Irresistible Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with Pickles – The Ultimate Low-Carb Comfort Food!

Craving a cheeseburger but trying to stick to a low-carb lifestyle? This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with Pickles is the perfect solution. It delivers all the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger without the bun, offering a satisfying and guilt-free meal. This family-friendly casserole combines ground beef, cheese, and pickles in a creamy, hearty dish that's easy to make and packed with protein.

Why You'll Love This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

This casserole is a game-changer for those following a keto or low-carb diet. It's cheesy, gooey, and packed with flavor, making it a hit with the whole family. Here's what makes it so special:

Classic Cheeseburger Taste: Enjoy all the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger, including perfectly seasoned ground beef, tangy pickles, and melted cheese.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: This recipe is designed to be low in carbs, making it a great option for those watching their carbohydrate intake. Each serving contains less than 5 grams of net carbs.
Easy to Make: With simple instructions and readily available ingredients, this casserole is a breeze to prepare.
Versatile: Customize the recipe with your favorite cheeses, spices, and toppings to create a dish that suits your taste.
Meal Prep Friendly: This casserole is perfect for meal prep and leftovers, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s a list of the key ingredients for this keto cheeseburger casserole:

Ground Beef: The hearty base of the casserole, providing protein and a satisfying, meaty texture. Using 93% lean ground beef helps cut down on fat. If you opt for 80/20 ground beef, you may want to drain the excess fat after cooking.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Freshly minced garlic and chopped onion are recommended for the best taste.
Cream Cheese: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the casserole. Sour cream or Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is a classic hamburger combination, but feel free to use any cheese you like. Consider shredding your own cheese to avoid added starches found in pre-shredded varieties.
Dill Pickles and Pickle Juice: A game-changer! Dill pickles add a crunchy, tangy taste that perfectly complements the other flavors. Make sure to read the label, as some brands may contain sugar or artificial colors.
Ketchup: Look for a sugar-free version to keep the carb count low.
Mustard: Yellow mustard adds a zesty tang to the casserole.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
Eggs: The eggs helps with hold the together, adds amazing flavor, and amps up the protein per serving.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds richness and a creamy texture while keeping the casserole moist and indulgent.
Mayonnaise: Use a brand without added sugar.
Bacon: Adds a smoky and salty flavor. Using pre-cooked bacon bits from Costco can save time.
Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Optional Toppings: Get creative with toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped onions, tomatoes, or a drizzle of sugar-free ketchup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here are two methods for making this delicious casserole: oven-baked and Instant Pot.

Oven-Baked Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the beef: Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat. Sautee the onions, stirring often, until fragrant and semi-translucent, about 5 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks, or until browned. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more. Drain excess oil, then reduce heat to medium and add the cream cheese. Cook and stir just until the cream cheese is melted and well mixed.
Add the flavor: Remove from heat and stir in pickles, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 8x10 or 9x9 casserole dish. Top with the shredded cheese. Sprinkle the bacon and sliced pickles throughout. Drizzle the liquid mixture on top. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar and ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese on top.
Bake: Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and browned.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with your desired toppings.

Instant Pot Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

Sauté the beef: 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 ingredients: Add the cream cheese, pickles, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. DO NOT STIR.
Pressure cook: 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.
Melt the cheese: Stir well. Add the cheese and return the lid to the pot. Allow to sit until the cheese melts.
Serve: Top with your desired toppings and serve.

Tips and Variations

Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
Add Veggies: Sauté riced cauliflower with the ground beef and onion mixture for a heartier casserole.
Meat Alternatives: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.
Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking.
Freezing Instructions: Leave the cheese off if you plan to freeze the casserole. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Serving Suggestions

This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Lettuce Wraps: Serve the casserole in lettuce wraps for a truly low-carb experience.
Low-Carb Sides: Pair it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice.
Toppings: Top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, onions, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.

Nutritional Information

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using online tools. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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