Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

If you’ve ever craved all the savory, gooey, satisfying flavors of a classic cheeseburger but didn’t want to fuss with buns—or compromise your low-carb lifestyle—then Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is destined to become your new go-to dinner. This hearty, family-friendly bake brings together seasoned beef, caramelized onions, gooey cheddar, and all the “secret sauce” flavors in one simple dish. It’s everything you love about cheeseburgers, delightfully packed into a fork-friendly, keto-friendly casserole you’ll find yourself making on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is how each ingredient plays its own delicious role—there are no fillers, just pure, flavor-packed essentials. From rich ground beef to zesty condiments and plenty of sharp cheddar, every element adds depth, color, or irresistible cheesiness to this meal.

• Olive oil spray: Ensures your casserole releases easily and adds a subtle olive flavor.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps brown the beef while lending heart-healthy richness.
• Extra-lean ground beef (2 pounds): The protein-packed base; leaner cuts keep it lighter while staying juicy.
• Finely chopped onion (1 medium, 6 ounces): Builds sweetness and depth for the beef layer.
• Diamond Crystal kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances every savory bite—adjust if using other salts, as potency varies.
• Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Offers gentle, warming spice that perks up the whole dish.
• Fresh garlic, minced (1 tablespoon): Fragrant punch of flavor that marries beautifully with the beef and onion.
• Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Creamy richness and essential for that classic cheeseburger “secret sauce” taste.
• Unsweetened ketchup (¼ cup): Adds tang and tomato flavor without any added sugar.
• Mustard (1 tablespoon): Zesty kick that cuts through richness and ties the flavors together.
• Shredded sharp cheddar (1 ½ cups, divided): Bold cheese factor—melts and browns perfectly on top.

How to Make Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Give your 2-quart baking dish a generous spray with olive oil—this step is your insurance policy for a beautifully golden casserole that lifts out effortlessly come dinnertime.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté Onions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about two minutes. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, stirring to break up the meat. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion turns sweet and translucent, about five minutes. This builds deep, caramelized flavor for the base of your Keto Cheeseburger Casserole.

Step 3: Drain and Add Seasonings

If you notice any excess liquid pooling at the bottom of your skillet—carefully drain it so your casserole isn’t watery. Return everything to the skillet, then stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, and fresh garlic. Let it cook together for a minute to bloom the aromatics.

Step 4: Stir in the Creamy “Burger Sauce” and Cheese

Turn the heat off and fold in the mayonnaise, unsweetened ketchup, mustard, and one cup of shredded cheddar. This creamy mixture coats every morsel of beef, locking in those signature cheeseburger flavors.

Step 5: Layer, Top, and Bake

Spoon the cheesy beef mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top for a gloriously gooey crust. Bake until the cheese is completely melted and the casserole is hot throughout, about 15 minutes. If you love your cheese a little toasty, use the broiler for the last couple minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!

How to Serve Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

Garnishes

The final flourish can make all the difference. Try topping your Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with sliced pickles, a dash of chopped parsley, or extra dollops of sugar-free ketchup and mustard. A handful of diced tomatoes or a sprinkle of green onions can also add a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

To round out your plate, think crisp and refreshing sides. Simple mixed greens, a tangy slaw, or roasted broccoli all pair perfectly with the richness of the casserole. If you’re feeling extra, cauliflower “rice” or roasted radishes make for awesome low-carb partners without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

When you want to wow the table or jazz up leftovers, scoop your Keto Cheeseburger Casserole into little ramekins for individual servings. Or, spoon it over lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held “cheeseburger wrap” vibe. It also works wonders as a filling for mini bell pepper boats—a sure-fire hit at potlucks or family-style dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers covered—or perhaps purposefully made extra? Store your Keto Cheeseburger Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The flavors mingle even more after a night in the fridge, so it makes a fabulous meal-prep option for busy weeks.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream! Portion out individual servings or freeze the whole cooled casserole, tightly wrapped. It will keep its cheesy, savory goodness for up to three months—just be sure to label and date your container. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

The gentler the heat, the better your leftovers will taste. Microwave individual portions at 50% power, checking and stirring occasionally until warmed through. For larger quantities, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use different ground meat for this casserole?

Absolutely! While extra-lean ground beef gives you classic cheeseburger flavor, ground turkey or chicken thighs work well too—just keep in mind they’ll bring their own unique taste and texture. Avoid chicken breast, as it can turn out a bit dry for this recipe.

How can I make Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with veggies?

For a complete meal in a dish, stir 1–2 cups of uncooked riced cauliflower into the beef and onion as they cook. It blends in seamlessly, adding bulk and nutrition while still keeping this casserole keto-friendly. Just remember to add a little extra olive oil to help it cook evenly.

Will regular ketchup work instead of unsweetened?

If you’re not following a strict keto diet, regular ketchup is fine, but it will boost the carb and sugar content. For the full Keto Cheeseburger Casserole experience, unsweetened ketchup keeps things friendly for low-carb eaters.

Can I prep this dish in advance for a party or potluck?

Definitely! Assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of baking), cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the oven time if baking straight from the fridge.

How do I get that perfectly melty cheese top?

For even melting, use freshly shredded cheddar, which melts more smoothly than pre-shredded. If you like a little color and crispness, finish the casserole under the broiler for a minute or two—just don’t walk away while it’s under the heat!

Final Thoughts

With its ooey-gooey cheese, juicy beef, and all the comforting burger flavors you crave, Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is one of those crowd-pleasing recipes you’ll want to keep close. It’s warm, hearty, and as easy to make as it is to love. Give it a try—you might just find it’s your new favorite dinner ritual!

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