Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
If you’re searching for a delicious and satisfying meal that fits within low-carb dietary limits, you’ve found a real winner in the Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole. This dish brings together the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger, with bacon for added richness, all in a convenient casserole format. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also meets the cravings for a hearty, savory meal without the carbs typically associated with traditional burgers. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish is versatile, filling, and delightful.
The Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is particularly popular among those following ketogenic or low-carb diets. It omits bread and other high-carbohydrate ingredients, allowing you to enjoy the flavors you love without sacrificing your dietary goals. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can have this casserole ready to serve in less than an hour. Whether you’re dieting or just looking for a tasty dinner option, this dish will not disappoint.
Why make this recipe
Making this Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is an excellent choice for many reasons. Firstly, it is incredibly satisfying, blending the rich flavors of beef and bacon with gooey melted cheese, which is always a crowd-pleaser. If you are striving to reduce your carb intake for weight loss or other health reasons, this dish allows you to enjoy the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger while staying on track.
Another reason to make this casserole is its simplicity. With a short list of ingredients typically found in most kitchens, this dish is straightforward to prepare, saving time on shopping and minimal effort in the kitchen. Furthermore, it is very adaptable; you can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste buds. Whether you enjoy more vegetables or a different selection of cheese, you have the freedom to modify it without losing its essence.
Lastly, this recipe is perfect for sharing. Whether you have guests over or simply want to make a meal for your family, a casserole is a great option that serves multiple people, making it a budget-friendly choice. In short, the appeal of flavor, convenience, versatility, and sharing makes the Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole a must-try.
How to make Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Making this casserole is as easy as the recipe is delicious. You’ll find everything you need right at your fingertips with just a little preparation. Follow the steps below, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 strips bacon, diced
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped green onions and diced tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it is crisp. This will release a wonderful flavor that will enrich the entire casserole. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the grease in the skillet, as it will add flavor to the dish.
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion becomes translucent. This usually takes around 3 to 4 minutes. Afterward, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the beef is well-cooked, drain the excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the cooked bacon and allow the mixture to cool slightly while you prepare the egg mixture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined.
To assemble the casserole, spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Layer 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the beef mixture, ensuring an even spread. Then, pour the egg mixture over the top of the beef layer, allowing it to soak into the ingredients below. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over everything.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. If you like, you can garnish each serving with chopped green onions and diced tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Time Breakdown
Understanding the time commitment for this recipe can make meal planning more efficient. The total time to prepare and cook the Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole typically takes about 45-50 minutes. Considering the prep time will be approximately 15 minutes and cooking time is around 25-30 minutes, it fits seamlessly into a busy schedule.
How to serve Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Serving the casserole is simple and can be as casual or as festive as you desire. Scoop out a generous portion for each person and place it on a plate. If you have opted for garnishes, add chopped green onions and diced tomatoes for a fresh pop on top of the serving. This meal pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
You can also serve it with low-carb condiments, like sugar-free ketchup or mustard, to enhance the classic burger experience. Enjoy this dish hot right out of the oven, as the flavors are at their best when fresh.
How to store Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Properly storing leftovers from this casserole is key to keeping it fresh for upcoming meals. After the casserole has cooled, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to cover the casserole tightly to prevent it from drying out.
If you’d like to store it for a longer period, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-friendly bags or containers. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or oven. This makes it a great meal prep option for busy days!
Tips to make Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
For the best results with your Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole, here are some handy tips. First, ensure that the ground beef is fully cooked; draining the excess fat will make for a tastier result.
Another tip is to be generous with the cheese, as it adds rich flavor and creaminess. For an extra kick, consider adding a tablespoon of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. Additionally, try to let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking before cutting into it to allow the flavors to settle.
Variation
Feel free to vary the ingredients to suit your taste. For example, you can use turkey or chicken instead of the ground beef if you’re looking for a lighter option. You could also incorporate vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, into the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor. If you’re a fan of different cheeses, feel free to swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
For those counting macros, here is the general nutritional breakdown per serving of the Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole:
- Calories: Approximately 420
- Total Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
These values can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just be sure to bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Is it suitable for freezing?
Yes! Once cooked, allow the casserole to cool, then cut it into portions and freeze. You can reheat it directly from frozen; just add extra time while baking.
3. Can I use different meats?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other proteins, such as ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage, depending on your preferences.
Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 6 strips bacon, diced Cook until crispy for the best flavor.
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped Use yellow or white onion.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the flavor profile.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided Reserve half for topping.
- 4 large eggs Bind the casserole together.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream Adds richness to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adds depth of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish) Add freshness.
- Diced tomatoes (optional, for garnish) Adds color and flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving grease in the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Drain excess grease from the skillet, then stir in the cooked bacon and let cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, heavy cream, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until combined.
Assembly and Cooking
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Layer 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Pour the egg mixture over the beef layer, allowing it to soak in.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is golden brown.
