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Low Carb Cheeseburger Casserole - A Cozy, Weeknight-Friendly Favorite

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (check for low-sugar options)
  • 1/4 cup sugar-free ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1/4 cup dill pickle chips or chopped dill pickles
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (if needed for sautéing)
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions, extra pickles, a drizzle of sugar-free ketchup or burger sauce

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Warm a large skillet over medium heat. If your beef is very lean, add olive oil or butter. Add the diced onion with a pinch of salt and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the beef: Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until no longer pink and most moisture evaporates, about 6–8 minutes.
  4. Flavor the meat: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, sugar-free ketchup, and mustard. Let it simmer 1–2 minutes to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning. Fold in the chopped pickles.
  5. Make the custard base: In a bowl, whisk eggs, heavy cream, and cream cheese until mostly smooth. Small specks of cream cheese are fine. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar.
  6. Assemble the casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the baking dish. Pour the egg-cheese mixture over the top, tilting the pan so it settles into the meat. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar evenly over everything.
  7. Bake: Place on the center rack and bake 18–22 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set. A slight jiggle is okay; it will firm as it rests.
  8. Rest and garnish: Let stand 5–10 minutes. Top with sliced green onions, extra pickles, or a light drizzle of sugar-free ketchup or burger sauce, if desired.
  9. Serve: Cut into squares and plate with a simple side salad or roasted veggies. Enjoy warm.