Cheeseburger Casserole | Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

A cheeseburger casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting, baked form. Perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family dinner, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You'll Love This Keto-Friendly Casserole

• Easy. Brown the ground beef, mix in the rest of the ingredients, top with cheese, and bake! A recipe that can't get much more simple.
• Low Carb. This keto casserole has a keto-friendly 8 net carbs per serving.
• High Protein. Loaded with ground beef and cheese, this is a great way to help meet your daily protein macros.
• High Fat. Worried about getting enough fat in to keep your hunger at bay? This cheeseburger casserole is just the dish you've been looking for!

This low-carb cheeseburger casserole is the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger without the added carbs. It's a great option for anyone who is following a low-carb or ketogenic diet and it's sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

What Does Cheeseburger Casserole Taste Like?

Keto cheeseburger casserole tastes like a warm, comforting, deconstructed cheeseburger baked into a creamy, cheesy dish.

It has the savory richness of seasoned ground beef, the sweetness of sautéed onions, and the tangy notes of mustard and tomato sauce, all wrapped in a velvety layer of melted cheddar. The cream cheese adds a subtle creaminess that ties everything together, making each bite taste like a burger without the bun.

It’s hearty, satisfying, and full of classic cheeseburger flavor with a cozy, casserole-style twist.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 pound ground beef- The star of the dish and the main protein source. It provides the classic, savory “cheeseburger” flavor and hearty base of the casserole.
• 1/2 cup onions- Onions add sweetness, depth, and aromatic flavor as they cook down with the beef. They help build that classic burger-like taste without adding many carbs.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic- Garlic brings savory richness and enhances the overall flavor profile, giving the casserole a deeper, more complex taste.
• 1 cup tomato sauce- Tomato sauce adds moisture and a mild acidity that mimics the tang of ketchup in a cheeseburger. It binds the filling together and keeps the casserole from drying out.
• 1 tablespoon prepared mustard- Mustard adds classic cheeseburger tanginess and sharpness. It brightens the dish and balances the richness of the meat and cheese.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce- This adds umami depth and savory complexity, enhancing the beefy flavor and creating a richer, more robust filling.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt- Salt seasons the beef and balances the flavors, ensuring the casserole is savory and well-rounded.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper- Pepper adds mild heat and a touch of sharpness that complements the beef and enhances the overall seasoning.
• 2 ounces cream cheese- Cream cheese melts into the meat mixture to create a creamy, cohesive base. It adds richness while helping the casserole thicken slightly without flour, keeping it low carb.
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese- Cheddar is essential for delivering that bold, classic cheeseburger flavor. Half is usually mixed into the beef for creaminess, while the rest melts on top to create a gooey, golden crust.

How To Make Cheeseburger Casserole

1. Preheat the oven. Turn the temperature of your oven to 375F so it is ready to start melting those cheeses as soon as you assemble the casserole.
2. Cook the ground beef. In a large skillet, saute the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add in the aromatics. Pour in the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the vegetables are soft (about 5 minutes).
4. Stir in the flavor. Add in the tomato sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, and mix until combined.
5. Make it cheesy. Mix the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese into the ground beef.
6. Prep your pan. Pour the beef and cheese mixture into an 8x8 inch casserole dish.
7. Bake until bubbly. Place the casserole dish in the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
8. Eat up. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips And Tricks

Making a great low carb cheeseburger casserole is all about building bold flavor and getting the perfect creamy, cheesy texture. These tips will help you nail it every time:

• Drain the beef well to prevent excess grease from making the casserole watery.
• Sauté the onions until soft and golden for maximum sweetness and depth.
• Use sharp cheddar instead of mild. The stronger flavor makes the dish taste more “cheeseburger-like.”
• Cube the cream cheese so it melts faster and mixes in smoothly without clumping.

Variations

If you want to change up the flavor of your low carb cheeseburger casserole or tailor it to your cravings, these variations offer simple ways to make the dish even more exciting:

• Make it a true cheeseburger. If you've gone grocery shopping lately, you've likely grabbed a package or two of keto hamburger buns. Scoop a hearty portion of this cheeseburger casserole onto the bun for a delicious cheeseburger sloppy joe hybrid.
• Switch up the leftovers. If you have leftovers and want to make them into something that tastes a little different, warm the leftovers and serve them over a leafy salad and drizzle my Big Mac Sauce over the top for a quick take on my Big Mac Salad recipe.
• Use it for dipping. This keto casserole doubles as a great appetizer or dip! Use your favorite low carb chips or some pork rinds to add a crispy crunch to your next party bite.
• Add in pasta. Ok, I know this one isn't a keto-friendly variation, but sometimes you have to cook for people that don't eat with people that have similar dietary goals as you do. To make this a Cheeseburger Mac casserole, cook some pasta until al dente, stir in with the hamburger mixture before pouring it into the skillet, top with cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What Is A Good Side For Cheeseburger Casserole?

My favorite way to add some extra veggies and freshness to this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is to serve all of my favorite cheeseburger accompaniments along with it! I know all of the flavors (like mustard, ketchup, and cheese) are already baked into the ground beef, but you don't have to stop there!

Here are a few of my favorite things to serve on the side:

• Lettuce
• Sliced Tomato
• Pickles

And if you're feeling a little extra indulgent and want to add even more creaminess to the casserole, you can even squirt a little full-fat mayo on top!

How Long Does It Last?

A cheeseburger casserole can last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly. To properly store the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container.

When you're ready to reheat the cheeseburger casserole, just pop it back in the oven, microwave, or air fryer until warmed through.

Can You Freeze It?

More Tasty Ground Beef Recipes

If you're a family that tends to eat a lot of red meat, or appreciates the convenience of cooking with ground beef, you can often find yourself stuck in a rut.

Check out one of the recipes below for a great twist on your traditional meal plan!

• Skillet Lasagna
• Ethiopian Beef Stew
• Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Pin It!

If you love this Cheeseburger Casserole as much as we do, make sure you share the recipe with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don't forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.

Don't forget to check out my other Keto cookbooks.

Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats, and Easy keto in 30 minutes.