Keto Cheeseburger Casserole - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

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This easy 30-minute keto cheeseburger casserole is hearty, filling, and an excellent alternative to a classic cheeseburger.

You can make this recipe as written and serve it with a side of veggies, or mix in veggies such as cauliflower rice or spinach and turn it into a complete meal.

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I love casseroles. They're so easy. You place a few ingredients in a baking dish, put it in the oven, and dinner is ready 30-60 minutes later!

This cheeseburger casserole is delicious in a delightfully non-gourmet sort of way. Grownups and kids alike enjoy it. Like most casseroles, it's a forgiving and flexible recipe, so you can experiment with different mix-ins and spices.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • Instructions
  • Expert Tip
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • More Burger Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card
  • Reviews

Ingredients

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You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

  • Olive oil: My favorite oil to cook with! It's so flavorful. Other options include avocado oil and ghee.
  • Extra-lean ground beef: I prefer to use extra-lean ground beef (93% lean) because I drain the rendered fat anyway. However, using lean ground beef (85% lean) is OK if that's what you have. As you can see in the photo above, I sometimes use it.
  • Onion and garlic. Sometimes, when I'm lazy, I sub onion and garlic powders - two teaspoons of each. But it's not as good.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: I use Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt.
  • Mayonnaise: I prefer mayonnaise made with avocado oil.
  • Ketchup: I use unsweetened ketchup.
  • Mustard: I usually like Dijon mustard. But in this recipe, yellow mustard works too.
  • Shredded cheddar: I like to use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar. It greatly enhances the flavor of this casserole.

Variations

The best thing about this recipe is how simple it is to make. But if you'd like to experiment a little, here are a few ideas for you:

  • Add crumbled cooked bacon. I love the flavor it adds.
  • You can make this recipe with ground chicken or turkey thighs. It won't be the same, but it's still good. I recommend using ground chicken thighs, not chicken breast, which is too lean.
  • Add your favorite spices, even if they're not classic cheeseburger seasonings. Smoked paprika and chili powder are excellent in this recipe. You can add a teaspoon of each.
  • Sometimes, I mix sliced pickled jalapenos into the beef mixture before baking it.

Instructions

The detailed instructions for making this casserole are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of the steps:

You start by cooking ground beef and onion in olive oil. Drain and add seasonings: Garlic, salt, and black pepper.

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Off heat, stir in condiments: Mayo, ketchup, and mustard. Then, stir in shredded cheese.

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The last step is to transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle it with more cheese. Bake the casserole for about 15 minutes at 400°F, then serve!

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Expert Tip

If you'd like to turn this casserole into a complete meal, add 1-2 cups of uncooked riced cauliflower to the ground beef/onion mixture and cook everything together. If you do, increase the olive oil by 1-2 tablespoons.

Recipe FAQs

What type of beef do you use in a cheeseburger casserole?

I use extra lean ground beef (93% lean). I prefer lean ground beef (85% lean) in most of my recipes, but when I cook it for a casserole, I drain the fat anyway.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! One option mentioned above is to add riced cauliflower
to the beef/onion mixture.

You can also add two cups (about 2 ounces) of raw baby spinach leaves to the beef mixture when it's done cooking. Add the spinach right before adding the seasonings and mix it in until it wilts very slightly. Don't overcook it.

Can you make a casserole without a starchy ingredient?

Yes! A classic casserole contains protein (meat, poultry), starch (rice, potatoes), vegetables, sauce, and cheese.

But one of the best things about casseroles is that they are flexible and forgiving, so you can adapt them to your needs and the ingredients you have on hand. Made as written, this casserole contains just protein, sauce, and cheese and is delicious.

Serving Suggestions

To balance out the richness of this casserole, I recommend skipping the starches and serving it with a side veggie. A few options I like:

  • Boiled green beans
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Arugula salad
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Sauteed green beans
  • Steamed spinach
  • Steamed broccoli

Storing Leftovers

You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave at 50% power. You can also freeze individual servings of this cheeseburger casserole for up to three months.

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More Burger Recipes

  • Baked Hamburgers
  • Bacon Burger
  • Grilled Hamburgers
  • Broiled Hamburgers

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Recipe Card

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4.98 from 1883 votes

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Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

This easy 30-minuteketo cheeseburger casseroleis hearty, filling, and an excellent alternative to a classic cheeseburger.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 458kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • Olive oil spray for the baking dish
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped (6 ounces)
  • 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt or 1 teaspoon of any other salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic minced
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup unsweetened ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 ½ cup cheddar sharp, shredded, divided (6 ounces)

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with olive oil.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • Turn the heat off. Stir in the mayonnaise, unsweetened ketchup, mustard, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar.

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  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

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  • 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.

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Video

Notes

  • If you'd like to turn this casserole into a complete meal, add 1-2 cups of uncooked riced cauliflower to the ground beef/onion and cook everything together. You'll need to increase the olive oil by 1-2 tablespoons.
  • You can make this recipe with ground chicken or turkey thighs. It won't be the same, but it's still good. I recommend using ground chicken thighs, not chicken breast, which is too lean.
  • You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave at 50% power. You can also freeze individual servings for up to three months.

Nutrition per Serving

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

Made this Recipe?

If you made this recipe, please leave a comment sharing your experience with others. Thank you so much!

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Disclaimers

Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

About the Author

Keto Cheeseburger Casserole - Healthy Recipes Blog (21) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Review this Recipe or Ask a Question:

  1. John

    Can you sub Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise?

