Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: One-Pan Wonder

Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: One-Pan Wonder

Keto bacon cheeseburger casserole delivers all those juicy burger flavors without the bun – and honestly, you won’t miss the carbs one bit.

I get it. You’re staring into your fridge thinking “how do I make something that actually tastes like comfort food while staying keto?” This casserole answers that question with a resounding YES.

No soggy lettuce wraps.
No sad cauliflower substitutes that taste like disappointment.
Just pure, cheesy, bacon-loaded satisfaction that’ll have your family asking for seconds.

KEY INFO:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

Essential tools:

• Large skillet or frying pan
• 9×9″ casserole dish (or 2-quart baking dish)
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk

Simple alternatives:

• Use an oven-safe skillet for true one-pan cooking
• Food processor makes quick work of chopping bacon

INGREDIENTS:

Main Components:

• 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 works perfectly)
• 6 oz (170g) bacon, diced [turkey bacon works too]
• 1 medium onion, diced (about ¾ cup) [skip for stricter keto]
• 3 large eggs
• 8 oz (225g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded [Colby or Monterey Jack work great]
• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream [half-and-half for lighter option]

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard [Dijon adds tang]
• 1 tablespoon sugar-free ketchup [optional but adds that burger taste]
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• ½ cup dill pickle slices
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Shredded lettuce
• Extra bacon bits

METHOD:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease that casserole dish.

2. Cook the bacon in your large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside. Keep 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
3. Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
4. Brown the ground beef in the same pan, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat thoroughly – this prevents a greasy casserole.

5. Stir in cream cheese, mustard, ketchup, and all seasonings into the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until cream cheese melts and everything combines into a creamy mixture.
6. Spread the beef mixture evenly in your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle half the cooked bacon over the top.

7. Whisk together eggs, heavy cream, half the shredded cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in your mixing bowl until completely smooth.
8. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole. Top with remaining cheese and bacon.
9. Arrange pickle slices on top if using – they add that classic burger tang.
10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly and the center is set (no jiggle when you shake the dish).

11. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing – this prevents a runny mess when you serve it.

CRUCIAL TIPS:

• Drain that beef properly – excess grease ruins the texture
• Don’t overbake – eggs turn rubbery when cooked too long
• Let it rest – patience prevents soggy servings
• Internal temperature should hit 160°F (71°C) for food safety

STORAGE & VARIATIONS:

Storage:

Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight container.
Freezes beautifully for 3 months – wrap portions individually.

Reheating:

Oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes works best.
Microwave at 80% power in 30-second bursts for single servings.

Scaling:

Double the recipe for meal prep – use a 9×13″ dish and add 5-10 minutes to bake time.
Half the recipe fits perfectly in an 8×8″ dish.

Common Mistakes:

• Skipping the rest time = runny casserole
• Not whisking egg mixture thoroughly = lumpy texture
• Adding cold cream cheese = clumpy sauce

Killer Variations:

• Spicy version: Add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese
• Veggie boost: Layer in roasted bell peppers
• Turkey twist: Swap ground beef for ground turkey
• Cauliflower base: Add 2 cups riced cauliflower for extra vegetables
• Swiss style: Use Swiss cheese and add mushrooms

This keto bacon cheeseburger casserole hits every comfort food craving while keeping you in ketosis.
Each serving delivers about 4g net carbs, 28g protein, and 35g fat – perfect keto macros.

Serve it over shredded lettuce with extra pickles and sugar-free ketchup for the full burger experience.
Your taste buds won’t know the difference, but your waistline will thank you.