Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with Bacon Recipe

Get ready to experience comfort food at its best with this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with Bacon! This crowd-pleasing casserole captures the irresistible flavors of a classic cheeseburger—juicy beef, crispy bacon, rich cheddar, and a hint of tang from tomato paste—all in a low-carb, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Layered, gooey, and deeply savory, it’s sure to become a staple among anyone craving a satisfying keto meal with absolutely zero compromise on taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with Bacon. Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, whether it’s adding juiciness, a punch of flavor, or creamy richness. Gather these simple kitchen staples and you’re already halfway to cheesy casserole bliss!

• Ground beef (2 pounds): Choose an 80/20 blend for that perfect balance of flavor and moistness.
• Large garlic cloves (2): Freshly minced garlic lights up the savory layers and makes everything pop.
• Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle onion flavor without any carbs—just sprinkle and stir!
• No sugar bacon, cooked and chopped (1 pound): Crispy bacon is non-negotiable; it adds smoky crunch with every bite.
• Eggs (6): These hold the casserole together and give it a custardy texture—don’t worry, it won’t taste eggy.
• Tomato paste, 6-ounce can: Delivers tangy richness that makes the “cheeseburger” flavor sing.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates a silky, luscious base for the casserole and keeps things decadent.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for pulling all the flavors together.
• Ground pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint of heat and earthiness for balance.
• Grated cheddar cheese (12 ounces, divided): Melty, gooey, golden goodness on top and throughout.

How to Make Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with Bacon

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Start by chopping your bacon—don’t worry about perfect pieces, just bite-sized will do. Cook it in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat until golden, sizzling, and irresistibly crispy. Drain off the bacon grease (you can reserve a tablespoon for extra flavor if you want), and set the bacon aside for now. This step is what ensures every bite has that signature bacon crunch!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Next, add your ground beef to the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sprinkle the onion powder right over the meat. Sauté everything over medium-high heat until the beef is brown and crumbly, with just a hint of pink left. The garlic and onion powder will infuse the beef, making the base savory and aromatic.

Step 3: Drain and Layer

Once the beef is cooked through, carefully drain off any extra fat so your casserole doesn’t turn out greasy. Spread the beef mixture evenly on the bottom of your cast-iron skillet. This will be your meaty canvas, ready for all the cheesy, bacon-packed layers to come.

Step 4: Add the Bacon

Time to bring back that crispy bacon! Stir the chopped bacon pieces into the cooked beef, distributing them evenly so every slice of casserole gets a generous pop of smokiness and crunch.

Step 5: Whisk the Custard

In a medium bowl, combine your eggs, tomato paste, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is smooth and beautifully orange—this is going to bind your casserole together and add that unmistakable “cheeseburger” tang from the tomato paste.

Step 6: Mix in Cheese

Stir 8 ounces of your grated cheddar cheese right into the egg mixture. This gives the casserole its trademark cheesy pull and that gooey, decadent center everyone loves.

Step 7: Pour and Assemble

Pour the creamy egg and cheese mixture all over your beef and bacon in the skillet. Give the skillet a gentle shake or use a spatula to make sure the filling settles into every nook and cranny.

Step 8: Top with More Cheese

Generously sprinkle the remaining 4 ounces of cheddar cheese right on top. This creates that dreamy, bubbling, golden crust as the Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with Bacon bakes.

Step 9: Bake

Place your skillet in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is gloriously golden and set in the center. Let the casserole rest for five minutes after baking to help it slice perfectly for serving.

How to Serve Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with Bacon

Garnishes

Put your own spin on this casserole by topping individual servings with fresh chopped chives, dill pickles, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flair. Even a sprinkle of fresh tomatoes or thin-sliced green onions adds a burst of freshness against the hearty, cheesy base—presentation and flavor in one!

Side Dishes

Pair Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with Bacon with a crisp green salad, some roasted broccoli, or even cauliflower mash if you’re craving extra comfort. The richness of the casserole begs for light, crunchy sides to keep things balanced and make the meal feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, scoop the casserole into lettuce wraps for a “cheeseburger taco” vibe, or serve over spiralized zucchini for something different. You can even bake individual portions in ramekins for party-ready mini casseroles—Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with Bacon is as versatile as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with Bacon keeps beautifully. Simply cover the skillet or transfer slices to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day!

Freezing

You can definitely freeze this casserole for hassle-free meals later on! Wrap portions well or use a freezer-safe container. To maintain maximum quality, enjoy frozen Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with Bacon within two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or pop larger amounts into a 350°F oven until hot and bubbling. If it looks a little dry, cover with foil or add a splash of cream to revive the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well if you want to lighten things up or use what you have on hand. Just keep in mind the flavor will be milder—consider adding an extra pinch of spices to amp things up.

Do I have to use a cast-iron skillet?

A cast-iron skillet is great for even baking and easy serving, but any oven-safe baking dish will do the trick. Just make sure to grease it well and adjust baking time if it’s deeper or shallower than a skillet.

Is the casserole very eggy?

No worries—the six eggs act as a binder and set the casserole without overwhelming it with an eggy taste. The heavy cream and cheese mellow everything out, so you get richness without a breakfast vibe.

What’s the best way to customize Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with Bacon?

Add your favorite cheeseburger toppings! Sautéed mushrooms, jalapeños, or even a bit of chopped bell pepper can all be stirred into the beef layer. Swap cheeses or try a spicy pepper jack for a fun twist, too.

Can I make Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with Bacon ahead of time?

Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate before baking. On the day you want to serve, just bake as instructed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time if straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that really delivers on flavor without fuss, Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with Bacon is the answer. It’s easy to make, easy to love, and just the thing to satisfy everyone from picky eaters to keto enthusiasts. Give it a try soon—your dinner table is about to get a whole lot happier!

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