There are some meals that just feel like a big, warm hug in a dish, and this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is precisely that for me. It delivers all the satisfying, savoury flavours of a classic cheeseburger—the seasoned beef, the tangy sauce, the gloriously melted cheese—but baked into a simple, shareable casserole. After testing this recipe five times, I finally got it just right—the sauce is creamy without being watery, and the cheesy topping gets beautifully golden and bubbly in the oven. It’s the kind of dish we turn to on a busy weeknight when we need something nourishing and deeply satisfying without straying from our low-carb goals.

What I love most about this casserole recipe is how it transforms humble ingredients into something truly special. The base is rich, seasoned beef mince, cooked with onions until tender. Then, we stir in a creamy, tangy sauce made with cream cheese, mustard, and sugar-free ketchup that mimics that classic burger sauce flavour we all know and love. Topped with a generous layer of sharp cheddar and baked until molten, it’s a brilliant one-dish meal. It works beautifully for a family dinner, and it’s also great for meal prep, as the flavours seem to get even better the next day.

Recipe Overview

This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole recipe brings together seasoned ground beef and a creamy, tangy cheese sauce, all baked under a blanket of more melted cheese. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that captures the essence of a burger without the bun. My first attempt was a bit bland, but I found that a spoonful of Dijon mustard and a pinch of smoked paprika in the sauce made all the difference, giving it a real depth of flavour.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6 people
• Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

• Genuine Burger Flavour: The combination of seasoned beef mince, tangy sugar-free ketchup, sharp mustard, and melted cheddar genuinely tastes like a deconstructed cheeseburger. The optional gherkin topping adds that final authentic touch.
• Ready in Under 45 Minutes: From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 40 minutes, making it ideal for those evenings when you’re short on time but don’t want to compromise on a delicious home-cooked meal.
• Flexible Recipe: You can easily adapt this to your liking. Try adding some chopped mushrooms with the onions, stirring in some crispy bacon bits, or using different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Red Leicester.
• Great for Meal Prep: This casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for a few days. I often make a batch on a Sunday to have ready for lunches during the week. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.
• Family Tested: My husband, who isn’t even following a keto lifestyle, asks for this at least once a month. He loves it with the gherkin topping, and it always gets compliments when we serve it to guests. It’s a brilliant alternative to our usual Low Carb Chicken Casserole.

Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

⏱️ 15 min prep  •  🍳 45 min cook  •  👥 8 servings

📌 Pin This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this casserole recipe, we’re using simple, keto-friendly ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. When it comes to the cheese, I always opt for a mature block cheddar that I grate myself. The pre-grated bags often contain starches to prevent clumping, which can add unnecessary carbs. I find a good quality cheddar, like a British farmhouse one, provides the best flavour.

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 kg beef mince (20% fat is ideal)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 120g full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 80ml double cream
• 60g sugar-free tomato ketchup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 200g mature cheddar cheese, grated
• For the Topping (Optional):
• 2 tbsp chopped dill gherkins (pickles)
• 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
• A few slices of cooked bacon, crumbled

Sara’s Tip: Don’t be tempted to use low-fat cream cheese or beef mince. The fat is crucial not only for a ketogenic diet but also for ensuring the casserole is rich, flavourful, and doesn’t dry out during baking.

How to Make This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

The process for this casserole is wonderfully straightforward. We’ll start by browning the meat and creating the rich base, then we’ll mix in the creamy sauce before baking it all to perfection. The key is to build the layers of flavour at each step.

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Lightly grease a 2-litre casserole dish.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan or skillet over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Add the beef mince to the pan. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned all over. I find that using a potato masher works best for me to get that fine, evenly-cooked texture.
5. Once the beef is cooked, drain off any excess fat from the pan. According to the Food Standards Agency, it’s important to ensure minced meat is cooked through until steaming hot with no pink meat.
6. Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, double cream, sugar-free ketchup, and Dijon mustard to the pan. Stir everything together until the cream cheese has melted and a creamy sauce has formed, coating the beef mince.
7. Transfer the beef mixture to your prepared casserole dish and spread it out in an even layer.
8. Sprinkle the grated mature cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef mixture.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese on top is melted, golden brown, and bubbling around the edges.
10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to portion. Top with chopped gherkins, bacon, and fresh parsley if you like.

