🍔 Carnivore Cheeseburger Casserole
📝 Description:
This cheesy, meaty casserole is everything you love about a cheeseburger—without the bun. Packed with savory beef, gooey cheese, and creamy eggs, it’s quick to prep, ultra-satisfying, and ideal for meal prep or weeknight dinners. Optional add-ins like bacon and onion add flavor while keeping carbs low.
🧂 Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend: cheddar, mozzarella, etc.)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup bacon bits or crumbled cooked bacon
- 1 small onion, diced (optional for low-carb, not strict carnivore)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish (optional)
🔥 Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
Set oven to 180°C (350°F). - Cook the Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and diced onion (if using). - Mix the Egg Base:
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and half the shredded cheese. - Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the cooked beef mixture into a greased 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish. Sprinkle in bacon bits. Pour the egg mixture over the beef. Top with remaining cheese. - Bake:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until golden on top and the center is set. - Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with parsley or dill if desired. Slice and serve hot.
🧠 Notes:
- For strict carnivore, omit onion, garlic powder, and herbs.
- Swap cheddar with gouda, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
- Crumbled cooked sausage or ground lamb can replace or accompany beef for variety.
💡 Tips:
- Don’t overbake – remove when center is just set to keep it creamy.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheats perfectly in the microwave or oven.
- Add a fried egg on top for an extra protein hit!
🍽️ Servings:
- Makes about 4 servings
🔢 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 34g
- Carbs: 3g (or less if omitting onion)
- Fiber: 0g
- Net Carbs: 2–3g
(Values may vary depending on cheese and add-ins.)
🌿 Benefits:
- High in protein and fat – keeps you full and supports muscle health.
- Low in carbs – perfect for ketogenic and carnivore diets.
- Quick and easy – all-in-one meal in under 40 minutes.
- Great for meal prepping and reheating.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I make this without eggs?
A: You can, but the casserole may not hold together well. You could try adding more cheese and cream to bind, or use egg substitutes like cream cheese or sour cream.
Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: Yes! Let it cool completely, then portion and freeze. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
Q: Can I add pickles or mustard?
A: Not for strict carnivore, but for keto you can add chopped pickles or a swirl of mustard for classic cheeseburger flavor.
Q: What’s a good side dish?
A: For keto: a side salad, avocado, or cauliflower mash.
For carnivore: serve as is or with extra bacon or bone broth.