Cheeseburger Casserole with Tomato Burger Sauce: The Ultimate Keto Comfort Food
If you’re craving the flavor of a classic cheeseburger without the carbs, this cheeseburger casserole is your answer! Packed with rich, savory flavors and a creamy cheese topping, it’s the perfect low-carb dinner that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Inspired by Monya Kilian Palmer’s Budget Keto Kitchen, this dish takes the iconic cheeseburger experience to the next level by turning it into a hearty, oven-baked casserole.
Let’s dive into why this dish has quickly become one of my favorites and how you can make it your own!
Why I Love This Cheeseburger Casserole
This recipe is a keeper for so many reasons! As someone who enjoys experimenting with low-carb comfort foods, I was thrilled by how this cheeseburger casserole hit all the right notes. It’s cheesy, savory, and satisfying—everything you’d expect from a cheeseburger but without the bun.
What made this recipe extra special for me was the homemade tomato burger sauce. It adds a tangy, slightly sweet kick that perfectly complements the casserole. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and flavorful ground beef creates layers of deliciousness in every bite.
Ingredients that Make This Cheeseburger Casserole Shine
This casserole relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that deliver big on flavor. Here’s why each one is a star in its own right:
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty crunch to the dish, giving it that classic burger feel.
- Ground Beef: The heart of any cheeseburger recipe, it’s packed with protein and rich flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Both in the meat mixture and the cheese topping, it adds creaminess that ties the dish together.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully into a golden, bubbly topping.
- Gherkins: The diced gherkins add a tangy, zesty punch that makes the casserole taste even more like a cheeseburger.
- Tomato Burger Sauce: This blend of fresh tomato, mayonnaise, and no-sugar-added ketchup is the cherry on top, elevating the dish with a fresh, tangy finish.
How to Make this Recipe
Cooking this cheeseburger casserole is simple and straightforward. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a skillet, an ovenproof dish, and your favorite whisk!
1. Prepare the Burger Layer
- Melt the butter in a skillet and cook the bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pan.
- Sauté the diced onion in the bacon fat for 6-7 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cream cheese, diced gherkins, and cooked bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×9-inch ovenproof dish, cover with foil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
2. Create the Cheese Layer
- While the burger layer bakes, whisk together the egg, cream cheese, and mustard in a bowl.
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and diced gherkins.
3. Assemble and Bake
- Once the burger layer is done, remove the foil and pour the creamy cheese mixture over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden and bubbly.
4. Make the Tomato Burger Sauce
- Combine the finely chopped tomato, mayonnaise, and no-added-sugar ketchup in a small bowl. Mix well.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the casserole into four portions, plate, and add a dollop of the chunky tomato burger sauce on the side.
Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Casserole
- Substitute Proteins: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for a kick of heat.
- Low-Carb Ketchup: Be sure to use a no-added-sugar ketchup to keep the carb count low.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Keto
This cheeseburger casserole is a keto dream come true. It’s high in healthy fats, moderate in protein, and low in carbs—everything you need for a satisfying and nourishing meal. Plus, it’s super customizable. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole fits seamlessly into your keto lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a keto-friendly dinner idea that’s both hearty and flavorful, this cheeseburger casserole with tomato burger sauce deserves a spot on your menu. Its layers of rich, cheesy goodness combined with the tangy sauce create a dish that’s guaranteed to impress.
Ready to give it a try? Head to your kitchen, whip up this casserole, and let me know how you liked it! For more keto-friendly recipes and inspiration, check out my About Me page to learn about my keto journey.
Cheeseburger Casserole with Tomato Burger Sauce: The Ultimate Keto Comfort Food
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 ovenproof dish
Ingredients
- 2 tsp butter
- 100 grams bacon finely chopped (3-1/2 oz)
- 1/2 onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 lb ground beef (454 g)
- 40 grams cream cheese (1-1/2 oz)
- 25 grams gherkins finely chopped (1 oz)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Cheese Layer
- 1 egg large
- 100 grams cream cheese (3-1/2 oz)
- 2 tsp mustard
- 100 grams cheddar cheese grated (3-1/2 oz)
- 25 grams gherkins (1 oz)
Tomato Burger Sauce
- 1 tomato finely chopped
- 50 grams mayonnaise (1-3/4 oz)
- 50 grams no-added-sugar ketchup (1-3/4 oz)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Burger Layer: Melt the butter in a skillet and cook the bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pan.Sauté the diced onion in the bacon fat for 6-7 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes.Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cream cheese, diced gherkins, and cooked bacon. Season with salt and pepper.Transfer the mixture to a 9×9-inch ovenproof dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.
- Create the Cheese Layer: While the burger layer bakes, whisk together the egg, cream cheese, and mustard in a bowl. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and diced gherkins.
- Assemble and Bake: Once the burger layer is done, remove the foil and pour the creamy cheese mixture over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden and bubbly.
- Make the Tomato Burger Sauce: Combine the finely chopped tomato, mayonnaise, and no-added-sugar ketchup in a small bowl. Mix well.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the casserole into four portions, plate, and add a dollop of the chunky tomato burger sauce on the side.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
- Swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella, Gouda, or your favorite keto-friendly cheese.
- Replace the no-added-sugar ketchup with homemade ketchup if preferred.
- Add diced jalapeños, green peppers, or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Sprinkle crumbled pork rinds on top of the casserole for a crunchy topping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freeze individual portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete low-carb meal.
- Use the tomato burger sauce as a dip for keto-friendly breadsticks or veggies.