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.
A-High Protein
Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
- Prep10 min
- Cook25 min
- Total35 min
- Servings6 servings
- Calories360 kcal
Ingredients
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes & 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.
Variations & serving ideas
- 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.
- 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
- 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)
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · makes 6 servings
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Total fat | 22 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Total carbohydrate | 6 g |
| Fibre | 1 g |
| Protein | 34 g |
Nutrition values are approximate and vary with brands and portion sizes.
Frequently asked questions
Is this casserole keto-friendly?
Yes. At only 5g net carbs per serving it fits easily into most keto and low-carb plans.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if cold.
Why drain the beef?
Draining excess fat keeps the casserole rich and flavorful without becoming greasy.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey works well. Add a little extra seasoning or a splash of broth if it seems dry.
What can I serve with it?
A simple green salad, roasted broccoli, or cauliflower mash all pair nicely.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely, portion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
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