Of course! This Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is the ultimate comfort food without the carbs. It captures all the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in an easy, cheesy, and satisfying bake that’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
This recipe uses cauliflower as the base, but it’s versatile—see the note for other low-carb options!
Yields: 6 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
· 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal for flavor)
· 6 slices bacon, chopped
· 1 small yellow onion, chopped
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into very small florets (about 5-6 cups)*
· ½ cup sugar-free burger-style dill pickle slices, chopped
· 1 cup heavy cream
· 2 large eggs
· 1 tbsp yellow mustard
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· 1 tsp onion powder
· 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
· ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or more cheddar)
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· For garnish: sliced green onions, chopped tomatoes, extra pickles, a dollop of sugar-free ketchup or mayo
*Note: You can substitute the cauliflower with 1.5 lbs of shredded yellow squash or zucchini (squeezed dry) or a bag of frozen cauliflower rice (thawed and squeezed dry).
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon and Beef:
· Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
· In a large, oven-safe skillet (or a regular skillet), cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef:
· Add the chopped onion to the bacon drippings and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
· Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is no longer pink. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
· If there is a lot of excess grease, drain it off, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
- Prepare the Cauliflower Base:
· While the beef is cooking, place the cauliflower florets in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water. Cover and microwave for 5-7 minutes, until tender-crisp. (Alternatively, you can steam them on the stovetop). Drain any excess water very well.
· For the best texture, use a potato masher or a fork to break the cauliflower down into a “rice-like” or hash-brown-like consistency. You don’t want it puréed, just broken up.
- Make the Creamy Egg Mixture:
· In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Combine Everything:
· To the skillet with the cooked beef, add the mashed cauliflower, chopped pickles, and the cooked bacon (reserve a tablespoon for garnish if desired).
· Pour the creamy egg mixture over everything and stir well to combine.
· Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the Monterey Jack cheese until evenly distributed.
- Bake:
· Smooth the top of the mixture in the skillet. If you didn’t use an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
· Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
· Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is set around the edges and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
· Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set for cleaner slices.
· Garnish with your favorite burger toppings: sliced green onions, chopped tomato, extra pickles, and a drizzle of sugar-free ketchup.
Tips for Success & Variations
· Get Creative with Toppings: Set up a “burger bar” with small bowls of garnishes and let everyone build their own plate.
· Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream mixture for a kick.
· Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole reheats beautifully. Portion it out into containers for easy low-carb lunches all week.
· Avoid Sogginess: The key is to drain the cooked beef well and to thoroughly drain the steamed cauliflower. Excess moisture is the enemy of a great casserole.
· Add Mushrooms: Sauté 8 oz of sliced mushrooms with the onions for an extra boost of umami flavor.
This casserole is hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect way to satisfy a burger craving while sticking to your low-carb lifestyle! Enjoy.