Tips From My Kitchen

• Temperature Control: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you add it to the hot beef. I learned that adding it straight from the fridge can cause it to curdle slightly or create a lumpy sauce. Taking it out 30 minutes before you start cooking is all it needs.
• The Secret Step: After browning the beef, don’t skip draining the excess fat. A little fat is good for flavour, but too much can make the final casserole greasy. I usually tilt the pan and spoon out the liquid fat before adding the sauce ingredients.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the entire casserole up to the point of baking. Simply assemble it in your dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting from cold.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats very well in the microwave for a quick lunch. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.

Delicious Variations to Try

One of the best things about a casserole recipe like this is how easily you can tweak it. Here are a few variations my family and I enjoy:

• Spicy Bacon Version: Add 1/2 a chopped fresh jalapeño along with the onions for a kick of heat. Stir in some crumbled, crispy bacon bits with the cheese sauce for an extra layer of savoury, smoky flavour.
• Mushroom & Swiss: Sauté 200g of sliced mushrooms with the onions until they release their liquid and start to brown. Swap the cheddar for grated Swiss or Emmental cheese for a classic “mushroom swiss burger” feel.
• Different Protein: This recipe works wonderfully with other ground meats. Try it with turkey or chicken mince for a lighter version, or even pork mince for a different flavour profile. This is as versatile as my Bruschetta Chicken in that way!

What to Serve With This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

This Keto Cheeseburger Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides to round it out.

• A Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with lettuce, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette provides a fresh, acidic contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Green Beans: A side of tender-crisp steamed green beans or roasted broccoli adds some lovely green colour and texture to your plate. If you need inspiration, check out this simple Chicken Breast And Green Beans recipe for ideas.
• Cauliflower Mash: For that true comfort meal feeling, serve a scoop of creamy cauliflower mash on the side to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for up to two days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.

How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?

The key is to drain the excess fat and liquid from the beef mince after browning it. Also, using full-fat cream cheese and double cream helps create a thick, stable sauce that won’t separate or become watery during baking.

How do I store leftovers?

Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Of course! While mature cheddar cheese gives it that classic cheeseburger taste, feel free to experiment. A mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar would be wonderfully melty, or you could try Red Leicester for a milder flavour and vibrant colour.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, it freezes very well. I recommend freezing it after assembly but before baking. Wrap the dish tightly in cling film and then a layer of foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

A rich and comforting low-carb casserole that packs all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into one easy-to-make dish. Perfect for a keto-friendly family meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 490

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 kg beef mince 20% fat is ideal
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 120 g full-fat cream cheese softened
• 80 ml double cream
• 60 g sugar-free tomato ketchup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 200 g mature cheddar cheese grated

For the Topping (Optional)

• 2 tbsp chopped dill gherkins pickles
• 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
• A few slices of cooked bacon crumbled

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Lightly grease a 2-litre casserole dish.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan or skillet over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Add the beef mince to the pan. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it's browned all over. I find that using a potato masher works best for me to get that fine, evenly-cooked texture.
5. Once the beef is cooked, drain off any excess fat from the pan. According to the Food Standards Agency, it's important to ensure minced meat is cooked through until steaming hot with no pink meat.
6. Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, double cream, sugar-free ketchup, and Dijon mustard to the pan. Stir everything together until the cream cheese has melted and a creamy sauce has formed, coating the beef mince.
7. Transfer the beef mixture to your prepared casserole dish and spread it out in an even layer.
8. Sprinkle the grated mature cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef mixture.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese on top is melted, golden brown, and bubbling around the edges.
10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to portion. Top with chopped gherkins, bacon, and fresh parsley if you like.

Notes

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

I really hope you enjoy making this Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe as much as we do in our home. It’s become a dependable, delicious meal that always leaves everyone feeling happy and satisfied. If you do give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Please leave a comment below and let me know! Happy cooking, Sara.