Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: The Ultimate Keto Comfort Food Dinner

If you have ever been told that sticking to a low-carb lifestyle means sacrificing your favorite comfort foods, prepare to have your mind (and your taste buds) blown. This recipe for Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole takes everything you love about a classic, juicy cheeseburger the savory ground beef, the sharp cheddar, the creamy sauce, and, of course, crispy bacon and transforms it into a hearty, deeply satisfying bake that requires absolutely no bun. It is pure, unadulterated flavor layered into one simple dish, making it the perfect weeknight meal solution for busy keto enthusiasts and families alike.

Forget the hours spent flipping burgers and assembling individual sandwiches. This casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making cleanup a breeze. We’ve meticulously crafted this recipe to ensure it is rich, creamy, and packed with the high-fat, high-protein macros essential for ketogenic success. From the moment the aroma of sizzling bacon and seasoned ground beef fills your kitchen, you’ll know this Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is destined to become a permanent fixture in your rotation.

Ready to reclaim comfort food on your low-carb journey? Grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into a dish that proves healthy eating can be truly decadent.

Introduction: Say Goodbye to Boring Keto Meals

The quest for convenient, delicious, and truly satisfying low-carb meals often leads us down the path of simple salads or endless grilled chicken. While those staples have their place, sometimes you just crave something substantial, something reminiscent of childhood favorites, but without the carb load. Enter the magnificent Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole. This dish is the definitive answer to the question: “What should I eat when I’m craving a cheat meal but need to stay keto?”

By swapping the high-glycemic bun for a luscious, cheesy, cream-based binder, we maintain the integrity of the classic cheeseburger flavor profile. This casserole is not just a collection of ingredients; it’s an experience. It’s warm, gooey, incredibly flavorful, and astonishingly easy to prepare. Whether you are meal prepping for the week, hosting a low-carb dinner party, or simply need a quick-fix comfort dinner, this Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole delivers on every promise. The combination of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and seasoned ground beef melded together with cream cheese and heavy cream creates a texture and taste sensation that easily competes with the best traditional carb-heavy casseroles.

In the following sections, we will explore exactly why this specific recipe is so beloved, detail the ingredients needed for success, and walk through the simple steps to create this keto masterpiece.

Why You’ll Fall Head Over Heels for This Keto Cheeseburger Bake

There is a unique quality to casserole recipes they promise effortless comfort and generous portions. When you apply the rich flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger to this format, the result is truly irresistible. This is more than just a convenient dinner; it is a gateway to staying committed to your dietary goals without feeling deprived.

Flavor Profile That Satisfies Cravings

The secret to the success of this Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole lies in the layering of flavors. We start with high-quality ground beef, ensuring a robust and savory foundation. But the true magic happens when the meat is combined with the sharp cheddar and the tangy, luxurious cream sauce. The cream cheese melts seamlessly, binding the mixture together while adding essential richness, mimicking the decadence of a melted slice of American cheese on a hot burger. The Worcestershire sauce provides that deep, umami complexity often found in classic beef recipes, while the optional smoked paprika adds a subtle hint of smokiness, enhancing the “grilled” flavor profile, even though it’s baked.

And let’s not forget the bacon. Eight slices of thick-cut, crispy bacon are folded directly into the mixture, providing salty pops of flavor and textural contrast in every bite. By reserving a quarter of those crumbles for the final topping, you ensure a fresh, satisfying crunch right before serving. This attention to detail transforms a simple ground beef dish into a gourmet experience, justifying its title as the ultimate low-carb comfort food. It hits all the flavor notes: salty, savory, creamy, and cheesy, making it a powerful tool against carb cravings.

Weeknight Dinner Simplified

In our modern, fast-paced world, time is a commodity. One of the biggest advantages of this keto cheeseburger bake is its incredible efficiency. After just 20-25 minutes in the oven, dinner is ready. The active cooking time browning the beef and incorporating the creamy sauce takes less than 20 minutes, meaning you can have this dish prepped and baking well before the kids finish their homework or before you settle down after a long day.

Casseroles are inherently designed for efficiency. They are one-pan wonders that minimize cleanup and maximize yield. The 9×13 inch pan size ensures plenty of leftovers, making this recipe fantastic for meal prep. Simply refrigerate the remaining portions in airtight containers, and you have healthy, high-protein keto lunches ready to go for several days. If you are looking for other creamy, comforting, yet simple dinners, you might also enjoy experimenting with a classic like Loaded Potato Soup (adjusted for low-carb, or enjoyed as a traditional comfort dish) or perhaps a simple, 3-Ingredient Sausage Cream Cheese Dip turned into a quick low-carb dinner over a bed of spinach.

