This Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole is a hearty, satisfying dinner option that captures the classic flavors of a cheeseburger without the bun. It’s a perfect family-friendly meal, loaded with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and savory spices—all while keeping carbs to a minimum.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (low-sugar)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: sliced pickles, chopped tomatoes, or cooked bacon for topping
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch or similar baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, then mix in cream cheese until fully blended. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into the baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream. Pour evenly over the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Cool slightly before serving. Add optional toppings if desired.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 4g
Health Benefits of a Low-Carb Diet
A low-carb diet is known for promoting weight loss, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and improving heart health. The Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole fits well into this dietary approach, making it an ideal meal for individuals seeking to manage their carbohydrate intake without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
Why This Recipe Works for Families
This casserole is a family favorite because it’s filling, flavorful, and appeals to both adults and kids. The familiar taste of a cheeseburger in casserole form means even picky eaters are likely to enjoy it. It’s a great way to get everyone on board with healthier eating.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole is an excellent choice for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge for several days and can be portioned into individual servings for quick lunches or dinners during the week, helping to maintain a healthy eating routine.
Freezer-Friendly Option
This casserole also freezes beautifully, making it a convenient option for batch cooking. Simply allow it to cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and tasty meal.
Customizable to Fit Dietary Needs
The recipe is highly versatile and can be adapted to suit different dietary preferences. You can use turkey instead of beef for a leaner option or swap the dairy with plant-based alternatives for a lactose-free or keto-vegan variation.
Rich in Protein
Protein is essential for muscle maintenance, satiety, and metabolic function. This casserole delivers a high-protein punch thanks to the ground meat, eggs, and cheese, helping to keep you full and energized.
Low in Carbohydrates
One of the key features of this dish is its minimal carbohydrate content. By omitting traditional burger buns and opting for low-carb ingredients, it supports low-carb, ketogenic, or diabetic-friendly diets without compromising flavor.
Delivers Classic Cheeseburger Flavors
Despite being a casserole, the flavor profile mirrors that of a traditional cheeseburger. The combination of ground meat, cheese, mustard, and tomato elements creates a comforting, familiar taste that resonates with burger lovers.
Keto-Friendly Ingredients
This recipe includes keto-compliant ingredients like ground beef, cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and eggs. These ingredients are staples in ketogenic cooking and contribute to a balanced ratio of fats, proteins, and minimal carbs.
Ideal for Gluten-Free Diets
As there are no wheat-based ingredients in the recipe, this casserole is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Easy to Cook on Busy Weeknights
The simplicity of this casserole makes it a go-to meal for hectic evenings. With minimal prep and one-pan cooking, it’s convenient and requires very little kitchen cleanup, saving time and effort.
Affordable and Budget-Friendly
All the ingredients are accessible and reasonably priced, making this recipe a practical option for families looking to prepare wholesome meals without breaking the bank.
Kid-Approved and Comforting
Children often love this dish because it tastes like a cheeseburger, which is familiar and fun for them. The cheesy topping and rich flavor make it comforting and indulgent while still being nutritious.
Balanced Macronutrients
With a good balance of fats, proteins, and low carbs, the recipe supports sustained energy release and helps prevent energy crashes that come with high-carb meals. This balance is key for those looking to maintain energy throughout the day.
Pairs Well with Simple Sides
While the casserole is satisfying on its own, it can be paired with a variety of low-carb sides such as steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad to complete the meal and add nutritional variety.
Appeals to Low-Sugar Lifestyle
The tomato sauce used in the recipe is low-sugar or sugar-free, which fits perfectly into a low-sugar lifestyle. Avoiding high-glycemic ingredients is a smart strategy for those managing blood glucose levels.
Encourages Satiety and Portion Control
Thanks to its high protein and fat content, this casserole promotes fullness with smaller portions. This naturally supports portion control and reduces the likelihood of overeating.
Great for Leftovers and Next-Day Flavor
The flavor of the casserole actually improves after sitting for a few hours or overnight. The ingredients meld together and become even more savory, making leftovers just as enjoyable, if not better, than the fresh dish.
Easy to Scale for Large Gatherings
You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd. Whether it’s a family reunion, potluck, or weeknight dinner with guests, this casserole scales well and feeds many with minimal fuss.
Supports Long-Term Healthy Habits
By incorporating satisfying, low-carb recipes like this into your regular routine, it becomes easier to stick to healthy eating habits. Enjoying meals that are both nourishing and delicious ensures dietary changes are sustainable over time.
Conclusion
The Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole stands out as a smart, satisfying alternative to traditional carb-heavy meals. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, comforting flavors, and nutritional benefits. From busy families and meal preppers to those following specialized diets like keto or gluten-free, this dish checks all the boxes. By embracing such recipes, it’s easier than ever to enjoy healthy eating without giving up the flavors you love. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole household, this casserole is a winning choice that brings both convenience and nourishment to the table.