Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my cheeseburger keto casserole recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.

Base Layer:

• Avocado Oil – For your pan. Olive oil or any other neutral cooking oil works.
• Cauliflower – Some people make cheeseburger casserole with pasta, but I used cauliflower rice for a healthier option that’s just as comforting. You can also use store-bought riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen), or use one of my roasted cauliflower recipes as the base instead.
• Sea Salt
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Pairs with the riced cauliflower for a cheesy layer. You can use any cheese you’d serve on a burger, such as mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.
• Heavy Cream – Makes it rich and creamy. You could also use half and half, or coconut cream.

Beef Layer:

• Ground Beef – I typically use 85/15 grass-fed beef, which is flavorful without being too greasy, but use any variety you like. You could even sub ground chicken or ground turkey for lighter options.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper

Top Layer:

• Ketchup – My fave is homemade sugar-free ketchup, but I like this store-bought brand when I’m in a hurry.
• Mustard – I used yellow mustard for classic hamburger flavor, but Dijon mustard works, too.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – For a gooey topping.

How To Make Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.

1. Make the base layer. Heat the oil in a large skillet or saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower rice and sea salt. Stir fry until the cauliflower is cooked and a little browned. Remove from heat, then stir in cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Transfer the cauli rice mixture evenly to a large glass casserole dish.
2. Make the beef layer. Cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease if needed. Sprinkle ground beef mixture evenly over the cauliflower.

3. Add toppings. Drizzle the keto cheeseburger casserole with ketchup and mustard. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
4. Bake. Place the hamburger casserole in the oven and bake, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted.

Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these ideas:

• Garlic – Cook a couple cloves of garlic before cooking the cauliflower. For a shortcut, sprinkle the cauli rice with garlic powder instead.
• Onions – Saute diced onions in the olive oil before adding the cauliflower rice to the pan. You could also just stir in some leftover caramelized onions. You could also saute them with the beef instead.
• Spices – I kept it simple with just salt and pepper, but a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or a dash of chili powder added to the meat would work well.
• Bacon – For a low carb bacon cheeseburger casserole, sprinkle chopped oven bacon on top, either before or after baking the casserole.
• Big Mac Style – Follow my big mac casserole recipe, or just drizzle this one with Big Mac sauce.
• Fresh Toppings – Top with chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced or sliced pickles, or any other burger toppings you like.

Serving Ideas

This keto hamburger casserole is a complete meal on its own, but like a burger, you may want a side or two. Here are some ideas:

• Low Carb Fries – Make it a classic fast-food meal by pairing this keto hamburger casserole with a side of keto french fries or jicama fries. If you want a veggie twist, try zucchini fries.
• Salad – I love to pair this casserole with a simple arugula salad, but you can pair it with any of my keto salad recipes for a quick and easy side dish.
• Roasted Veggies – Serve keto cheeseburger casserole with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, or for extra comfort food, cheesy keto brussels sprouts.
• Fruit – For a light and refreshing side, simply serve this dish with a side of keto fruit.
• Dessert – Don’t forget dessert! I like to make a quick and easy keto pudding, but any of my keto desserts would be delicious.

More Keto Casserole Recipes

If you love low carb casseroles that make a complete meal on their own, here are some of my other meal-worthy casserole rotations:

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Keto Tuna Casserole

Keto Taco Casserole

Keto Breakfast Casserole