Description
A delicious low-carb bacon cheeseburger casserole combining savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection. This hearty casserole is perfect for a comforting dinner and is ideal for those following a low-carb lifestyle.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Base
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 strips bacon, diced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Diced tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it becomes crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and set them aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the bacon grease in the skillet. Cook until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown the beef thoroughly until fully cooked through, then drain any excess grease from the skillet to reduce fat.
- Combine Bacon and Beef: Stir the cooked, crisp bacon back into the beef mixture. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before assembling.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined for a smooth custard base.
- Assemble Casserole: Evenly spread the beef and bacon mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish, creating a flat base layer.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the meat mixture to add rich flavor and gooey texture.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the egg and cream mixture over the cheese and meat, allowing it to seep through and combine with the filling.
- Top with Cheese: Cover the casserole with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese, creating a delicious cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is fully set and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for several minutes to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle chopped green onions and diced tomatoes on top before serving for added freshness and color.
Notes
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; increase baking time by 5-10 minutes if baking cold.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.
- Use full-fat cheddar cheese for best melting and flavor results.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- To make this dish dairy-free, substitute cheddar cheese with dairy-free cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream (note: this will alter the flavor slightly).
