Cheeseburger Casserole

A cheeseburger casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting, baked form. Perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family dinner, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Keto-Friendly Casserole

• Easy. Brown the ground beef, mix in the rest of the ingredients, top with cheese, and bake! A recipe that can’t get much more simple.
• Low Carb . This keto casserole has a keto-friendly 8 net carbs per serving.
• High Protein . Loaded with ground beef and cheese, this is a great way to help meet your daily protein macros.
• High Fat . Worried about getting enough fat in to keep your hunger at bay? This cheeseburger casserole is just the dish you’ve been looking for!

This low-carb cheeseburger casserole is the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger without the added carbs. It’s a great option for anyone who is following a low-carb or ketogenic diet and it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

What Does Cheeseburger Casserole Taste Like?

Keto cheeseburger casserole tastes like a warm, comforting, deconstructed cheeseburger baked into a creamy, cheesy dish.

It has the savory richness of seasoned ground beef, the sweetness of sautéed onions, and the tangy notes of mustard and tomato sauce, all wrapped in a velvety layer of melted cheddar. The cream cheese adds a subtle creaminess that ties everything together, making each bite taste like a burger without the bun.

It’s hearty, satisfying, and full of classic cheeseburger flavor with a cozy, casserole-style twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound ground beef - The star of the dish and the main protein source. It provides the classic, savory “cheeseburger” flavor and hearty base of the casserole.
• 1/2 cup onions - Onions add sweetness, depth, and aromatic flavor as they cook down with the beef. They help build that classic burger-like taste without adding many carbs.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic - Garlic brings savory richness and enhances the overall flavor profile, giving the casserole a deeper, more complex taste.
• 1 cup tomato sauce - Tomato sauce adds moisture and a mild acidity that mimics the tang of ketchup in a cheeseburger. It binds the filling together and keeps the casserole from drying out.
• 1 tablespoon prepared mustard - Mustard adds classic cheeseburger tanginess and sharpness. It brightens the dish and balances the richness of the meat and cheese.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - This adds umami depth and savory complexity, enhancing the beefy flavor and creating a richer, more robust filling.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt - Salt seasons the beef and balances the flavors, ensuring the casserole is savory and well-rounded.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper - Pepper adds mild heat and a touch of sharpness that complements the beef and enhances the overall seasoning.
• 2 ounces cream cheese - Cream cheese melts into the meat mixture to create a creamy, cohesive base. It adds richness while helping the casserole thicken slightly without flour, keeping it low carb.
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - Cheddar is essential for delivering that bold, classic cheeseburger flavor. Half is usually mixed into the beef for creaminess, while the rest melts on top to create a gooey, golden crust.

How To Make Cheeseburger Casserole

1. Preheat the oven. Turn the temperature of your oven to 375F so it is ready to start melting those cheeses as soon as you assemble the casserole.
2. Cook the ground beef. In a large skillet, saute the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add in the aromatics. Pour in the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the vegetables are soft (about 5 minutes).
4. Stir in the flavor. Add in the tomato sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, and mix until combined.
5. Make it cheesy. Mix the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese into the ground beef.
6. Prep your pan. Pour the beef and cheese mixture into an 8x8 inch casserole dish.
7. Bake until bubbly. Place the casserole dish in the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
8. Eat up. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips And Tricks

Making a great low carb cheeseburger casserole is all about building bold flavor and getting the perfect creamy, cheesy texture. These tips will help you nail it every time:

• Drain the beef well to prevent excess grease from making the casserole watery.
• Sauté the onions until soft and golden for maximum sweetness and depth.
• Use sharp cheddar instead of mild. The stronger flavor makes the dish taste more “cheeseburger-like.”
• Cube the cream cheese so it melts faster and mixes in smoothly without clumping.

Variations

If you want to change up the flavor of your low carb cheeseburger casserole or tailor it to your cravings, these variations offer simple ways to make the dish even more exciting:

• Make it a true cheeseburger. If you’ve gone grocery shopping lately, you’ve likely grabbed a package or two of keto hamburger buns. Scoop a hearty portion of this cheeseburger casserole onto the bun for a delicious cheeseburger sloppy joe hybrid.
• Switch up the leftovers. If you have leftovers and want to make them into something that tastes a little different, warm the leftovers and serve them over a leafy salad and drizzle my Big Mac Sauce over the top for a quick take on my Big Mac Salad recipe .
• Use it for dipping. This keto casserole doubles as a great appetizer or dip! Use your favorite low carb chips or some pork rinds to add a crispy crunch to your next party bite.
• Add in pasta. Ok, I know this one isn’t a keto-friendly variation, but sometimes you have to cook for people that don’t eat with people that have similar dietary goals as you do. To make this a Cheeseburger Mac casserole, cook some pasta until al dente, stir in with the hamburger mixture before pouring it into the skillet, top with cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What Is A Good Side For Cheeseburger Casserole?

