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Keto BBQ Bacon Whopper Casserole – A Bold, Low-Carb Crowd-Pleaser

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef (80/20 for flavor and moisture)
  • Bacon (thick-cut preferred)
  • Onion (yellow or white), finely diced
  • Garlic (fresh cloves or minced)
  • Sugar-free BBQ sauce (check labels for carbs)
  • Mayonnaise
  • Unsweetened ketchup or low-sugar ketchup
  • Dill pickles (chips or chopped)
  • Cheddar cheese, shredded (or a blend with Monterey Jack)
  • Cream cheese, softened
  • Heavy cream
  • Eggs (to help set the casserole)
  • Mustard (yellow or Dijon)
  • Worcestershire sauce (optional, small amount)
  • Smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky note)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Olive oil or avocado oil
  • Green onions (for garnish)
  • Lettuce (for serving, optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to a paper towel–lined plate. Spoon off excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until soft and lightly golden, 4–5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  4. Brown the beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Cook until no longer pink, then drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Flavor the beef: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons sugar-free BBQ sauce, 1 teaspoon mustard, and a splash of Worcestershire if using. Fold in half of the cooked bacon. Simmer 1–2 minutes, then spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
  6. Make the creamy layer: In a bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and eggs until smooth. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef layer and spread evenly.
  7. Add cheese and pickles: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top. Add a light layer of chopped dill pickles (or scatter pickle chips) for that signature Whopper-style tang.
  8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake 18–22 minutes, until the center is set and the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges.
  9. Mix the special sauce: While it bakes, combine mayonnaise with unsweetened ketchup and 1–2 teaspoons sugar-free BBQ sauce. Adjust salt, pepper, and a touch of mustard to taste. This will be your drizzle and dipping sauce.
  10. Finish and serve: Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes. Top with remaining bacon and sliced green onions. Drizzle with some special sauce and add extra pickles if you like. Serve with crisp lettuce on the side or as a bed under each slice.