This Easy Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is packed with deliciousness! It combines tender beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese all in one dish, making it a family favorite.
Trust me, it’s a win-win for dinner! I love how simple it is to put together, and it feels like a fancy meal without all the work. Plus, who can resist bacon? 🍔🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the star of the show here, providing rich flavor and protein. If you’re watching fat content, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken as a lighter option.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds so much flavor! If you prefer turkey bacon, that’s a good substitute too. Some people like to use different types like pancetta for a change.
Cheese: Cheddar is an amazing choice for that classic cheeseburger taste. If you’re lactose-intolerant or want a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or a vegan cheese alternative.
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: These add creaminess to the casserole. Greek yogurt works as a healthy substitute for sour cream, and you can skip mayonnaise entirely if you prefer.
What’s the Best Way to Layer the Casserole?
Layering is key to getting all those delicious flavors throughout the casserole. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a base layer of the cooked beef mixture to keep it moist.
- Add cheese right on top of the beef to create a gooey center.
- Pour in the creamy mixture to bind everything together, then repeat the layers!
- End with a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for that crispy topping.
Allowing the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving helps it set, making slicing easier!
Easy Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheesy Mixture:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Creamy Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tbsp mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole will take about 15-20 minutes of prep time and approximately 30 minutes to bake, making a total of around 50 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot for your casserole.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once done, remove the bacon strips and place them on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Carefully remove excess bacon fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
4. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Using a spatula, break it apart and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep it light.
5. Season the Beef:
Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard if you want an extra kick. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
6. Mix the Creamy Ingredients:
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, eggs, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
7. Layer the Ingredients:
In a greased 9×9 inch casserole dish, spread half of the cooked beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the beef. Pour half of the creamy mixture on top of that.
8. Repeat the Layers:
Repeat the layering process with the remaining beef, remaining cheeses, and the rest of the creamy mixture. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top for added crunch.
9. Bake It:
Pop the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let your casserole cool for about 5 minutes. This will help it set a bit more. Garnish with sliced green onions before digging in!
Enjoy this hearty, low-carb casserole that brings all the classic cheeseburger flavors together in a delicious layered bake! Perfect for family dinners or meal prep! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner substitute for ground beef, and it will still give you a delicious casserole. Just be sure to season it well to enhance the flavors!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can substitute the cheeses with dairy-free cheese alternatives, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and opt for a dairy-free mayonnaise to keep it creamy and rich without the dairy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in an oven until heated through, adding a splash of cream if it seems dry.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to add in some sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure everything is fully cooked.
