Keto Cheeseburger Casserole – Comfort Food With Low-Carb Ease

Think weeknight dinner that tastes like a fast-food favorite but fits your goals. This keto cheeseburger casserole has all the juicy, savory flavors you love—beef, onions, pickles, and cheese—without the bun or the carb crash. It comes together quickly, bakes in one dish, and reheats like a dream.

You’ll get a rich, creamy base, a golden cheesy top, and that classic cheeseburger vibe in every bite. It’s simple, family-friendly, and perfect for meal prep.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• True cheeseburger flavor: Ground beef, onions, mustard, pickles, and cheddar give you the classic taste without the bread.
• Low-carb and satisfying: A high-protein, high-fat combo keeps you full and steady—no sugar spikes.
• One-pan convenience: Cook the beef, layer the casserole, and bake. Minimal cleanup and easy leftovers.
• Customizable: Swap cheeses, add bacon, or toss in low-carb veggies without losing the vibe.
• Great for meal prep: Holds well in the fridge and freezer, so you can cook once and eat several times.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds (680 g) ground beef (80–85% lean)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup (optional but recommended)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (check label for added sugars)
• 1/4 cup dill pickles, finely chopped, plus extra for topping
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (if needed for sautéing)
• Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, extra mustard, hot sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet.

   Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir in the yellow mustard, sugar-free ketchup, and Worcestershire.

   Cook 1–2 minutes to blend the flavors. Remove from heat and fold in the chopped pickles.

5. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar.
6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and cream cheese until smooth.

   A hand mixer works well to eliminate lumps. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.

7. Pour the egg-cream mixture over the beef and cheese layer, tilting the pan to distribute evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden and bubbling.
9. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

   Garnish with extra pickles, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of mustard if you like.

10. Serve hot with a simple side salad or steamed broccoli for a complete low-carb meal.

How to Store

• Refrigerator: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Microwave individual slices 60–90 seconds, or warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through.

Health Benefits

• Low in carbs: Skipping the bun and sugary sauces keeps net carbs low, supporting ketosis and stable energy.
• High in protein: Ground beef provides essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and satiety.
• Healthy fats: Cream, cheese, and eggs offer fats that help you feel full and may support hormone balance on a keto plan.
• Micronutrients: Eggs and dairy add vitamin D, B12, choline, and calcium, while beef offers iron and zinc.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the drain: Too much grease can make the casserole oily. Drain excess fat if your beef is very fatty.
• Cold cream cheese: It won’t mix smoothly.

  Soften it first for a silky custard layer.

• Overbaking: This can dry it out. Pull it when the center is just set and the top is golden.
• Using sweetened condiments: Hidden sugars add carbs fast. Choose clearly labeled sugar-free ketchup and check your Worcestershire.
• Forgetting to rest: Letting it sit 10 minutes helps it set and slice cleanly.

Recipe Variations

• Bacon Cheeseburger: Add 4–6 slices cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef layer and sprinkle more on top.
• Mushroom Swiss: Swap cheddar for Swiss.

  Sauté 8 ounces sliced mushrooms with the onions.

• Spicy Jalapeño: Add sliced fresh jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a dash of hot sauce.
• BBQ Twist: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce in place of ketchup for a smoky, sweet note.
• Loaded Pickle: Double the dill pickles and add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for a “burger bun” nod.
• Dairy-Light: Reduce cheese by 25–30% and swap part of the cream with unsweetened almond milk. Texture will be slightly softer but still tasty.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes. Ground turkey works well, though it’s leaner and a bit milder.

Add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning and season generously to keep it juicy and flavorful.

What’s the carb count per serving?

It varies by brands and portions, but a typical serving of this casserole lands around 4–6 net carbs. Check your labels for ketchup, Worcestershire, and pickles to calculate precisely.

Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours.

Bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes until set.

How do I keep it from being greasy?

Choose 85% lean beef, drain excess fat after browning, and avoid heavy oil in the pan. A brief rest after baking also helps the layers settle.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic and melts well. Monterey Jack, Colby, Swiss, or a mix all work.

Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and fewer additives.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes. Keep the spices mild, skip jalapeños, and serve with ketchup and pickles on the side so everyone can customize.

Final Thoughts

Keto cheeseburger casserole brings comfort food and low-carb goals together in a simple, satisfying dish. It’s easy to make, flexible with ingredients, and perfect for busy nights or weekly meal prep.

Keep a pan ready in the fridge, and you’ve got a fast, flavorful dinner that tastes like a treat but keeps you on track. Add your favorite toppings, slice, and enjoy.