Low Carb Cheeseburger Casserole is one of those meals that saves my sanity on busy weeknights. You know those evenings when everyone is hungry, you want something hearty, and you also want to keep carbs in check. This dish hits that sweet spot. It tastes like a juicy cheeseburger baked into a cozy casserole, and it’s the kind of thing that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. No bun needed and no fuss, just simple ingredients and big flavor. Honestly, it’s become a family favorite around here.
Ingredients
What you need for the beef base
- 2 pounds ground beef, 85 to 90 percent lean
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, only if your pan needs it
- 1 small onion, finely diced, optional for more flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons sugar free ketchup
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish with no added sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, optional
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Cheesy topping
Whisk together 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. You will also want 2 cups shredded cheese. I like a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for extra pull. For finishing touches, keep a handful of cooked bacon crumbles, sliced dill pickles, and a little chopped tomato on standby. They add that classic burger vibe at the end.
Before you start, here is what you need to make this Delicious Low Carb Cheeseburger Casserole taste just like a drive through favorite without the bun. Use what you already have on hand and keep it flexible. The flavor comes from simple pantry staples, not fancy ingredients.
How to make it
1. Preheat your oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
2. Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef and cook, breaking it up as you go. If using onion, add it after a minute and let it soften. Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. When the beef is browned, drain any extra fat if needed. Stir in mustard, sugar free ketchup, pickle relish, and Worcestershire. Add the cream cheese and stir until it melts and coats the beef. Spread this beef mixture into your prepared dish.
4. Whisk eggs with heavy cream and a tiny pinch of salt. Pour evenly over the beef. Sprinkle the shredded cheese all across the top. Finish with bacon crumbles if using.
5. Bake 22 to 28 minutes, until the top is golden and set in the center. Let it rest 5 to 10 minutes so the layers hold when slicing. Add sliced pickles and a few tomatoes if you like.
Tip: If your family loves a saucy finish, set out a little extra sugar free ketchup and mustard at the table. It makes every bite pop.
Variations
Once you make this a couple of times, you will see how easy it is to change up flavors without changing the method. That is the fun part. The base gives you juicy, cheesy comfort. After that, it is all about the toppings and spices you like.
Love spice? Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of chili powder or chipotle powder to the beef. Want a bacon burger vibe front and center? Double the bacon and scatter a bit inside the beef layer before baking. If you are a pickle lover, chop a few more and fold them in at the end so they stay crisp.
I also play around with the cheese. Pepper jack adds heat, smoked gouda gives a nice campfire note, and Monterey jack melts super smooth. If I am craving a “Big Mac” moment, I stir in a little extra relish and drizzle a quick burger sauce on top after baking.
For nights when we want something different but still low carb, I pair this casserole with sides inspired by other favorites. If you are craving a burger vibe with fresh toppings, try this fun idea next time you grill: low carb bacon burger with guacamole. Or lean into taco flavors and make a quick skillet after a busy day like this easy low carb taco cabbage skillet. Both are simple, budget friendly, and keep your weeknight flow easy.
You can also tweak this Delicious Low Carb Cheeseburger Casserole with different seasonings, like ranch powder or steak seasoning. Just keep the base balance the same, and you are good.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
I am not a dietitian, but I do aim to keep this dish satisfying and low in carbs. Here is a rough guide for eight servings using the ingredients listed above. Your numbers can change based on the cheese, bacon, and sauces you pick.
Approximate per serving: 510 calories, 35 grams fat, 38 grams protein, 6 to 8 grams net carbs. Sodium will vary a lot with cheese and bacon, so taste and season lightly as you go.
It is a solid macro balance when you want something meaty and filling without a heavy carb load. It holds well for meal prep too. Just slice, pack, and reheat when you need a fast lunch or dinner.
Serving Suggestions
When the Delicious Low Carb Cheeseburger Casserole comes out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes so it slices neatly. Then try one or two of these easy sides to round out the plate:
- Fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, to cut through the richness
- Quick cabbage slaw with a little mayo, lemon, and celery seed
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus for color and crunch
- A cozy side like this creamy low carb classic: cauliflower mac and cheese
If you are cooking for a mixed crowd, you can set out bun alternatives like lettuce cups, low carb tortillas, or even a small bowl of rice for anyone who wants it. I like to keep toppings on the table, too. Think extra pickles, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, a drizzle of mustard, and crispy bacon bits. Let everyone build their own plate.
And if you are looking to plan a full low carb week without getting bored, browse my go to collection in the low carb recipes archive. It is full of quick wins and plenty of comfort food ideas that still keep you on track.
Photos of Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
If you are a cheese pull person, this casserole shows off every time. The top turns golden with little bubbles, and the edges go slightly crisp. Slice into it and you get that hearty beef layer with creamy pockets where the cheese settled. Sprinkle on bacon and pickles right before serving, and you will see that perfect burger look on a plate.
For a casual dinner, I serve it right in the baking dish with a big spoon. If I am making it for friends, I cut clean squares, add a dollop of burger sauce, and tuck one or two pickle chips on top. It looks fun and tastes even better. That tiny wait time after baking is worth it, because everything sets just right.
We made this for a game night and the dish was gone in 15 minutes. Even our friends who are not low carb asked for the recipe. It tastes like a cheeseburger, but cozier and easier to serve.
Common Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble up to the point of baking, cover, and chill for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake straight from the fridge and add 5 to 10 minutes to the cook time.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Let it cool, then store slices in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a 300 F oven until warm.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: You can freeze baked slices tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently. The texture stays best if you skip freezing the raw egg mixture.
Q: What can I use instead of beef?
A: Ground turkey or chicken works. Add a little extra fat for moisture and season well. A pinch of smoked paprika helps boost flavor.
Q: Where can I find more ideas like this?
A: Check out more weeknight friendly ideas in my low carb recipes collection. You will find quick skillets, casseroles, and satisfying sides.
Ready to bake and dig in
Simple, satisfying, and family friendly, this Delicious Low Carb Cheeseburger Casserole brings that classic burger taste to your table without the bun or the hassle. Brown the beef, whisk the topping, bake until bubbly, and dinner is done. It is easy to customize with your favorite cheeses and toppings, and it reheats like a dream for meal prep. If you want to compare notes or explore another take, this well loved version might inspire you too: Cheeseburger Casserole – a low carb version of a family favorite!. I hope you try it soon and make it your own.
Low Carb Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
Beef Base
- 2 pounds ground beef, 85 to 90 percent lean
- 1 tablespoon olive oil only if your pan needs it
- 1 small onion, finely diced optional for more flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons sugar free ketchup
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish with no added sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Cheesy Topping
- 4 large eggs
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 cups shredded cheese mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella
- 1 handful cooked bacon crumbles optional for finishing touches
- 1 small dill pickles, sliced for garnish
- 1 small tomato, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375 F. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef and cook, breaking it up as you go. If using onion, add it after a minute and let it soften.
- Stir in the garlic, salt, and pepper.
- When the beef is browned, drain any extra fat if needed. Stir in mustard, sugar free ketchup, pickle relish, and Worcestershire. Add the cream cheese and stir until it melts and coats the beef.
- Spread the beef mixture into your prepared dish.
- Whisk the eggs with heavy cream and a tiny pinch of salt. Pour evenly over the beef. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Finish with bacon crumbles if using.
Cooking
- Bake for 22 to 28 minutes, until the top is golden and set in the center.
- Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the layers hold when slicing. Add sliced pickles and a few tomatoes on top before serving.