The ease of making this Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious, guilt-free food. It’s the definition of smart, simple cooking.

Unlocking the Health Benefits: Why You Should Try This Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Beyond being incredibly delicious, this Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is specifically formulated to support a ketogenic or general low-carbohydrate lifestyle. It’s built on a foundation of nutrient-dense ingredients that offer sustained energy and impressive satiety, preventing those mid-afternoon energy crashes often associated with high-carb meals.

High Protein, Low Net Carbs

The primary benefit of this recipe is its outstanding macro profile. Traditional cheeseburgers, served on a bun with sugary condiments, can easily push your carb count over 50 grams per serving. This casserole drastically slashes the carbohydrates, replacing them with essential healthy fats and significant amounts of protein. Ground beef and bacon are protein powerhouses, critical for muscle maintenance, growth, and prolonged feelings of fullness. Protein and fat work synergistically to provide steady energy, avoiding the blood sugar spikes and crashes caused by highly processed carbohydrates.

By utilizing heavy cream, full-fat cream cheese, and 80/20 ground beef, we ensure the fat content is high enough to keep your body in ketosis, using fat as its primary fuel source. Furthermore, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free (just ensure your Worcestershire sauce and any optional ketchup substitute are gluten-free, if necessary), making this a fantastic option for those with gluten sensitivities who still crave robust flavor. This dish exemplifies how a hearty meal can simultaneously feel indulgent and completely align with strict dietary guidelines.

Family-Friendly Keto Option

If you live in a household where not everyone follows a low-carb diet, finding meals that satisfy everyone can be a challenge. The Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a perfect bridge meal. Its flavors are universally appealing who doesn’t love bacon, beef, and cheese? meaning even carb-eaters will eagerly devour it. They won’t even realize they are eating a keto-friendly meal; they’ll just think they’re having a fantastic, cheesy dinner.

For those who need the carbs, serving this casserole over a small bed of rice, alongside a piece of crusty bread, or with some baked fries offers easy personalization. This flexibility is invaluable for simplifying family meal planning. You prepare one main dish, and everyone customizes their sides. It’s a win-win situation that allows you to maintain your keto commitment while ensuring the whole family gathers around the table happy and satisfied.

For another great family-approved casserole, especially when you need something quick and creamy, consider checking out this Creamy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole (if you’re having a planned high-carb day) or adapt the principles to create a low-carb chicken bake.

Ingredients and Essential Utensils for the Perfect Casserole

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in this Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole relies heavily on the quality and preparation of a few key ingredients. We prioritize full-fat dairy and savory seasonings to ensure maximum flavor payoff.

Detailed Ingredient Breakdown (Focus on Low-Carb Substitutions)

The beauty of this recipe is its reliance on simple, wholesome ingredients. Below is a detailed look at what you need and why these choices matter for a low-carb result.

For the Meat Base:

• 2 pounds Ground Beef (80/20 ratio recommended for flavor): The 80/20 ratio is crucial for this casserole. Leaner meats, like 93/7, tend to dry out quickly in the oven and lack the necessary fat content required for the keto diet and for creating a rich, satisfying mouthfeel. The rendered fat also helps sauté the onions and garlic, imparting deeper flavor.
• 8 slices Thick-Cut Bacon: Always choose thick-cut bacon. It holds up better when crumbled and provides a more substantial textural contrast against the creamy meat base. Cook it crispy but avoid burning it a good crisp ensures the bacon flavor stands out.
• 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced: Onions add a fundamental savory depth. While they contain carbs, the amount distributed across the entire casserole is minimal and highly flavorful.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for aromatic complexity.
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt & 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: These are the base seasonings. Remember that bacon and cheese are salty, so always taste the mixture before adding the final seasoning.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: This ingredient provides critical umami flavor. While traditional Worcestershire sauce contains small amounts of sugar, the amount used across the entire 9×13 casserole is negligible. Ensure you select a brand with minimal additives, or look for low-sugar alternatives if you are extremely strict keto.
• 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (optional, for depth): This spice is highly recommended. It enhances the “grilled” flavor and adds a beautiful color to the final dish.

For the Creamy Sauce and Cheese:

The sauce is what transforms the seasoned ground beef into a true casserole, providing the necessary moisture and richness.

