Keto Cheeseburger Cups are a savory and satisfying dish that brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a convenient, bite-sized form. These cups are perfect as an appetizer, a main course, or even a snack. They are easy to customize with your favorite toppings and variations. This recipe is not only delicious but also caters to various dietary needs, being low-carb, primal, GAPS, and gluten-free.
Introduction
The idea for Keto Cheeseburger Cups came from a search for new recipes to include in a Keto-friendly Super Bowl lineup. Inspired by Campbell’s Soup, these little cups of cheeseburger goodness are guaranteed to keep your guests happy and asking for more. Whether you're following a keto diet or simply looking for a fun and flavorful dish, these cheeseburger cups are a fantastic option.
Why Keto Cheeseburger Cups?
These cheeseburger cups offer a delightful twist on the traditional burger, making them an exciting addition to any meal. They are easy to make and can be tailored to suit different tastes and preferences. Plus, they are a great way to enjoy the flavors of a cheeseburger without the bun.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make these delectable Keto Cheeseburger Cups:
- 2 pounds ground beef (85/15)
- 1 cup heavy cream or probiotic sour cream for GAPS
- 1 large Roma tomato or 2 small, diced
- 1 bunch green onions, diced
- 7 ounces cheddar, aged for GAPS or a good melting cheese: grate ⅓ of it, and chop the rest into 1 inch cubes
- ⅔ cup nut flour (blanched almond flour; also, ¼ cup coconut flour will probably work here too)
- ½ cup cauliflower rice
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2-¼ teaspoons sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking soda, sifted
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: 1/3 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Optional: 12 slices American cheese, chopped
- Optional: ¼ cup ketchup
- Optional: 12 thin-cut bacon slices (300 g/ 10.6 oz)
- Optional: 1 small brown onion, chopped finely (70 g/ 2.5 oz)
- Optional: 1 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: ½ cup sugar-free tomato sauce (120 ml/ 4 fl oz)
- Optional: ½ cup full-fat cream cheese (120 g/ 4.2 oz)
- Optional: 6 tbsp sugar-free tomato ketchup (90 g/ 3.2 oz)
- Optional: 6 tsp American mustard or Dijon mustard
- Optional: 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (113 g/ 4 oz)
- Optional: 1/3 cup sliced pickles (52 g/ 1.8 oz)
- Optional: Brown sugar
- Optional: Mustard
Equipment
- 1-2 muffin tins (large or small muffins)
- Oven
- Large skillet
- Medium-size bowl
- Large bowl
- Silicone muffin cups (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin pans with pan liners or spray with baking spray.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-size bowl, combine nut flour, sifted baking soda, sea salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine raw ground beef, heavy cream, apple cider vinegar, diced tomatoes, diced green onions, cauliflower rice, and aged cheddar.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the flour mix to the beef mixture and stir well until the meat is well broken up and lighter in texture. Be careful not to over-mix; stop when the mixture is evenly combined. The baking soda and vinegar will react and create a lighter blend.
- Fill Muffin Tins: Fill each muffin slot in the muffin tin only halfway. Add cubes of cheese, distributing them equally. Top off with the remaining meat mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes for larger muffins, or about 12-15 minutes for smaller ones. The cream and cheese will bubble out a bit during baking.
- Serve: Serve the bites over salad greens and drizzle any of the creamy pan juices over your greens. Accompany with pickles and tomato slices, or baby tomatoes. Your salad greens can also be topped with blue cheese, bacon, and/or a fried egg for more fun cheeseburger toppings.
Variations and Topping Ideas
One of the best things about Keto Cheeseburger Cups is their versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize them to your liking:
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
- Bacon Cheeseburger Cups: Add 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon to the beef filling. For an extra smoky flavor, wrap the inside of the muffin cups with bacon slices before adding the beef mixture.
- Mushroom and Swiss Cheeseburger Cups: Add 1 cup chopped mushrooms to the beef as it browns, and cook until softened. Swap the cheddar out for cubes of Swiss cheese. You can also sauté diced onions and mushrooms until tender and layer them in the cups.
- Taco Burger Cups: Omit the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar from the filling, and swap in a packet of your favorite taco seasoning brand. For a little extra zip, add a small can of diced green chiles.
- Animal Style Burger Cups: Brush your hamburger balls with a small amount of yellow mustard before baking.
