Name: Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Olive oil spray – for the baking dish; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef; 1 medium onion – finely chopped; 6 ounces; 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt – or 1 teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh garlic – minced; ¼ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup unsweetened ketchup; 1 tablespoon mustard; 1 ½ cup cheddar – sharp, shredded, divided; 6 ounces total

If you’re craving all the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger but want to keep things low-carb, this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is about to become your new favorite quick and easy weeknight dinner! Imagine a cozy, golden-topped bake packed with savory beef, melty cheddar, and a tangy sauce—all the joys of a burger, minus the bun. In just 30 minutes, you can have a hearty, satisfying dish on the table that’s both keto-friendly and guaranteed to delight everyone (yes, even the non-keto eaters in your household). Keto Cheeseburger Casserole brings that nostalgic burger flavor into a warm, bubbly casserole that’s sure to be requested again and again!

Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is that every ingredient seriously counts—no filler here, just the essentials that build a rich, crowd-pleasing meal. Each item brings its own special touch, from juicy beef to creamy cheese and tangy condiments that pull everything together.

Olive oil spray: Keeps your baking dish non-stick and makes serving (and clean-up!) a breeze.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the beef and onions perfectly.
Extra-lean ground beef: The protein-packed heart of your casserole—use 85% lean for the best texture after draining.
Onion (finely chopped): Brings sweetness and a little crunch, making every bite pop.
Diamond Crystal kosher salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors (you can substitute with other salts, just adjust the amount).
Black pepper: Gives a mild kick and warmth to the dish.
Fresh garlic (minced): Adds aromatic depth and that irresistible, savory note.
Mayonnaise: Makes the sauce extra creamy—don’t skip it!
Unsweetened ketchup: Delivers familiar burger tang without sneaky sugars.
Mustard: Lifts the whole dish with a zippy, bright layer.
Cheddar cheese (sharp, shredded, divided): Brings bold, cheesy goodness both inside and on top for that signature melt.

How to Make Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F so it’s piping hot and ready for baking. Grab your favorite 2-quart baking dish and give it a swift spritz all over with olive oil spray. This ensures your beautiful casserole doesn’t stick, plus it makes clean-up lightning fast!

Step 2: Sauté Beef and Onions

Place a large skillet on medium-high heat and pour in your olive oil. Give it about two minutes to heat up, then add the extra-lean ground beef and the finely chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula. Stir frequently until the beef is nicely browned and the onions turn tender—about five minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when you can’t resist dipping your spoon in for a taste!

Step 3: Drain and Season

If you notice any liquid at the bottom of the skillet, carefully drain it off. This keeps your Keto Cheeseburger Casserole from turning soupy. Return the beef and onion mixture to the pan and sprinkle in the kosher salt, black pepper, and fresh minced garlic. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for one more minute, so the garlic gets fragrant but not burnt—just right.

Step 4: Mix in the Creamy Burger Sauce and Cheese

With the heat off, stir in the mayo, unsweetened ketchup, mustard, and one cup of that glorious shredded sharp cheddar. Watch as all those flavors combine to create a luscious, burger-inspired filling. The cheese melts a bit, binding everything together in pure comfort food bliss.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer your meaty mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese all over the top for that classic cheeseburger look. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the casserole is thoroughly heated. If you’re feeling daring and your dish is broiler-safe, give it a quick blast under the broiler for a bubbly, golden-brown finish (just 1–2 minutes).

How to Serve Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

Garnishes

For an extra burst of freshness and flavor, garnish your Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, or even sliced green onions. Or take it full cheeseburger-style with diced pickles, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a few sliced cherry tomatoes on top right before serving. These playful finishing touches make every forkful exciting!

Side Dishes

Pair your casserole with a crisp side salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette to cut through the cheesy richness. Roasted broccoli, green beans, or even a pile of cauliflower mash make fantastic low-carb companions. If you have carb-lovers at the table, this dish happily shares the plate with roasted potatoes or soft dinner rolls, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the warm casserole into little ramekins for individual servings, top each with a fancy toothpick “skewer” of dill pickle and grape tomato, or cut hearty squares and serve atop a bed of baby greens for a deconstructed burger experience. If you’re entertaining, line the table with classic burger condiments and let everyone top their own slice—keto meets burger bar!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Keto Cheeseburger Casserole stores beautifully. Transfer any extras to an airtight container, and they’ll keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making for delicious next-day lunches or quick weeknight repeats you’ll actually look forward to.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the casserole into individual containers and freeze for up to three months. When you need a speedy meal or snack, simply defrost overnight in the fridge. It’s the ultimate meal-prep comfort food for anyone following a keto lifestyle, or just craving a little cheeseburger magic on a busy day.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave on 50 percent power until gently heated through (this helps avoid any rubbery cheese or dry meat). If you’re warming a big batch, cover it and bake in the oven at 325°F until hot and bubbly. Either way, that familiar aroma will bring everyone running to the kitchen!

FAQs

Can I make Keto Cheeseburger Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Definitely. Ground dark meat turkey or chicken will work well in Keto Cheeseburger Casserole—just know the flavor and texture will change a bit. Avoid extra-lean white meat, as it tends to dry out more easily.

How do I add vegetables for a more complete meal?

Easy! Stir in 1-2 cups of uncooked riced cauliflower with the beef and onions, or mix in a handful of fresh baby spinach leaves just before adding the sauce. These additions up the nutrition without adding carbs.

Is there a keto-friendly substitute for ketchup?

Yes, be sure to use unsweetened ketchup or swap in tomato paste with a splash of vinegar and a pinch of your preferred sweetener. That way, you keep the tangy flavor and stay completely keto.

How can I make this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole spicier?

If you love a kick, try adding chopped jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the beef mixture before baking. The spice wakes up the cheesy richness and makes every bite extra exciting.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about a dish that’s both comforting and totally guilt-free. Keto Cheeseburger Casserole delivers all the flavors you love in a classic burger with none of the carb-heavy downsides. If you’re looking for a cozy meal that comes together fast and disappears even faster, you absolutely need to add this casserole to your weekly rotation. Get ready for happy faces and zero leftovers!