• 8 ounces Cream Cheese, full-fat, softened to room temperature: Softening the cream cheese is non-negotiable! If you try to stir cold cream cheese into the hot meat mixture, it will clump and resist mixing smoothly. Full-fat provides the best flavor and texture.
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (or Half & Half for slightly lighter version): Heavy cream boosts the fat content and creates that luxurious, velvety texture that keeps the meat moist during baking.
• 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided: Sharp cheddar is key because its flavor cuts through the richness of the cream and beef. Using 1 1/2 cups inside the mix and 1/2 cup for the topping ensures maximum cheesiness both internally and externally. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible, as it often contains starches (anti-caking agents) that can inhibit melting smoothly and slightly increase the carb count.
• 1/4 cup Low-Sugar Ketchup substitute (optional, for tang): If you like the classic tangy note of a cheeseburger, a low-sugar or keto-friendly ketchup alternative adds the perfect hint of acidity without the sugar. If you prefer less tang, you can omit this entirely.

Tools of the Trade: Preparing Your Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

You don’t need specialized equipment for this recipe, but having the right basic tools ensures the process is smooth and efficient. This recipe is designed to be streamlined, often relying on just one large skillet and a baking dish.

Essential Utensils Checklist:

• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: This is the standard size required for this volume of ingredients. Using a dish too small might result in overflow during baking, while a dish too large will create a very thin casserole that can dry out.
• Large Skillet (12-inch or larger): Crucial for browning the ground beef and creating the creamy sauce base. Choose a skillet with high sides to minimize splatter when stirring the beef.
• Colander and Spoon: Necessary for draining the copious amounts of grease from the 80/20 ground beef. A sturdy metal colander placed over a heat-safe bowl works best.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For finely dicing the onion and mincing the garlic.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is important, especially for the heavy cream and seasonings, to ensure the Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is perfectly seasoned and creamy.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For breaking up and stirring the ground beef during cooking.
• Paper Towels: Used for draining the cooked bacon to ensure it remains crispy.

Having all these elements ready before you start cooking (a process known as ‘mise en place’) will ensure you move seamlessly through the steps and minimize your total preparation time.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Creamy Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Follow these detailed instructions to guarantee a perfectly cooked, intensely flavored casserole. The key to success is building flavor at every stage, especially in the meat base.

Step 1: Prep Work and Bacon Perfection

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or spray it thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray. Proper greasing ensures the cheesy edges don’t stick.
2. Cook the Bacon: If you haven’t already, cook the 8 slices of thick-cut bacon until they are delightfully crispy. You can cook bacon in the oven, air fryer, or a separate skillet. Crucially, drain the cooked bacon well on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
3. Crumble and Reserve: Crumble the bacon into small pieces. Set the bacon aside, making sure to reserve about 1/4 of the crumbles. This reserved portion is saved specifically for sprinkling on top of the casserole right after it comes out of the oven, guaranteeing maximum crunch and visual appeal.

Step 2: Browning and Seasoning the Meat Base

1. Cook the Beef: Place the 2 pounds of ground beef (80/20) into your large skillet over medium-high heat. Use your spatula or wooden spoon to break up the beef into small crumbles. Cook until it is fully browned and no pink remains.
2. Drain Excess Grease: This is a vital step for the Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole texture. Carefully drain all excess grease from the skillet. If you skip this, the final casserole will be oily and won’t set up correctly. Return the beef to the skillet.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat slightly to medium. Add the finely diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the cooked beef. Cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the onion has softened and become translucent; this process sweetens the onion and prevents raw flavor in the finished dish.

Step 3: Achieving Ultimate Creaminess

1. Melt the Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat beneath the skillet to low. Add the 8 ounces of softened, room-temperature cream cheese directly into the meat mixture. Stir constantly, pressing the cream cheese against the side of the skillet, until it is fully melted and smoothly combined with the ground beef. The mixture should look cohesive and glossy.
2. Introduce Cream and Seasoning: Pour in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream and the 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly until the entire mixture is uniform and creamy, ensuring no clumps remain.
3. Final Seasoning: Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and the optional low-sugar ketchup substitute. Taste the mixture now and adjust seasonings; this is your last chance before adding the cheese and baking. You might need a pinch more salt depending on the saltiness of your bacon.

Step 4 & 5: Combine and Assemble the Casserole

1. Fold in Cheese and Bacon: Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and approximately 3/4 of the cooked bacon crumbles. Stir until the cheese begins to melt slightly from the residual heat and the bacon and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the ground beef mixture. This internal cheese layer is crucial for moisture and flavor.
2. Assemble: Carefully spoon the entire meat mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Use the back of the spoon or a spatula to spread it out into an even layer.

