Go Back

Keto BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Bake - A Simple, Crowd-Pleasing Casserole

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1.5 pounds (680 g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar-free BBQ sauce (choose a low-carb brand)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles (or pickle chips, roughly chopped)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
  • Optional: 1 small jalapeño, finely diced, for heat

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or similar casserole pan.
  2. Crisp the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan; discard or save the rest.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add the onion to the skillet with the reserved fat. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Brown the beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and most liquid has evaporated, about 6–8 minutes. If very greasy, drain a bit, but leave some fat for flavor.
  5. Build the “burger sauce”: Stir in sugar-free ketchup, tomato paste, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, and sugar-free BBQ sauce. Mix to coat the meat. Taste and adjust salt or vinegar for balance. If using jalapeño, stir it in now.
  6. Layer the base: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle half the cheddar (1 cup) over the meat. Scatter chopped pickles over the cheese for tangy pops.
  7. Make the custard: In a bowl, whisk eggs and heavy cream with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour evenly over the beef and cheese. This helps bind the bake without adding carbs.
  8. Top and bake: Add the remaining cheddar (1 cup) over the top, then the crispy bacon. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the center is just set. Avoid overbaking so it stays juicy.
  9. Rest and garnish: Let the bake rest 8–10 minutes to firm up. Garnish with sliced green onions. Slice into squares and serve warm.