Introducing a simple 30-minute keto cheeseburger casserole that is both satisfying and wholesome, offering a fantastic low-carb twist to the traditional cheeseburger. The absence of a bun won’t be missed!
Prepare this recipe as instructed and pair it with a side of vegetables for a delightful meal. Alternatively, enhance it further by incorporating veggies like cauliflower rice or spinach, transforming it into a wholesome and well-rounded dish.
I have a soft spot for casseroles. They’re incredibly convenient. Simply assemble a few ingredients in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and in 30-60 minutes, dinner is served!
This casserole is incredibly tasty, albeit in a wonderfully unpretentious manner. Both adults and kids always enjoy it. You can follow the recipe as is, play around with different spices, and even incorporate additional veggies.
Like most casseroles, it’s a forgiving and adaptable recipe. Check out some specific suggestions below.
INGREDIENTS
To make this keto cheeseburger casserole, you’ll only need a few simple ingredients. The exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Olive oil: A flavorful choice for cooking. You can also use avocado oil or ghee.
- Extra-lean ground beef: Opt for leaner beef since any rendered fat will be drained.
- Onion and garlic: While you can substitute with powders, using fresh onion and garlic yields better results.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: If using fine salt, use half the amount specified for kosher salt.
- Mayonnaise: Choose avocado oil-based mayonnaise for preference.
- Unsweetened ketchup: A healthier alternative to regular ketchup.
- Mustard: Dijon mustard is my usual preference for its creaminess, but yellow mustard works well in this recipe too.
- Shredded cheddar: Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar adds a delightful flavor boost to the dish.
VARIATIONS
The simplicity of this recipe is its standout feature. However, if you’re up for some experimentation, here are a few suggestions:
- Enhance the flavor by adding crumbled cooked bacon. It provides a delicious twist.
- Feel free to use ground chicken thighs or ground turkey thighs instead of beef. Although it won’t be the same, it can still be quite tasty. It’s advisable to opt for ground thighs rather than lean ground breast.
- Get creative with your choice of spices, even if they differ from the traditional cheeseburger seasonings. Smoked paprika and chili powder work exceptionally well in this recipe.
- For an extra kick, incorporate sliced pickled jalapenos into the beef mixture before baking it. They add a tangy and spicy element.
INSTRUCTIONS
The recipe card below contains the detailed instructions for making this cheeseburger casserole. Here’s a brief summary of the steps:
- Start by cooking ground beef and onion in olive oil. (Photo 1).
- Add seasonings: garlic, salt, and black pepper. (Photo 2).
- Off the heat, stir in condiments: mayo, ketchup, mustard, and shredded cheese. (Photos 3-4).
- The final step is to transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle it with more cheese. Bake for approximately 15 minutes at 400°F, then serve! (Photos 5-6).
Expert Tips
If you want to transform this casserole into a satisfying meal, incorporate 1-2 cups of uncooked riced cauliflower to the meat and onion mixture and cook them together.
To accommodate the addition, slightly increase the amount of olive oil used. Begin with an additional tablespoon and assess if further supplementation is necessary.
Recipe Card
Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Description
This delightful keto cheeseburger casserole offers a satisfying and robust experience for your taste buds. Packed with incredible flavors, it serves as a delectable low-carb substitute for a traditional cheeseburger.
Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F.
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- Spray a 2-quart baking dish with olive oil.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, for about 2 minutes.
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- Add the beef and the onions.
- Cook, stirring to break up the beef, until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, for about 5 minutes.
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If there are liquids at the bottom of the skillet, carefully drain the mixture and return it to the skillet.
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Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic.
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- Cook, stirring, for 1 more minute.
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Turn the heat off.
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- Stir in the mayonnaise, unsweetened ketchup, mustard, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
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- Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
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Bake until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through, for about 15 minutes.
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- Or, if your baking dish is broiler-safe, broil the casserole 6 inches below the heating element (not directly below) until the cheese is melted, 1-2 minutes.
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Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 458kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 31g48%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Sodium 771mg33%
- Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
- Sugars 1.99g
- Protein 38g76%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
If you want to transform this casserole into a full meal, you have the option to include 1-2 cups of uncooked riced cauliflower to the meat and onion mixture and cook them together. If you choose to do this, you may need to slightly increase the amount of olive oil.
To store the leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. When reheating, it is recommended to gently warm them in the microwave at 50% power to maintain their texture and flavor.
Alternatively, you can freeze individual servings of the casserole successfully for up to three months, ensuring proper packaging for freezing.