3. First Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 15 minutes. The goal of this initial bake is simply to heat the casserole all the way through, allowing the flavors to meld, and the edges to start bubbling vigorously.

Step 6: Finishing and Serving

1. Add the Final Cheese Layer: Remove the casserole from the oven after the initial bake. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer.
2. Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, or until the topping cheese is completely melted and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it during this stage to prevent scorching.
3. Garnish and Rest: Remove the Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the reserved bacon crumbles over the hot, melted cheese.
4. Rest is Best: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Allowing the casserole to rest gives the creamy sauce a chance to cool slightly and set up, ensuring clean, beautiful servings. Serve hot, optionally topped with sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of low-carb sour cream or your favorite keto ranch dressing.

Tips, Tricks, and Flavor Variations for Your Low-Carb Casserole

While the base recipe for the Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a winner on its own, small adjustments can tailor it perfectly to your taste or dietary needs. Flexibility is the hallmark of great home cooking!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your casserole is creamy and delicious, avoid these pitfalls:

• Not Draining the Grease: The number one mistake. If you leave the rendered fat in the skillet, your final dish will be greasy and runny, rather than creamy and firm. Drain thoroughly.
• Using Cold Cream Cheese: Always use softened, room-temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese will seize up when hitting the hot meat, creating an unevenly textured sauce.
• Over-Baking: Because the beef is already cooked and the cheese is mixed in, you are mainly heating the dish through and melting the topping. Baking for too long (e.g., more than 30 minutes total) can dry out the edges and make the beef tough.
• Skimping on Seasoning: Ground beef needs ample seasoning. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper before adding the cheese; the savory flavors need to be punchy enough to shine through the richness of the dairy.

Ingredient Swaps and Dietary Alternatives

This recipe is highly adaptable. Here are a few ways to customize your Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole:

Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar is classic, you can swap it for Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack (if you want a spicy kick). For an ultra-rich flavor, use a mix of Gruyère and aged cheddar.

Meat Alternatives:

• Turkey/Chicken: If you need a leaner dish, use ground turkey or chicken. Be aware you may need to add a touch more oil to the pan when cooking and increase the heavy cream slightly, as these meats are much drier than 80/20 beef.
• Plant-Based: Use a meat substitute like crumbled Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger for a vegetarian version. Ensure your bacon substitute is also low-carb.

Adding Low-Carb Vegetables:

To bulk up the casserole and add nutritional density without carbs, consider adding:

• Cauliflower: Steamed or roasted cauliflower florets can be stirred right into the meat mixture before baking. It mimics the texture of rice or potatoes slightly and absorbs the creamy, cheesy sauce beautifully.
• Mushrooms or Zucchini: Sauté sliced mushrooms or diced zucchini along with the onion and garlic. They add moisture and earthy flavor.
• Spinach: Wilt a large handful of fresh spinach into the meat mixture right before you add the cream cheese.

Spice Level: If you enjoy heat, stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper when you add the smoked paprika. Diced pickled jalapeños stirred into the mix or sprinkled on top after baking also add fantastic flavor and heat.

For more great tips on making the most out of ground meat and high-fat recipes, especially for family dinners, be sure to check out our Pinterest page for quick, simple meal ideas!

Nutritional Snapshot: Fueling Your Body with This High-Protein Dish

One of the strongest arguments for making the switch to this Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole over a traditional burger is the superior nutritional profile for those aiming to reduce carbohydrate intake. This dish is engineered for satiety and metabolic health.

While precise nutritional values depend heavily on the specific brands of cheese and bacon used, we can provide estimated macros for a typical serving:

Note: These estimates assume 6-8 generous servings from a 9×13 dish, using 80/20 beef and full-fat dairy.

The Benefits of High-Fat, High-Protein Ingredients

The components of this casserole offer significant health benefits, especially within a low-carb context:

1. Ground Beef (Protein and Micronutrients): Beef is an excellent source of highly bioavailable protein, iron, and B vitamins (particularly B12 and Niacin). These nutrients are essential for energy production and neurological function. The high protein content ensures that you feel full quickly and stay satiated for hours, which is vital for weight management.
2. Healthy Fats (Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream): Contrary to outdated dietary advice, full-fat dairy is beneficial in a low-carb setting. The fats in heavy cream and cream cheese provide sustained energy, help absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and greatly enhance the flavor and texture of the casserole. For those monitoring cholesterol, 80/20 beef provides a good mix of saturated and monounsaturated fats.
3. Cheddar Cheese (Calcium and Satiety): Cheese not only provides flavor but also essential calcium for bone health. The combination of protein and fat in the cheese contributes significantly to the dish’s ability to keep hunger pangs at bay.

