Keto Cheeseburger Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
458 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Keto Cheeseburger Casserole
Description
Keto Cheeseburger Casserole brings together browned extra-lean ground beef and finely chopped onions cooked with garlic, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. The meat mixture is enriched by stirring in mayonnaise, unsweetened ketchup, mustard, and sharp cheddar cheese before baking. Baking melts the cheese and melds the flavors, resulting in a warm, creamy casserole with a hearty texture from the beef and a tangy bite from the condiments. This casserole can be served hot from the oven as a main entrée.
The balanced spices and the sharpness of the cheddar create a comforting, satisfying casserole typical of cheeseburger flavors without the bun, making it suitable for keto eating plans. The mayo and mustard add moisture and a rich mouthfeel contrasting with the tender cooked ground beef.
The recipe allows for adding 1-2 cups of uncooked riced cauliflower during cooking to bulk up the dish, increasing its volume while keeping it low in carbohydrates. The use of extra-lean beef keeps the casserole relatively lean but rich in protein. Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
Ingredients
- olive oil for the baking dish, spray form
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds ground beef extra-lean
- 1 onion finely chopped; 6 ounces, medium
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt see notes below, Diamond Crystal brand
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced, fresh
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 ½ cup cheddar cheese sharp, shredded, divided; 6 ounces total
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with olive oil.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Add the beef and the onions. Cook, stirring to break up the beef until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, for about 5 minutes.
- If there are liquids at the bottom of the skillet, carefully drain the mixture and return it to the skillet. Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring, for 1 more minute.
- Turn the heat off. Stir in the mayonnaise, unsweetened ketchup, mustard, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through, for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, if your baking dish is broiler-safe, broil the casserole 6 inches below the heating element (not directly below) until the cheese is melted, 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adding 1-2 cups of riced cauliflower during cooking can turn this into a more complete meal and requires slightly more olive oil for cooking.
- If substituting Diamond Crystal kosher salt with other brands like Morton, use half the listed amount to avoid over-salting.
- Ground chicken or turkey thighs can replace beef, though texture and flavor will differ; chicken breast is not recommended due to leanness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; reheat gently at low microwave power or freeze individual portions for up to three months.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 458 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 458kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Sodium | 771mg | 32% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.