Savory Keto Cheeseburger Muffins (Low-Carb & Gluten-Free!)
Get all the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger in a fun, portable, and low-carb bite! These Keto Cheeseburger Muffinsfeature a tender, savory “bun” made from almond flour and flaxseed meal, filled with seasoned ground beef, and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a quick meal, snack, or party appetizer!
Yields: 12 muffins Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes (plus broiling)
Ingredients:
For the Cheeseburger Muffin Buns:
- ½ cup super-fine blanched almond flour
- ½ cup golden flaxseed meal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup full-fat sour cream
For the Hamburger Filling:
- 16 ounces (1 pound) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (check for no added sugar)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or other preferred cheese like mozzarella, Colby Jack)
- Optional keto-friendly toppings: Diced dill pickles, sugar-free ketchup, yellow mustard, sliced red onion, or sesame seeds for garnish.
Equipment:
- Large skillet (for ground beef)
- 12-cup silicone muffin pan (highly recommended for easy removal)
- 2 medium mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula or spoon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease thoroughly.
- Return the drained beef to the skillet. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, tomato paste, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring, to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Muffin Dough: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the muffin buns: almond flour, flaxseed meal, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs and sour cream.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fill Muffin Pan: Divide the muffin bun mixture evenly among the 12 cups of your silicone muffin pan.
- Using the back of a spoon or your thumb, create a shallow indentation in the center of each muffin dough portion, leaving space for the ground beef filling.
- Add Hamburger Filling: Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture into the indentations of each muffin, filling them generously.
- Initial Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the muffin edges are slightly browned and the “bun” portion appears set.
- Top with Cheese & Broil: Remove the muffin pan from the oven. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each muffin, focusing on covering the meat filling.
- Return to the oven and broil for an additional 1-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and slightly golden.
- Cool & Garnish: Let the muffins cool in the silicone pan for 5-10 minutes before carefully removing them.
- Top with desired keto-friendly garnishes like diced dill pickles, a drizzle of sugar-free ketchup or mustard, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Ground beef, eggs, and cheese are all excellent protein sources.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb. Almond flour, flaxseed meal, ground beef, and cheese are all low-carb ingredients.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Tomato Paste: While concentrated, 2 tablespoons spread across 12 muffins contributes minimal carbs. Advise users to choose brands with no added sugar.
- Toppings: Ensure any ketchup used is reduced-sugar or sugar-free to maintain keto compliance.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Recommendations for Your App:
- Silicone Muffin Pan: Strongly recommend using a silicone muffin pan for easy removal, as these can be a bit fragile.
- Tomato Paste Check: Remind users to check tomato paste labels for no added sugar.
- Toppings Emphasis: Clearly state that only reduced-sugar ketchup or sugar-free mustard should be used for keto compliance, and list other keto-friendly topping ideas.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These muffins are great for meal prep; they can be made ahead and reheated.
- Serving Versatility: Highlight their use as breakfast, lunch, snack, or party food.
- Nutritional Information: Providing estimated net carbs, protein, and fat per muffin would be very valuable for users tracking macros.
This Keto Cheeseburger Muffins recipe is a strong, delicious, and highly effective addition to your app!