My favorite way to add some extra veggies and freshness to this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is to serve all of my favorite cheeseburger accompaniments along with it! I know all of the flavors (like mustard, ketchup, and cheese) are already baked into the ground beef, but you don’t have to stop there!

Here are a few of my favorite things to serve on the side:

• Lettuce
• Sliced Tomato
• Pickles

And if you’re feeling a little extra indulgent and want to add even more creaminess to the casserole, you can even squirt a little full-fat mayo on top!

How Long Does It Last?

A cheeseburger casserole can last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly. To properly store the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container.

When you’re ready to reheat the cheeseburger casserole, just pop it back in the oven, microwave, or air fryer until warmed through.

Can You Freeze It?

More Tasty Ground Beef Recipes

If you’re a family that tends to eat a lot of red meat, or appreciates the convenience of cooking with ground beef, you can often find yourself stuck in a rut.

Check out one of the recipes below for a great twist on your traditional meal plan!

• Skillet Lasagna
• Ethiopian Beef Stew
• Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Cheeseburger Casserole | Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 pound ground beef
• ▢ 1/2 cup onions, chopped
• ▢ 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
• ▢ 1 cup tomato sauce
• ▢ 1 tbsp Prepared Mustard
• ▢ 1 tbsp worchestershire sauce
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
• ▢ 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
• ▢ 2 ounces Cream Cheese
• ▢ 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

• Turn the temperature of your oven to 375F so it is ready to start melting those cheeses as soon as you assemble the casserole.
• In a large skillet, saute the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
• Pour in the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the vegetables are soft (about 5 minutes).
• Add in the tomato sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, and mix until combined.
• Mix the softened cream cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the ground beef.
• Pour the beef and cheese mixture into an 8x8 inch casserole dish.
• Place the casserole dish in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

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Don’t forget to check out my other Ketocookbooks.

Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats , and Easy keto in 30 minutes.

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Cheeseburger Casserole | Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp Prepared Mustard
• 1 tbsp worchestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
• 2 ounces Cream Cheese
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

• Turn the temperature of your oven to 375F so it is ready to start melting those cheeses as soon as you assemble the casserole.
• In a large skillet, saute the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
• Pour in the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the vegetables are soft (about 5 minutes).
• Add in the tomato sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, and mix until combined.
• Mix the softened cream cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the ground beef.
• Pour the beef and cheese mixture into an 8x8 inch casserole dish.
• Place the casserole dish in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Cheeseburger Casserole | Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe https://twosleevers.com/cheeseburger-casserole/

Sure, almost everyone knows how to cook ground beef, as it’s one of the most commonly used proteins for main dishes. However, life can throw you curveballs and you may need to know how to prepare it using a different method.

Below I’ve included 4 different ways to cook ground beef using some of my favorite kitchen gadgets!

Why You’ll Love These Different Options

• Versatile. No matter your skill level, you can learn how to cook ground beef using one of these methods.
• Efficient. Make the best use of your time by selecting the perfect method to fit your day.
• High Protein. All of the methods are guaranteed to cook up an ingredient that can be added to a variety of meals to make it a high-protein dish.

What Is The Best Way To Cook Ground Beef?

The best way to cook beef is the way that is most convenient for you!

Some days you have more time to devote to cooking than others. Since some methods take more time to complete than others, you may not always choose the same one.

Sometimes appliances break, or you’re using them to make other dishes so you have to find a plan B.

This article contains instructions on how to cook ground beef if you aren’t familiar with multiple methods or if you just want to try something new!

Do You Need Oil To Cook Ground Beef?

Whether you need to use oil to cook ground beef depends on the method you choose and the type of ground beef you are using.

Even the leanest varieties of ground beef are fairly high in fat, so once you begin to cook them, they will render quite a bit of that fat to keep it from sticking or drying out.