Because this recipe eliminates starchy fillers, it allows the nutritional power of the meat and dairy to shine through. This makes the Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole not just a delicious dinner, but a fundamentally nourishing meal that supports sustained energy throughout your day.

For other recipes that utilize cream cheese as a fantastic low-carb thickener and binder, consider exploring something like our 3-Ingredient Sausage Cream Cheese Dip it demonstrates the versatility of this keto staple.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Below are some of the most common questions people ask when preparing this easy, yet satisfying, keto casserole. We’ve structured these answers to provide quick, helpful guidance.

Final Verdict: Your New Favorite Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

The culinary journey of finding satisfying, hearty low-carb meals often leads to the discovery of phenomenal recipes like this Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole. We’ve successfully taken a universally loved classic the juicy, cheesy, bacon-loaded burger and reimagined it in a casserole format that fits perfectly into ketogenic, low-carb, and gluten-free lifestyles.

This recipe delivers on all fronts: flavor, convenience, and dietary alignment. With its foundational layers of seasoned 80/20 ground beef, savory aromatics, and a rich, creamy sauce bound by melted cream cheese and sharp cheddar, every single bite is an absolute delight. The inclusion of crispy bacon, both mixed into the filling and sprinkled on top, elevates this dish from simple ground beef bake to an unforgettable comfort food experience.

Whether you’re prepping meals for the week, needing a rapid-fire dinner solution, or simply trying to introduce exciting new options into your low-carb routine, this recipe stands ready to impress. The total hands-on time is minimal, and the result is a massive 9×13 dish brimming with high-protein, low-carb goodness that the entire family will request again and again.

Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you; the depth of flavor here is remarkable. Give this Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole a try tonight, and prove to yourself that the best comfort food doesn’t have to come with a side of guilt. We highly encourage you to experiment with the variations mentioned, whether by adding some sauteed mushrooms or a sprinkle of pepper jack for extra heat. Share your results and your favorite toppings in the comments below!

Happy cooking, and enjoy this truly decadent dish!

Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole (Keto)

A savory, comforting casserole combining seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, perfect for a low-carb or ketogenic diet. This dish delivers classic cheeseburger flavor without the bun.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Keto

Servings 6 servings

Calories 750 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish

Ingredients

  

For the Meat Base

• 2 pounds Ground Beef (80/20 ratio recommended)
• 8 slices Thick-Cut Bacon cooked crispy and crumbled (reserve 1/4 for topping)
• 1 medium Yellow Onion finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce ensure low-sugar or small amount used
• 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika optional, for depth

For the Creamy Sauce and Cheese

• 8 ounces Cream Cheese full-fat, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream or Half & Half for slightly lighter version
• 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese divided (use 1 1/2 cups for the mix, 1/2 cup for the topping)
• 1/4 cup Low-Sugar Ketchup substitute optional, for tang

Instructions

 

Preparation and Assembly

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or spray it thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray. Ensure your bacon has been cooked until crispy, drained, and crumbled. Set the bacon aside, reserving about 1/4 of the crumbles for the final topping.
• Place the ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the beef and cook until it is fully browned and no pink remains. Carefully drain all excess grease from the skillet.
• Return the beef to the skillet. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and become translucent.
• Reduce the heat beneath the skillet to low. Add the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese directly into the meat mixture. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and smoothly combined with the ground beef. Pour in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, mixing until the entire mixture is uniform and creamy.
• Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and the optional low-sugar ketchup substitute. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and approximately 3/4 of the cooked bacon crumbles. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
• Carefully spoon the entire meat mixture into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Place the baking dish into the preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling.
• Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, or until the topping cheese is completely melted and lightly golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the reserved bacon crumbles over the melted cheese. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve hot, optionally topped with sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of low-carb sour cream.

Notes

For best results, ensure the cream cheese is truly softened before adding it to the warm meat mixture to avoid lumps. If you prefer a lighter golden top, place the casserole under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of the bake, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Keyword bacon, casserole, cheeseburger, easy dinner, gluten-free, keto, low-carb