Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
High-Protein Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Cheesy bacon cheeseburger casserole — low-carb, sugar-free, and ready in 35 minutes
This high-protein bacon cheeseburger casserole tastes just like a classic cheeseburger in cozy casserole form. Ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a creamy base come together for a satisfying low-carb meal that delivers 34 g of protein and only 5 g net carbs per serving.
Low-carb, sugar-free, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Why you’ll love this casserole
- 34g protein per serving — a complete high-protein meal
- Only 5g net carbs and fully sugar-free
- All the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in one dish
- Ready in about 35 minutes
- One-pan friendly and easy cleanup
- Excellent for meal prep and leftovers
Health notes
- High protein: Ground beef, bacon, and cheese deliver a solid protein boost.
- Low carb: No buns or pasta — just meat, cheese, and simple add-ins.
- Sugar-free: No added sugar in the seasoning or sauce.
- Satisfying: Rich and filling without the carbs.
Key element — drain the beef well
After browning the ground beef, drain excess fat thoroughly. This keeps the casserole from becoming greasy while still delivering full flavor.
Ingredients
Casserole
- 1½ lbs (680g) ground beef (85–90% lean)
- 6–8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve some for topping)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup sugar-free ketchup or tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp mustard
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream or sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: diced pickles or green onions for garnish
Swaps
- Higher protein: Use extra-lean ground beef or add an extra egg to the mixture.
- Turkey version: Swap ground beef for ground turkey.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives.
- Extra veggies: Stir in diced pickles, mushrooms, or cauliflower rice.
Instructions
| 1 | Preheat and cook the bacon. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside. Reserve a little for the top. |
| 2 | Brown the beef. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds more. |
| 3 | Make the mixture. Stir in the sugar-free ketchup, mustard, cream cheese, heavy cream (or sour cream), smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined. Mix in most of the crumbled bacon and 1 cup of the cheddar. |
| 4 | Assemble and bake. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×9 or 8×11-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar, mozzarella if using, and reserved bacon. Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest a few minutes, garnish if desired, and serve. |
Pro tips
- Drain the beef well so the casserole stays rich but not greasy.
- For extra cheeseburger flavor, stir in a few chopped pickles before baking.
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking for cleaner scoops.
- This reheats beautifully and is excellent for meal prep.
- Top with a dollop of sugar-free ketchup or mustard at the table if desired.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Net carbohydrates | 5g |
| Total carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Total fat | 22g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
Estimates based on 85% lean ground beef, bacon, cheddar, and cream cheese. Exact numbers vary with meat lean percentage and cheese brand.
Variations
Pickle lover’s
Stir chopped dill pickles into the beef mixture and top with extra pickle slices.
Spicy
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture.
Turkey bacon
Use turkey bacon and lean ground turkey for a lighter version.
Loaded
Top with diced tomatoes, green onions, and a drizzle of sugar-free special sauce after baking.
Storage
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Store covered |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Freeze in portions for easy reheating |
| Reheat | Oven or microwave | Cover to keep moisture; add a splash of cream if needed |
FAQ
Test your knowledge
5 quick questions about this bacon cheeseburger casserole
1. Protein per serving?
2. Net carbs per serving?
3. Why drain the ground beef?
4. About how long does this take?
5. Best way to store leftovers?