The only times I would suggest adding any oil to your ground beef while cooking it is if you are using a skillet that isn’t nonstick.

How Long Should You Cook Ground Beef?

The amount of time it takes to cook ground beef will vary depending on which method you decide to choose. It can take anywhere from 7 minutes to 6 hours.

Regardless of the cooking method you choose, make sure to cook ground beef until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Stove Top Instructions

Sautéing hamburger is a quick and easy way to cook ground beef for various dishes. Use the steps below for the most commonly used method of cooking ground beef:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Cook the ground beef until it is browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the skillet, and drain any excess fat.

For easy and safe fat removal, I suggest using a slotted spoon to scoop the cooked ground beef onto a paper towel for added fat absorption without worrying about burning yourself.

Slow Cooker Instructions

Cooking ground beef in a slow cooker is easy and convenient. Here’s how to do it:

1. Place the ground beef into the slow cooker and gently break it up into chunks with a spatula.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the ground beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
4. Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the slow cooker, and drain any excess liquid.

If you prefer your ground beef to be chopped into smaller pieces for certain recipes, you may need to use the end of your spatula to break it into smaller bites periodically throughout the cooking cycle.

Instant Pot Instructions

Cooking ground beef in an Instant Pot is a convenient and fast way to get fully cooked, juicy, and flavorful beef in no time. It is very similar to the stovetop method but can make for easier cleanup or a good alternative if you don’t have a stovetop available in instances like camping or RV travel.

1. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function.
2. Add the ground beef to the Instant Pot and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the slow cooker, and drain any excess liquid.

Note that it is harder to regulate the temperature when you are cooking your ground beef when sauteing in an Instant Pot, as it only has one setting. Stir continuously while cooking to avoid burning.

Air Fryer Instructions

Cooking ground beef in an air fryer is a quick and healthy way to get fully cooked, juicy, and flavorful beef. Here’s how you can do it in an air fryer with ease:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
2. Place the ground beef in a single layer in the air fryer basket, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature of the beef reaches 160F.
5. Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the air fryer, and drain any excess fat.

For even easier cleanup, add aluminum foil to the bottom of your air fryer basket (with the cooking rack between the beef and the foil) so that it catches all of the renderings. Simply wait for the fats to solidify and toss the foil.

What To Use Cooked Ground Beef For

Cooked ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is great for meal prep, or just to have handy for busy nights to make your time in the kitchen shorter. Here are some popular uses for cooked ground beef:

1. Stuffed Poblano Peppers
2. Chili
3. Big Mac Salad
4. Meatloaf
5. Cheeseburger Casserole

If you’re still looking for more recipes, check out these 36+ Keto Ground Beef recipes !

How To Store And Reheat

To properly store cooked ground beef, let it cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Label the container with the date it was cooked to keep track of freshness.

When you are ready to eat it, simply reheat the ground beef in a saucepan, microwave, or oven until it is hot and fully heated.

How Long Does It Last?

Cooked ground beef will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator and up to 2-6 months in the freezer.

It is important to store cooked ground beef properly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and to maintain its quality and flavor. Always make sure to check for any signs of spoilage, such as a bad odor or off-taste before consuming leftovers.

More Recipes Using Ground Beef

Many families love the convenience of cooking with ground beef because it’s easy to freeze and can be bought relatively inexpensively in bulk.

If you want more recipe ideas for using up that ground beef in your fridge or freezer, check out some of my favorites:

• Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
• Stuffed Poblano Peppers
• Ethiopian Beef Stew

If you love this tutorial on How to Cook Ground Beef as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends so they can check out different ways to make it too! Don’t forget to Pin the article so you can try them all to make dinnertime and meal prep easier.

How To Cook Ground Beef | 4 Different Easy Techniques

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
• ▢ 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

Slow Cooker Ground Beef

• Place the ground beef into the slow cooker and gently break it up into chunks with a spatula.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the ground beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the slow cooker, and drain any excess liquid.

Stove Top Ground Beef

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
• Cook the ground beef until it is browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the skillet, and drain any excess fat.

Instant Pot Ground Beef

• Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function.
• Add the ground beef to the Instant Pot and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
• Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the slow cooker, and drain any excess liquid.

Air Fryer Ground Beef

• Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
• Place the ground beef in a single layer in the air fryer basket, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature of the beef reaches 160F.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the air fryer, and drain any excess fat.

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