Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients:
– 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
– 6 slices bacon, chopped
– 1/2 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
– 1/2 cup (120 g) shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
– 1/4 cup (60 g) cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste or sugar-free ketchup
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
– Sliced pickles (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. **Cook the Bacon:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Set aside, leaving some bacon fat in the skillet.
2. **Cook the Ground Beef:**
– In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain excess fat if necessary.
– Season the beef with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard, stirring to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
3. **Prepare the Casserole Base:**
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, cream cheese, and tomato paste (or sugar-free ketchup). Whisk until smooth and well combined.
– Add the cooked ground beef mixture and the crispy bacon to the egg mixture, and stir until fully incorporated.
4. **Assemble the Casserole:**
– Pour the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
– Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. For extra cheesiness, you can add more cheese if desired.
5. **Bake the Casserole:**
– Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly before slicing.
– Garnish with dried parsley and serve with sliced pickles on the side for an authentic cheeseburger experience.
Tips:
– **Additions:** You can add cooked mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or even some chopped green bell pepper to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
– **Storage:** Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Enjoy!
This **Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole** is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy all the best parts of a cheeseburger in a comforting, easy-to-make casserole. Perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet!