For those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, the craving for a juicy hamburger can be a real challenge. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to enjoy the flavors of a hamburger while staying within your dietary guidelines. This article explores several easy and delicious keto hamburger recipes, focusing on ground beef as a versatile and economical base.
Keto Cheeseburger Casserole
Casseroles are hearty, comforting, and filling, making them a favorite for many. This keto cheeseburger casserole delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger without the carbs. It’s an easy weeknight meal that can also be prepped ahead of time.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (80/20 recommended, drain excess fat if desired)
- Dill pickles and pickle juice (ensure no added sugar)
- Sugar-free ketchup
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- Mayonnaise (check for added sugar)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cream cheese
- Mustard
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat a skillet to medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic, and cook until the ground beef starts to brown.
- Stir in cream cheese and continue to cook until the meat is browned and the cream cheese melts.
- Stir in pickles, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top with cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, stir together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and pickle juice to make a zippy sauce.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and drizzle with the sauce.
- Top with desired toppings and serve.
Instant Pot Method
- Set your Instant Pot to saute, high. When the screen says "HOT," add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef just starts to brown.
- Add ⅓ cup beef broth and scrape up any browned bits.
- Add the cream cheese, pickles, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. DO NOT STIR.
- Place the lid on your Instant Pot and set to manual high pressure for 1 minute. Allow to release naturally for 5 minutes and then do a quick release.
- Stir well.
- Add the cheese and return the lid to the pot. Allow to sit until the cheese melts.
Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to two days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: This recipe freezes well. Leave the cheese off if you plan to freeze it.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is a classic choice, experiment with other cheeses like Swiss or mozzarella.
- Egg Addition: Some people like to add eggs to the meat mixture to help it hold together better. Experiment with adding three eggs to see if your family prefers this version.
Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Skillet
This one-pan keto cheeseburger casserole skillet is a rich and hearty meal packed with ground beef, bacon, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Bacon
- Cheddar cheese (grated)
- Cream cheese
- Tomato paste
- Mustard
- Beef broth
- Onion
- Spices: Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Cook the chopped bacon until crisp, then remove from the skillet and set aside. Drain off all of the bacon grease except 1 tablespoon.
- Add the ground beef and onion. Brown the meat and drain off any grease.
- Add the tomato paste, mustard, cream cheese, broth, and spices.
- Stir in the bacon and cheddar cheese.
- Put a lid on the skillet and cook until the cheese is completely melted.
Tips
- Browning the Meat: Ensure the pan is sufficiently hot before adding the beef, and don’t stir it too often. Let the beef get a good color for the best hamburger flavor.
- Skillet Size: Use a large skillet to accommodate all the ingredients.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this casserole skillet alone or with a side dish to make a complete meal.
Keto Ground Beef Casserole with Green Beans
This keto ground beef casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting low-carb dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. It combines ground beef, a creamy sauce, green beans, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Green beans (canned or frozen)
- Cream cheese
- Heavy cream
- Beef broth
- Cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Bragg's Aminos or soy sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. Drain off any extra grease using a strainer.
- Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with the beef and stir until the cheese melts and mixes in smoothly.
- Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, Bragg's Aminos (or soy sauce), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well.
- Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sauce thickens a bit.
- Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the drained green beans.
- Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips
- Browning Ground Beef: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure the beef browns properly.
- Creamy Sauce: Use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too runny, simmer it over low heat to let some of the liquid evaporate. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or heavy cream.
- Cast Iron Skillet: Use a cast iron skillet for even heating and enhanced flavor.
Easy Keto Ground Beef Recipe (Stroganoff-Inspired)
This easy keto ground beef recipe is inspired by beef stroganoff and is made with a few pantry ingredients. It’s savory, sweet, and tangy, making it a flavorful and budget-friendly option.
Read also: Ultimate Meal Guide
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Yellow onion (sliced)
- Cremini or baby bella mushrooms (sliced, optional)
- Avocado or olive oil
- Paleo Worcestershire sauce (or homemade substitute)
- Ketchup
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Slice the onion and mushrooms, if using.
- In a large skillet, add 1 tbsp oil. Sauté the onion with a pinch of salt until it sweats a bit, about 2 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and season with 2 pinches of salt and pepper. Cook over medium to medium-high heat with a wooden spoon to break up the meat to fine bits, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and/or frozen vegetables with ⅔ cup of the Worcestershire sauce. You can also use 1 cup of the sauce if you prefer more saucy.
- Mix and stir to distribute it evenly. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer with a lid on about 3 to 4 minutes. Remember to stir the pot and scrape the bottom periodically to ensure nothing is stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Stir and mix in ketchup. Taste test to add more salt or pepper, if desired. Aim on the less salty side as the flavor will come through further once the sauce turns cooler.
Tips
- Paleo Worcestershire Sauce Substitute: Mix beef or chicken stock with tomato paste or ketchup, coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce, garlic, onion, cinnamon, mustard powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat Variations: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of ground beef.
- Creamy Version: Stir in sour cream or dairy-free yogurt at the end.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair the ground beef sauce with zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or roasted sweet potatoes.
Keto Ground Beef Casserole (Italian Flavors)
This keto ground beef casserole is inspired by Johny Marzetti, featuring Italian flavors, ground beef, cheeses, and low-carb vegetables. It’s a savory, cheesy, and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (85% recommended)
- Cauliflower (chopped)
- Eggs
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Cream cheese
- Rao’s Marinara sauce (or other low-carb marinara sauce)
- Fennel seed
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Chop the cauliflower into small pieces and microwave for 5 minutes.
- Heat up a nonstick skillet to medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and spices. Break up the ground meat and brown it.
- When the hamburger has browned, add the cauliflower.
- Heat up the same skillet to a medium heat and add the cream cheese, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the cheeses are melted.
- Once the cheese sauce has cooled, add in the beaten egg.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until brown and bubbly.
Tips
- Meat and Spice Variations: Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage. Adjust spices to your liking.
- Cauliflower: Use cauliflower rice instead of florets if preferred, but skip microwaving it first.
- Cheese Variations: Use cheddar cheese and half mozzarella on top if desired.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a green salad or a simple green vegetable like green beans or broccoli.
General Tips for Keto Hamburger Recipes
- Ground Beef Selection: Lean ground beef is a great option, allowing you to add fat as needed. However, a higher fat ground beef can be more economical.
- Carb Content: Ground beef contains zero carbs, making it an excellent choice for a keto or low-carb diet.
- Freezing: Many keto hamburger casserole recipes are freezer-friendly. Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Versatile Protein: Ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage, or pork can be used instead of ground beef.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to mix things up with your favorite low-carb veggies.
- Seasoning: Experiment with taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist.
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