Low-Carb Cheeseburger Casserole
Ground beef, cheese, and pickles in one dish — ready in 35 minutes
This low-carb cheeseburger casserole browns ground beef, layers it with cheese, and finishes with pickles, tomatoes, and lettuce, like the dish. Each serving has 34 g of protein and 6 g net carbs.
High protein, sugar-free, and diabetic-friendly.
Why you’ll love this casserole
- 34g protein per serving
- 6g net carbs
- Beef and cheese
- Ready in about 35 minutes
- Pickle and tomato topping
- One dish
Health notes
- Protein: Ground beef and cheese.
- Low carb: No bun and measured pickles and tomato.
- Sugar-free: No-sugar ketchup or mustard if used.
- Diabetic-friendly: Each serving stays around 6g net carbs if the toppings are measured.
Key element — drain the beef
Undrained beef greases the dish. Brown it and pour off the fat so the cheese browns clean, like the photo.
Ingredients
Casserole (6 servings)
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp no-sugar ketchup or mustard, optional
- 2 cups shredded cheddar
- Pickle slices, for the top
- Diced tomato, for the top
- Shredded lettuce, for the top
Swaps
- A bun or a sugar ketchup: Not in the 6g number.
- Turkey: Same amount. Fat drops.
- No pickles: Carbs stay the same.
- Extra cheese: Protein rises a little.
Instructions
| 1 | Heat the oven. Heat to 375°F (190°C). Oil a 9×13-inch baking dish. |
| 2 | Beef. Brown the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain the fat. Stir in the ketchup or mustard if using. |
| 3 | Layer. Spread the beef in the dish. Cover with the cheddar. |
| 4 | Bake. Bake 15–18 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, like the dish. Top with pickle slices, diced tomato, and lettuce. Cut into 6 servings. |
Pro tips
- Drain the beef. It keeps the dish from going greasy.
- A bun or a sugar ketchup is not in these numbers.
- Add the lettuce and tomato after baking so they stay fresh.
- Rest 5 minutes so the slices hold.
- Macros are per serving, 6 from this dish.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Net carbohydrates | 6g |
| Total carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Total fat | 26g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
Estimates based on ground beef, cheddar, a thin no-sugar ketchup or mustard if used, pickles, tomato, and lettuce, divided into 6 servings. A bun and a sugar ketchup are not included.
Variations
Turkey
Swap the beef for ground turkey. Fat drops.
No pickles
Skip them. Carbs stay the same.
Extra cheese
Add more cheddar. Protein rises a little.
Spicy
A pinch of red pepper flakes in the beef.
Storage
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Store without the fresh toppings |
| Reheat | 2 min | Microwave or a short oven. Add toppings after |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Freeze without the toppings |
FAQ
Test your knowledge
5 quick questions about this cheeseburger casserole
1. Protein per serving?
2. Net carbs per serving?
3. What keeps the dish from going greasy?
4. About how long does this take?
5. What is not in the 6g number?
