Description
A quick and flavorful low-carb casserole combining crispy bacon, juicy ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and creamy sauce, baked to bubbly perfection in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 70g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz (115g) full-fat cream cheese
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (200g)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
- 3 cups cauliflower rice (300g)
- Optional: ½ cup diced green bell pepper
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pickles
Instructions
- Cook the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy but not burnt. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Reserve bacon grease in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with about 1 tablespoon of reserved bacon grease, sauté diced onions over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet with onions and garlic. Break up with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink and starting to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving some for flavor.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together cream cheese, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Reduce heat to low and pour the cream mixture over the browned beef. Stir well to combine and let the cream cheese melt into the beef, creating a rich, creamy coating.
- Fold in the cauliflower rice and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until evenly mixed. Optionally add diced green bell pepper or chopped pickles at this stage.
- Transfer the mixture to a prepared 8×8 inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled crispy bacon on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
[‘Use bacon grease to sauté onions and beef for enhanced flavor.’, ‘Cook bacon until crispy to avoid chewy texture in casserole.’, ‘Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.’, ‘Do not overbake to prevent drying out; bake just until cheese melts and bubbles.’, ‘Add optional veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for variety and nutrition.’, ‘Make-ahead friendly: prepare up to assembly, refrigerate up to 24 hours, add extra baking time if baking cold.’, ‘Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.’, ‘For dairy-free version, try dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream but expect different texture and flavor.’, ‘Ground turkey can be substituted but may require extra bacon grease or broth to prevent dryness.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
Keywords: bacon cheeseburger casserole, low carb dinner, quick casserole, keto casserole, cheesy casserole, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal