If you love cheeseburgers but want to stay committed to your low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle, Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is the perfect comfort food solution. This dish captures everything we love about a classic cheeseburger—the juicy beef, melted cheese, savory seasonings, and creamy texture—without the bun or unnecessary carbs.
Keto casseroles are popular for a reason: they’re filling, easy to prepare, family-friendly, and ideal for meal prep. This cheeseburger casserole takes those benefits to the next level by combining simple ingredients into a rich, hearty meal that feels indulgent while staying keto-approved.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping lunches, or serving a crowd that includes both keto and non-keto eaters, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Best of all, it’s customizable—you can add bacon, pickles, or even a special sauce twist while keeping carbs low.
This recipe is beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and guaranteed to become a regular in your keto meal rotation.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil if needed, then add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well and remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, softened cream cheese, mustard, and sugar-free ketchup until smooth.
- Add the cooked beef mixture to the creamy egg mixture. Stir until fully combined.
- Fold in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help it set properly.
Notes
Nutritional Facts and Total Calories (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 33g
- Net Carbs: 3–4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Keto Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredient Notes
Ground Beef
Choose ground beef with some fat (80/20 or 85/15). The fat enhances flavor and keeps the casserole moist. Lean beef may result in a drier texture unless additional fat is added.
Onion
A small amount of onion adds classic cheeseburger flavor. Finely chop it to keep carbs minimal and evenly distributed.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic provides depth and enhances the savory profile of the beef. Garlic powder alone won’t give the same richness.
Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar offers that iconic cheeseburger taste. Always shred your own cheese if possible to avoid anti-caking agents.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella balances the sharpness of cheddar and adds stretch and creaminess to the casserole.
Cream Cheese
This ingredient creates a rich, creamy base and binds the casserole together without flour or starch.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream adds moisture and helps achieve a smooth, custard-like texture when baked.
Eggs
Eggs act as the binder, giving the casserole structure while keeping it fluffy and sliceable.
Mustard
Yellow mustard delivers authentic cheeseburger flavor without added carbs.
Sugar-Free Ketchup
Optional but recommended—it mimics the classic burger taste while remaining keto-friendly.
Seasonings
Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper create balance and depth without overpowering the dish.
Serving Instructions
Serve Keto Cheeseburger Casserole hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with:
- A crisp green salad
- Keto coleslaw
- Steamed broccoli or zucchini
- Pickles or sugar-free burger sauce drizzle
This dish works beautifully as a standalone meal or as part of a larger keto dinner spread.
Tips
- For extra cheeseburger flavor, add cooked bacon crumbles.
- Use dill pickle slices as a topping after baking for an authentic touch.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the casserole moist.
- Let the casserole rest before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Customize cheese blends (Colby Jack works great).
Storage Information
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Is Keto Cheeseburger Casserole good for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and maintains flavor and texture for several days.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
It’s possible but not recommended for keto texture. Dairy-free cheese alternatives may alter results.
3. Can I add vegetables?
Yes—mushrooms or zucchini work well in small amounts.
4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. It tastes like a cheeseburger without the bun.
5. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
