Get ready for a seriously satisfying meal that’s a breeze to whip up! This keto casserole combines all the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger into one hearty dish, minus the bun. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Ideal for anyone on a low-carb diet, this flavorful cheeseburger bake is also a guaranteed family favorite.
For those new to this eating plan, understanding the principles and potential benefits of a ketogenic diet can be incredibly helpful.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Casserole
You’ll find endless reasons to adore this simple, delicious cheeseburger casserole. It truly makes low-carb eating exciting and accessible for everyone.
- Quick & Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time, this meal is on your table in 30 minutes.
- Satisfying & Filling: Loaded with beef and cheese, it’s a hearty dish that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these common ingredients in your pantry right now.
- Versatile: Easily customize this keto casserole with your favorite burger toppings.
- Low-Carb Perfection: Enjoy all the flavor of a cheeseburger without the unwanted carbs.
- Great for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for packed lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Ingredients
Gather your simple ingredients to create this amazing keto cheeseburger casserole. This recipe uses wholesome components for maximum flavor and nutrition.
- 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 garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup unsweetened ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 1/2 cup cheddar (sharp, shredded, divided; 6 ounces total)
Notes & Substitutions
You have options to customize this fantastic ketogenic casserole to your liking. Adjusting ingredients can enhance the flavor profile.
For ground beef, 85/15 or 90/10 lean works best; extra-lean means less draining. If you don’t have fresh onion or garlic, use 1 teaspoon onion powder and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder instead. Dijon mustard offers a tangier flavor than yellow mustard. Try sriracha mayonnaise for a spicy kick. Always opt for good quality sharp cheddar cheese, as it melts wonderfully and delivers the best taste.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy tools to make this delicious low-carb casserole. Just a few kitchen essentials will do the trick.
- A large skillet is perfect for browning the ground beef and sautéing onions.
- You will also need a 2-quart baking dish, which is the ideal size for this recipe.
Instructions
Creating this delicious keto casserole is straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Just follow these easy steps for a perfect meal every time. This simple process ensures your cheesy, meaty bake is ready quickly.
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and the finely chopped onions. Cook, stirring to break up the beef, until the meat is thoroughly browned and the onion is soft, which takes approximately 5 minutes. This step builds the savory base for your cheeseburger bake.
If you notice any excess liquids pooling at the bottom of the skillet, carefully drain the mixture. Return the beef and onion mixture to the skillet. Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, for 1 more minute. This allows the spices to bloom and release their aromas.
Now, turn off the heat on your skillet. Stir in the mayonnaise, unsweetened ketchup, and mustard. These condiments add the signature tangy, creamy burger flavor. Then, mix in 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s well combined and starting to melt into the warm beef mixture.
Transfer the entire beef and cheese mixture from the skillet into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This creates a beautiful, golden crust.
Bake the keto casserole in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through, for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, if your baking dish is broiler-safe, you can broil the casserole 6 inches below the heating element (be careful not to place it directly underneath) until the cheese is perfectly melted and slightly golden, which takes just 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Serve your amazing keto casserole immediately while it’s warm and fresh!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the best results for your cheeseburger casserole with these helpful hints. Small adjustments can make a big difference in taste and texture.
Always drain any excess fat from the ground beef after browning. This prevents a greasy final dish. Taste the mixture before baking and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. When adding other vegetables, avoid overcooking them in the skillet, so they retain some texture. Ensure the cheese on top is fully melted and bubbly for that perfect golden finish. When reheating leftovers, do so gently to maintain the delicious texture. Use a good quality unsweetened ketchup to keep the carb count low and flavor authentic. To consistently adhere to a low-carb lifestyle, it’s vital to develop strong skills in understanding food labels for making informed low-carb choices.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile keto casserole pairs well with many sides and offers easy storage solutions. You can also customize it endlessly!
Serve this delightful low-carb dish with a simple green side salad dressed in a vinaigrette. It also tastes fantastic alongside steamed or roasted non-starchy vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. For an extra pop of flavor, top individual servings with dill pickle slices, fresh avocado, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
To store leftovers, transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, divide the cooled casserole into individual portions and freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.
Get creative with your next keto casserole! Add crumbled cooked bacon to the beef mixture for a bacon cheeseburger twist. You can easily substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef if you prefer. Experiment with seasonings like smoked paprika, a pinch of chili powder, or a dash of cayenne for extra depth. For a bit of heat, mix in chopped pickled jalapenos. You can even incorporate a cup of riced cauliflower or chopped spinach into the beef mixture for added vegetables and fiber.
Nutrition
This keto casserole offers a fantastic nutritional profile, making it a healthy choice for your low-carb lifestyle. It provides substantial protein and healthy fats.
Each serving of this hearty cheeseburger casserole delivers approximately 650 calories. You’ll get around 5 grams of net carbohydrates, making it truly keto-friendly. Expect about 50 grams of protein and 45 grams of total fat per serving. It also contains roughly 20 grams of saturated fat, 900 mg of sodium, and 2 grams of fiber. The sugar content is minimal, typically less than 3 grams. Please note, nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 |
| Net Carbs | 5g |
| Protein | 50g |
| Total Fat | 45g |
| Saturated Fat | 20g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | <3g |
FAQ
Got questions about making this delicious keto casserole? Here are some quick answers to common queries to help you out.
Why use extra-lean ground beef? Extra-lean ground beef helps minimize the amount of fat you need to drain, resulting in a less greasy casserole. However, 85/15 or 90/10 works well too.
Can I add extra vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to mix in low-carb vegetables like riced cauliflower, spinach, or diced bell peppers during the cooking process. Just ensure they are cooked down slightly.
Can a casserole be starch-free? Yes, this cheeseburger casserole is naturally starch-free, making it an excellent option for ketogenic and low-carb diets. It contains no grains or starchy vegetables.
How long do leftovers last? Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftovers of this delicious bake will remain fresh for 3-4 days. It’s perfect for meal prepping.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Keto Cheeseburger Casserole proves that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and simple. It’s a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings all the joy of a classic burger to your low-carb lifestyle. Whether you’re a busy parent or a beginner cook, this keto casserole is designed to save you time and deliver incredible taste. Give this satisfying recipe a try tonight, and don’t forget to share your experience and reviews in the comments below!