Are you craving the taste of a classic cheeseburger but want to skip the carbs? This Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect solution. Packed with all the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger—juicy ground beef, gooey cheddar cheese, and tangy seasonings—this casserole satisfies without the bun. It’s quick to prepare, low in carbohydrates, and ideal for a family dinner or meal prep. Whether you’re on a keto diet or simply looking for a healthier comfort food alternative, this dish is bound to become a household favorite. Let’s dive into this deliciously cheesy recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Ground Beef Base:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese and Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light layer of oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create the first layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the beef mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and softened cream cheese until smooth. This mixture creates a creamy, custard-like topping that binds the casserole.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with dried parsley if desired.
Cooking Notes:
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, you can mix it with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: For extra nutrients, stir in chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach into the beef mixture.
Serving Suggestions:
This Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole pairs beautifully with:
- Dill Pickles: Serve on the side for that authentic cheeseburger taste.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds balance to the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans make great low-carb sides.
For condiments, try serving with a dollop of ketchup (sugar-free for keto), mustard, or even a drizzle of burger sauce.
Tips:
- Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
- Freeze It: For longer storage, freeze the baked casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Customize It: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Layer It: Add crispy cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms between the beef and cheese layers for an extra indulgent twist.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Overbaking can make the egg mixture rubbery. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as the top is set.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 500mg
FAQs:
1. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and replace heavy cream with coconut cream. Ensure the cream cheese is also a dairy-free substitute.
2. Is this casserole keto-friendly?
Absolutely! This recipe is low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it a perfect fit for keto diets.
3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use 2–3 fresh tomatoes, chopped, in place of canned diced tomatoes. Simmer them a bit longer to cook off excess liquid.
4. How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
Be sure to drain the canned tomatoes thoroughly, and if using fresh vegetables like mushrooms or spinach, cook them first to remove excess moisture.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger baking dish and double all the ingredients. The cooking time may increase slightly, so check for doneness by ensuring the top is golden and set.
Conclusion:
The Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole is a flavorful, hearty dish that satisfies all your cheeseburger cravings without the carbs. Its rich, cheesy layers combined with the savory ground beef make it a standout meal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Easy to customize and even easier to enjoy, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a low-carb comfort food option. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a complete meal that will please the entire family. Dig in and savor the taste of a guilt-free cheeseburger in casserole form!
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Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Ground Beef Base:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese and Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light layer of oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create the first layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the beef mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and softened cream cheese until smooth. This mixture creates a creamy, custard-like topping that binds the casserole.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with dried parsley if desired.
Notes
Cooking Notes:
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is classic, you can mix it with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: For extra nutrients, stir in chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach into the beef mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 500mg
- Protein: 25g