Hearty & Easy Keto Hamburger Casserole (Cheesy, Comforting & Low-Carb!)
Whip up a satisfying and family-friendly meal with this Hearty & Easy Keto Hamburger Casserole! Seasoned ground beef forms the delicious base, topped with a rich, cheesy egg-and-cream mixture, then baked until golden and bubbly. This comforting, low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free dish is a delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for a cozy dinner right here in Puerto Vallarta!
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon minced dried onion (or 1/2 medium fresh onion, finely diced)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2-3 cloves fresh, or dried equivalent)
- ½ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt, divided (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, divided (or to taste)
- 6 large eggs
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 6 ounces tomato paste (no-sugar-added recommended, or use a low-carb marinara sauce)
- 8 ounces (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Optional additions: ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon or bacon bits
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Beef: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula.
- While browning, season the beef with ½ teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, the minced dried onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and fragrant.
- Drain any excess grease from the cooked beef.
- Assemble Base: Transfer the seasoned, drained ground beef to a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- If adding bacon or bacon bits, sprinkle them over the ground beef layer now.
- Prepare Creamy Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, tomato paste (or sauce), the remaining ½ teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
- Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Combine & Bake: Pour the creamy egg and cheese mixture evenly over the ground beef in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set, golden brown on top, and bubbly around the edges. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly. Enjoy your hearty hamburger casserole!
Tips for Success:
- Tomato Paste vs. Sauce: Using tomato paste provides a more concentrated tomato flavor without much liquid. If using a low-carb marinara sauce, reduce the heavy whipping cream slightly if you prefer a thicker casserole.
- Don’t Overcook: Baking until just set ensures a moist, tender casserole. Overbaking can make the eggs rubbery.
- Customizable: Feel free to add other keto-friendly vegetables to the beef layer, such as diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach, before adding the egg mixture.
- Cheese Variety: While cheddar is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
- Meal Prep: This casserole makes great leftovers and reheats well in the microwave or oven.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Easy Keto Hamburger Casserole is a delicious addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the ground beef, eggs, and cheese.
- High Fat: Yes, from the ground beef, heavy cream, and cheese.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All listed ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
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