Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is a delicious low-carb twist on a classic favorite. Packed with savory ground beef, sharp cheddar, and familiar burger flavors, it’s perfect for a hearty dinner that stays keto-friendly.
Ingredients
- Olive oil spray (for the baking dish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (6 ounces)
- 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup unsweetened ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded (6 ounces total), divided
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and spray a 2-quart baking dish with olive oil.
- Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and chopped onions. Cook, stirring to break up the beef, until the meat is browned and the onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: If there is any liquid at the bottom of the skillet, carefully drain it off and return the mixture to the pan. Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Cook while stirring for 1 more minute.
- Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the mayonnaise, unsweetened ketchup, mustard, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Step 5: Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Step 6: Bake the casserole for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through. Alternatively, if your baking dish is broiler-safe, broil about 6 inches below the heating element for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add diced pickles or a few drops of hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
- Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different twist.
- If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after cooking the beef to avoid a soggy casserole.
- This casserole can be doubled for a larger batch; use a larger baking dish accordingly.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular ketchup instead of unsweetened?
Yes, but regular ketchup contains sugar, which will add carbs. For strict keto, unsweetened ketchup is preferred to keep carb count low.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. It reheats well and can be portioned for quick keto-friendly lunches or dinners throughout the week.
PrintKeto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is a delicious low-carb meal combining seasoned ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy homemade sauce made with mayonnaise, unsweetened ketchup, and mustard. Perfectly baked to melt the cheese on top, this casserole offers the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger without the buns or carbs, making it ideal for keto and low-carb diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- Olive oil spray (for the baking dish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped; 6 ounces)
- 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup unsweetened ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, divided; 6 ounces total)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Spray a 2-quart baking dish lightly with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Brown Beef and Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onion, cooking while stirring to break up the beef until the meat is fully browned and the onion becomes soft, approximately 5 minutes.
- Drain Excess Liquid and Season: If any liquid has accumulated at the bottom of the skillet, carefully drain it off and return the beef and onion mixture to the skillet. Stir in 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to blend flavors.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Turn off the heat. Mix in 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup unsweetened ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard, and 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the beef mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the cheesy beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and the casserole is heated through. Alternatively, if your baking dish is broiler-safe, you can broil the casserole about 6 inches below the heating element for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is nicely melted and slightly browned. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or Colby Jack for a different flavor.
- Make sure to drain any excess fat after browning the beef to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
- To make it more keto-friendly, use mayonnaise and ketchup brands with no added sugars.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: keto casserole, cheeseburger casserole, low carb dinner, ground beef recipe, keto dinner, gluten free casserole
