Cheeseburger Casserole with Tomato Burger Sauce: The Ultimate Keto Comfort Food
Cheryll Thomson
A delicious keto-friendly cheeseburger casserole topped with a creamy cheese layer and served with a tangy tomato burger sauce. Perfect for low-carb comfort food!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 760 kcal
1 large skillet
1 ovenproof dish
- 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)
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 9x9-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.
Substitutions:
- 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.
Dairy-Free Option:
Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives to make this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.
Bacon Tips:
Pre-cooked bacon can save time, but cooking it fresh adds extra flavor from the rendered fat.
Customizable Additions:
- 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.
Make Ahead:
Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Storage Tips:
- 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.
Serving Suggestions:
- 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.
Sauce Variations:
Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of paprika to the tomato burger sauce for extra spice.
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. Variations may occur based on the exact ingredients and brands you use. Please consult a healthcare professional or nutritionist for specific dietary needs.
Nutrition Facts
Cheeseburger Casserole with Tomato Burger Sauce: The Ultimate Keto Comfort Food
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Cheeseburger Casserole, Gluten-Free Cheeseburger Casserole, Keto Ground Beef Recipes, Low-Carb Comfort Food