The Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a delectable, comforting dish that combines the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in a hearty, oven-baked form, perfect for those following a low carbohydrate lifestyle. Imagine the base of this casserole as a tender, savory blend of ground beef, generously seasoned with traditional burger spices like onion and garlic powder, a hint of mustard, and perhaps a dash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. This meaty layer is cooked to perfection, ensuring a juicy, flavorful foundation.
What makes this casserole stand out is the incorporation of crispy bacon, cooked to a golden-brown perfection, adding a smoky, rich layer of flavor. The bacon is either mixed in with the ground beef or layered on top, creating a delightful textural contrast.
Cheese is a star player in this dish. A mix of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella is often used, melting into the meaty layers, enveloping them in a gooey, cheesy blanket. This cheese blend not only adds a luxurious texture but also imparts a beautiful golden-brown crust on top when baked.
To keep it low carb, traditional burger elements like tomatoes and pickles are used sparingly. They’re either diced finely and mixed in or used as a garnish on top, offering a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the rich meat and cheese. The casserole might also include a layer or mix of low-carb vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, adding nutritional value and complementing the hearty flavors.
The entire mixture is then baked in an oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures – the meat is juicy and flavorful, the bacon adds crunch and smokiness, and the cheese creates a creamy, indulgent topping.
Served hot, this Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is often garnished with fresh, low-carb toppings like chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or avocado slices for added richness. It’s a dish that brings the essence of a classic cheeseburger to your table in a warm, inviting form, without the excess carbs, making it a favorite for both comfort food enthusiasts and those adhering to a low-carb diet.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried mustard
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup sugar-free ketchup
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in the dried mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef and onion mixture with the spices.
Add the sugar-free ketchup and yellow mustard to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9×9-inch casserole dish.
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the beef mixture.
Spread the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the bacon and beef mixture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until well combined.
Pour the egg and cream mixture over the casserole, making sure it covers the entire surface.
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set.
Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy the delicious Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole!