EASY KETO CHEESEBURGER CASSEROLE

Keto-Friendly Cheeseburger Casserole 

If you’re following a ketogenic diet and craving a meal that’s both filling and satisfying, then look no further than this keto cheeseburger casserole. This savory dish combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger without the carbs, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to cut out grains and sugars while still enjoying a hearty, comforting meal. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this keto-friendly version of the beloved cheeseburger is perfect for those days when you want something easy, delicious, and low-carb. Unlike traditional cheeseburgers, which often come with a side of fries or a bun, this casserole serves all the flavors of a burger in one pan, and it’s perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

1. Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: This casserole is perfect for anyone following a keto diet, as it eliminates the carbs typically found in a traditional cheeseburger (like the bun and condiments that add sugars). It uses simple, whole food ingredients that will leave you feeling full and satisfied without spiking your blood sugar.
2. Simple and Quick: Unlike complex recipes, this keto cheeseburger casserole takes only about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
3. Deliciously Filling: Made with high-quality protein from lean ground beef and topped with creamy mayonnaise, unsweetened ketchup, and sharp cheddar cheese, this casserole hits the spot for those who crave rich, satisfying flavors.
4. Versatile: One of the best things about this casserole is how customizable it is. You can easily add different vegetables, swap out ingredients, or even play around with spices to make the dish your own.
5. Family-Friendly: This casserole is a crowd-pleaser, and both kids and adults will enjoy digging into it. It’s great for family meals, and it even makes a fantastic meal prep dish for the week.

Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

To make this keto cheeseburger casserole, you’ll only need a few basic ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry. Below is a quick overview of the main components:

• Olive Oil: I recommend using extra-virgin olive oil for cooking due to its rich flavor and health benefits. If you don’t have olive oil, you can substitute with avocado oil or ghee.
• Extra-Lean Ground Beef: For the best results, opt for extra-lean ground beef (93% lean), as it helps reduce excess fat. However, if you prefer, you can use lean ground beef (85% lean), though you may need to drain the excess fat.
• Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic are key for adding flavor to the ground beef mixture. However, if you’re short on time, you can use onion and garlic powders (2 teaspoons of each).
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: The seasoning basics—salt and pepper—are essential to bring out the natural flavors of the beef and other ingredients.
• Mayonnaise: I prefer using mayonnaise made from avocado oil, as it’s a healthier alternative to traditional mayonnaise. It also adds a creamy texture to the casserole.
• Unsweetened Ketchup: While traditional ketchup contains added sugars, this keto version uses unsweetened ketchup, ensuring no unnecessary carbs sneak in.
• Mustard: I usually prefer Dijon mustard for a tangy touch, but yellow mustard works just as well in this dish.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For the best flavor, go with sharp or extra-sharp cheddar. The stronger flavor of the cheese elevates the dish and complements the beef perfectly.

How to Make This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole – Simple and Delicious

The beauty of a casserole is its simplicity. For this keto cheeseburger casserole, you’ll need to cook the ground beef and onion, mix in your favorite condiments and seasonings, then bake everything in a dish. The result is a perfectly creamy, cheesy casserole with all the flavors of a cheeseburger.

To make this casserole even more nutritious, you can mix in some vegetables, such as riced cauliflower or spinach, to boost the fiber content and make it a more complete meal. If you’re trying to keep it strictly low-carb, however, you can stick to the basic ingredients as outlined below.

The Secret to a Great Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

What really sets this keto cheeseburger casserole apart from other casserole recipes is the use of mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard to create a flavorful “sauce” that ties all the ingredients together. The mayonnaise gives the dish creaminess, while the ketchup and mustard add tanginess and depth of flavor. And let’s not forget about the sharp cheddar cheese, which melts beautifully and creates a cheesy, golden topping that everyone will love.

The combination of these ingredients creates the perfect balance of richness and acidity, making each bite taste just like a classic cheeseburger, but without the bun.

Variations and Customizations

While this recipe is fantastic as written, there’s always room for customization! Here are a few ideas to make this keto cheeseburger casserole your own:

• Add Bacon: Bacon crumbles are a great addition to this casserole. They provide a savory crunch and smoky flavor that complements the ground beef perfectly.
• Use Different Ground Meats: If you don’t want to use beef, you can substitute with ground chicken, turkey, or even ground lamb for a different flavor profile.
• Spice it Up: Add a little heat by stirring in some diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder or smoked paprika.
• Vegetable Add-ins: For added nutrients, consider mixing in some low-carb veggies like riced cauliflower, spinach, or even zucchini to the ground beef mixture before baking.

Keto Cheeseburger Casserole – A Quick and Easy Recipe

This keto cheeseburger casserole recipe is incredibly simple to make and can be prepped and cooked in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• Olive oil spray – for greasing the baking dish
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 6 ounces)
• 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or 1 teaspoon of any other salt)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup unsweetened ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar (sharp, divided; 6 ounces total)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 2-quart baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the beef and onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and chopped onions. Cook, stirring to break up the beef, until the meat is browned and the onions are soft (about 5 minutes).
3. Drain excess fat: If there’s excess liquid or grease, carefully drain it and return the beef and onion mixture to the skillet. Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for another minute.
4. Mix in the condiments: Turn off the heat. Stir in the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, if your baking dish is broiler-safe, broil for 1-2 minutes to get a golden top.
7. Serve: Once done, serve immediately. Enjoy your keto cheeseburger casserole with a side of veggies or a simple salad!

Notes:

• To make this into a complete meal, try adding 1-2 cups of uncooked riced cauliflower to the ground beef mixture before cooking. This will increase the fiber and make it more filling.
• You can freeze leftovers for up to three months. Simply store individual portions in airtight containers and reheat gently when ready to enjoy.

Nutrition per Serving:

• Calories: 458 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Sodium: 771mg
• Sugar: 2g

This keto cheeseburger casserole recipe is a simple yet hearty meal that’s perfect for satisfying your cheeseburger cravings while staying low-carb. Enjoy it any day of the week!