EASY KETO CHEESEBURGER CASSEROLE

Keto-Friendly Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Craving a hearty, satisfying meal that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle? This keto cheeseburger casserole is just what you need! It’s packed with all the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger but without the carbs, making it ideal for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Even better, it’s super easy to prepare and takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Whether you’re in need of a family-friendly meal or a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner, this keto cheeseburger casserole is a great option. It captures the essence of a cheeseburger without the bun or fries, delivering a comforting, low-carb dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole:

• Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: This casserole cuts out the carbs found in traditional cheeseburgers, replacing them with simple, whole ingredients to keep you full and satisfied without spiking your blood sugar.
• Quick and Easy: With only about 30 minutes needed from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and effortless.
• Rich and Flavorful: Combining lean ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and unsweetened ketchup, this casserole delivers that classic cheeseburger taste with a creamy, satisfying twist.
• Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Add vegetables, switch up the spices, or mix in different toppings to create a casserole that’s uniquely yours.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will enjoy this meal, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.

Key Ingredients:

• Olive Oil: Adds richness to the dish while being a healthier fat option. You can also use avocado oil or ghee as alternatives.
• Extra-Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (93% lean) to keep the dish light. You can use 85% lean ground beef, but you may need to drain excess fat.
• Onion and Garlic: Freshly chopped onions and garlic infuse the casserole with bold, savory flavors. For a quicker alternative, use 2 teaspoons each of onion and garlic powder.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: These essential seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the beef and cheese.
• Mayonnaise: Avocado oil-based mayonnaise is a healthier option, adding a creamy texture and richness to the casserole.
• Unsweetened Ketchup: Skip the sugar-laden ketchup and use a keto-friendly, unsweetened version to maintain the dish’s low-carb profile.
• Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a tangy punch, though yellow mustard can be used for a more classic cheeseburger taste.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings bold, cheesy flavor to the dish. Use extra-sharp cheddar for an even more intense flavor.

How to Make Keto Cheeseburger Casserole:

This casserole is straightforward to prepare. You’ll cook the ground beef with onions, mix in the condiments, and bake it all together for a cheesy, delicious result. To boost nutrition, you can also add low-carb vegetables like riced cauliflower or spinach.

Step-by-Step Recipe:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• Olive oil spray (for greasing the dish)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 1 teaspoon of other salt)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup unsweetened ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish with olive oil spray.
2. Cook the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Drain Fat: If there’s excess fat, drain it from the skillet. Stir in salt, pepper, and garlic, cooking for an additional minute.
4. Mix in Condiments: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in mayonnaise, unsweetened ketchup, mustard, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
5. Transfer and Bake: Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side of salad or your favorite low-carb veggies!

Tips and Variations:

• Add Bacon: Crumbled bacon can be mixed into the casserole for extra flavor and crunch.
• Vegetable Boost: Incorporate riced cauliflower or spinach to add fiber and make the dish more filling.
• Spice it Up: Add jalapeños or a dash of chili powder for a spicy kick.
• Switch the Meat: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter option.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 458 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Sodium: 771mg
• Sugar: 2g

This keto cheeseburger casserole is a simple, flavorful dish that satisfies your burger cravings while staying low in carbs. Whether for a family meal or meal prep, this casserole will become a go-to recipe in your keto kitchen!