spice. It’s a chance to make every plate unique and extra enticing.
Side Dishes
To create a complete keto meal, pair your casserole with a simple green salad drizzled with ranch or blue cheese dressing, or serve alongside roasted or steamed low-carb veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus. These sides add freshness, color, and a nice contrast to the creamy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style fun, serve this casserole in the baking dish and let everyone help themselves. Hosting a gathering? Spoon portions into ramekins for individual servings, or pile it onto crisp iceberg lettuce cups for a playful finger-food twist. You could even offer a DIY toppings bar for an interactive meal where everyone personalizes their plate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the benefits of the Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe is how well it keeps. Allow leftovers to cool, then cover the casserole dish tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this casserole! Bake it as directed, let it cool, then wrap tightly with foil or portion into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results and to preserve that great cheeseburger texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm leftovers in a 350°F oven (covered with foil to prevent drying) for about 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. Individual portions can also be microwaved for 1–2 minutes. Top with fresh green onions or even add extra pickles right before serving for renewed crunch.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! While ground beef delivers that classic cheeseburger vibe, you can easily substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter, equally tasty take on the casserole. If swapping, consider adding a little extra seasoning since poultry is milder in flavor.
Is there a dairy-free version of the Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe?
Yes, you can make this dairy-free by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and choosing your favorite plant-based cheeses that melt well. Opt for a good quality dairy-free mayonnaise and double-check that your ketchup of choice is compliant. The results are still rich and comforting!
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Chopped spinach, mushrooms, or sautéed bell peppers make welcome additions both for color and extra nutrition. Just sauté extra veggies before layering them in so they don’t release too much moisture into the casserole.
What’s the best way to avoid a watery casserole?
Make sure to drain excess fat from the cooked beef, and keep additional veggies well drained or pre-cooked. Baking the casserole uncovered helps any extra moisture evaporate, giving you that perfect set texture you’re after.
Can kids enjoy this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe?
Kids typically love this dish thanks to the familiar flavors and cozy, cheesy layers! If you have picky eaters, you can easily leave out the pickles or adjust the seasonings to suit their taste. It’s a great way to sneak in extra protein without anyone feeling deprived.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a big, bubbling pan of this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe waiting on the dinner table. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and the flavors hit all the right notes for satisfying comfort food. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, this one definitely deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation—give it a try and watch it disappear!
Print
Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger without the carbs with this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole. Packed with ground beef, cheese, and a savory sauce, this easy-to-make casserole is a perfect low-carb meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sugar-free ketchup
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 dill pickles, sliced
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook beef mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard. Spread mixture in the dish.
- Prepare sauce: Whisk together heavy cream, eggs, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Pour over beef.
- Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella on top. Bake for 30 minutes until set and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with pickles and green onions before serving.
Notes
- This casserole is great for meal prep and reheats well.
- For extra flavor, top with crumbled bacon or jalapeño slices.
- Serve with a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete low-carb meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