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Hi John,
      I don't recommend that. The mayo adds much-needed flavor and richness. In addition, the yogurt might curdle when cooked.

      Reply

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Keto Cheeseburger Casserole - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

How do you eat a cheeseburger on keto? ›

Serving a delicious homemade burger on a bed of lettuce with all the fixings (tomatoes, cheese, onions, pickles – you name it!) is the BEST Keto way to enjoy a burger. Feel free to wrap your burger in some iceberg lettuce to make a lettuce bun instead, if you're set on that classic burger feel.

Is ground beef good for keto? ›

Is ground beef keto friendly? Ground beef contains plenty of protein, some fat, and has no carbs, making it an ideal ingredient for keto recipes. It's also a nutritional powerhouse, and has a wide array of vital nutrients such as iron, B vitamins, magnesium and potassium.

Is Wendy's taco salad keto friendly? ›

Is Wendy's Taco Salad Keto? Wendy's Taco Salad no doubt is probably pretty darn good, but unfortunately is not so keto. That puppy weighs in at a whopping 67 grams of carbs!

Can you eat hamburgers on a low-carb diet? ›

Typical burger meals from fast-food restaurants are high in carbs due to their buns. For a keto-approved version of a fast-food burger meal, simply skip the bun and any toppings that could be high in carbs. Popular high-carb toppings include honey mustard sauce, ketchup, teriyaki sauce and breaded onions.

What junk food is keto-friendly? ›

If you're looking for keto-friendly fast food options, consider ordering bunless burgers or lettuce-wrapped burgers from popular chains like Wendy's, Burger King, or In-N-Out. You can also opt for low-carb burrito bowls at places like Chipotle or even indulge in egg-based breakfasts at restaurants like McDonald's.

Is popcorn clean keto? ›

Popcorn can easily fit into a keto diet with a daily limit of 50 grams of net carbs and can even be included in more restrictive versions of the keto diet.

Can I eat beef everyday on keto? ›

The NHS recommends that those who regularly eat more than 90g of red or processed meat each day should reduce this in light of the possible associations with colon cancer risk. It's also best to reduce your intake of processed meats, too, where possible.

What is the best deli meat for keto diet? ›

Short answer: Turkey. Fat content in turkey is much less than that in chicken, pork, and beef. Plus, it's typically made with less salt because it's already #blessed in the flavor department.

What meat is not keto friendly? ›

A lot of people think that the keto diet is all about consuming meat and meat alone. But eating too much meat that is processed, like sausages, smoked meat, bacon and hot dogs is definitely not good. These kind of meat contain gluten, preservatives and sugar, that will increase carb intake and kick body out of ketosis.

What is dirty keto? ›

In essence, dirty keto is a variation of the keto diet (a high fat, moderate protein, low carb diet) that allows you to consume whatever you want as long as it meets your macro goals. While it still reduces carb intake, it does not pay attention to the nutritional value of the fats and protein consumed.

Can you eat Wendy's chicken nuggets on keto? ›

Even strict keto dieters can eat up to 20 grams of carbs a day without being thrown out of ketosis. (Many eat even more, BTW.) Since a small order of nuggets only contains 9 grams of carbs, we'd say this fan favorite is still on the table—despite their crispy breading.

Is mayo keto? ›

Mayonnaise is the perfect condiment for the Keto Diet because it consists of high fat, low protein, and zero carbohydrates. It also has many health benefits that can help you maintain Ketosis and achieve your weight loss goals on the Keto diet.

Is sour cream keto? ›

Regular, full fat sour cream is made from cream and contains far more fat than carbs. Therefore, it's considered keto-friendly. However, low fat or nonfat sour cream is not. Full fat sour cream can provide some variety in a keto diet when used as a dip base or incorporated into recipes to boost the fat content.

Are pickles keto friendly? ›

Luckily, pickles are keto friendly, especially those that are of the dill pickle variety, as sugar is low. “Simply put, sweet pickles are made with sugar which will automatically push the carb count up,” says Hultin. “Dill or salt pickles don't have the added sugar and carbs, naturally,” she says.

Is a Big Mac keto friendly? ›

9. Big Mac Without The Bun. Yup, you can still eat a Big Mac when you're on the keto diet, though it's definitely not the healthiest keto option on the menu. If you're looking for an indulgence that still falls in the keto range, this is it.

Can I eat a burger without bread on keto? ›

Avoiding the bun and high sugar condiments makes a cheeseburger keto friendly. A single McDonald's Cheeseburger with cheese, onions, and mustard has the following nutritional values: Calories: 150. Carbs: 2 g.

How to eat a hamburger without a bun? ›

6 Ways to Eat a Burger Without a Bun
  1. Portobello Mushrooms. Big enough to cover a burger and sturdy enough to hold things together, portobello mushroom caps are one of the best burger bun substitutes. ...
  2. Fresh Lettuce. ...
  3. Tomatoes. ...
  4. Eggplant. ...
  5. Sweet Potatoes. ...
  6. Cauliflower.
May 15, 2018

How many carbs in a McDonald's burger without bun? ›

Mcdonald's Cheeseburger No Bun (1 serving) contains 2g total carbs, 2g net carbs, 11g fat, 10g protein, and 140 calories.

Can you order McDonald's with no bun? ›

Though we don't serve 'bunless burger' per se, you can simply order a burger without the bun - just ask your server when ordering and they'll take care of it.

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