- Blue Cheese Mushroom Burger Cups: Top your baked Burger Cups with some sautéed mushrooms and crumbled blue cheese.
- Breakfast Bites: Use ground breakfast sausage instead of ground beef to make these into Breakfast Bites.
- BBQ Bacon Burger Cups: Roll the hamburger balls in your favorite BBQ sauce before placing in biscuit cups and topping with cheese.
- Vegetarian Cheeseburger Cups: Swap out the ground beef for your favorite crumbly plant-based meat substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Keto Cheeseburger Cups can be served in a variety of ways:
- With Pickles: Serve Cheeseburger Muffins with your favorite pickles or homemade probiotic veggie pickles.
- With Keto Ketchup: Dip them into Keto Ketchup for a classic cheeseburger flavor.
- With Salad: Serve them with a side salad and other favorite cheeseburger toppings like bacon, blue cheese, and fried eggs.
- As an Appetizer: Make them in mini muffin tins and serve with warm cheese dipping sauce.
- On Their Own: Enjoy them as a cheesy meal in your hand, although they might be a little messy, so a fork might be handy!
Tips for the Best Keto Cheeseburger Cups
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ground beef and cheese for the best flavor. If possible, choose grass-fed beef and A2 heritage cheese for optimal health benefits.
- Don't Overmix: When mixing the ingredients, be careful not to overmix the beef mixture. Overmixing can result in a tougher texture.
- Use Silicone Muffin Cups: Using silicone muffin cups can make it easier to remove the cheeseburger cups from the muffin tin.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the beef mixture before filling the muffin tins and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cheeseburger cups while they're baking to ensure they don't overcook. The baking time may vary depending on the size of the muffin tins and your oven.
Freezing and Reheating Instructions
This recipe makes a big batch, so you'll likely have leftovers. Here's how to store, freeze, and reheat your Keto Cheeseburger Cups:
- Storing: Store leftover cheeseburger muffin cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: After baking, let them cool completely. Place the cheeseburger cups in a freezer-safe container, separating them with layers of waxed paper if necessary. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Defrosting: To defrost, place them in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for about 4 hours. You can also place them in the oven on very low heat to speed things up.
- Reheating: To reheat once defrosted, place them in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.
Choosing the Right Cheese
Selecting the right cheese can significantly impact the flavor and health benefits of your Keto Cheeseburger Cups. Here are some tips:
- Kerrygold or French Cheeses: Look for Kerrygold brand or cheeses from France. These cheeses often come from cows of A2 heritage, which have a protein in the curd of the milk that’s easier to digest.
- Pasture-Raised Cows: Good quality cheese comes from cattle raised on green pastures. Cheeses labeled "Grass-fed" should ideally come from cows raised on grass for most of their lives, not just briefly.
- Avoid American-Made Grass-Fed Cheeses: These are often from herds of A1 heritage and may cause digestive distress.
Nutritional Information
Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for one large Keto Cheeseburger Muffin:
- Calories: 431kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 118mg
- Sodium: 422mg
- Potassium: 436mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 625IU
- Vitamin C: 5.3mg
- Calcium: 189mg
- Iron: 2.3mg
These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Health and Dietary Considerations
These Keto Cheeseburger Cups are designed to fit into several dietary frameworks:
- Keto: With their low carb content, these cups are perfect for those following a ketogenic diet.
- Primal: Primal diets are similar to Paleo but include dairy. The use of high-quality dairy in this recipe aligns with primal principles.
- GAPS: For those following the GAPS diet, using probiotic sour cream and aged cheddar makes this recipe suitable.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
The Importance of Quality Ingredients on Keto
The Keto community, especially those using the diet for weight loss, sometimes opts for inexpensive cheeses and cream from cows in feedlots. It's important to recognize that the quality of ingredients matters. Cows from feedlots may be fed trash, which impacts the nutritional value of their dairy. Choosing high-quality, pasture-raised dairy can improve your health and support better farming practices.
Other Recipes to Explore
If you enjoy these Keto Cheeseburger Cups, here are a few other recipes you might like:
- Pork Tenderloin with Blueberry Sauce
- Keto Sausage Biscuits
- Mexican Pan Pizza with Cheddar Cornbread Crust
- Keto Hot Pockets
- Chaffle Calzone
- 15-minute Keto Asian Beef Bowl
- Keto Baked Caesar Chicken
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto
tags: #keto #cheeseburger #cups #recipe