Low-Carb Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger

Name: Low-Carb Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 4 large eggs; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp mustard; 2 tbsp ketchup, sugar-free if preferred; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: diced pickles, lettuce, tomato for serving

Recipe by Sam Rivera · Updated July 2025

Pork Burger Low-Carb & Keto

There's something deeply satisfying about a burger that's ready in under 40 minutes without the carb overload. This Low-Carb Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger casserole brings all the smoky, savory flavors of a classic diner burger-juicy ground beef, crispy turkey bacon, sharp cheddar, and a creamy egg custard base-into one easy, family-friendly dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day gatherings, or meal prep Sundays, it's comfort food you can feel good about serving anytime without the bun.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Turkey bacon adds a leaner twist without sacrificing that irresistible smokiness, keeping the dish under 400 calories per serving.
The custard-like egg and heavy cream mixture mimics the richness of burger sauce, binding everything together with a velvety texture.
You can bake this dish ahead and reheat slices like a breakfast burrito-ideal for grab-and-go mornings.
Customizable with keto-friendly additions like pickles or avocado, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

⏱ 35 mins

American

Servings 6

Ingredients

1 lbground beef

6 slicesturkey bacon, cooked and chopped

1 smallonion, diced

2 clovesgarlic, minced

1 cupshredded cheddar cheese

4 largeeggs

½ cupheavy cream

1 tbspmustard

2 tbspketchup, sugar-free if preferred

1 tbspolive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: diced pickles, lettuce, tomato for serving

Nutrition

350 caloriesCalories

Per serving · Values are estimates

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened.

Add ground beef to skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.

Stir in cooked turkey bacon pieces and mix well. Remove from heat.

Spread beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, mustard, and ketchup. Pour this mixture evenly over the beef.

Top with remaining shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the casserole is set and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with diced pickles, lettuce, and tomato if desired.

Essential Tips

Use room temp eggs

Whisking cold eggs with heavy cream can lead to a slightly lumpy custard. Let the eggs sit out for 15 minutes before mixing for a silky, uniform texture.

Dry the beef well

After browning the ground beef, blot it with a paper towel to remove excess grease. This prevents the casserole from becoming greasy and ensures the custard sets properly.

Pre-cook bacon crisp

Turkey bacon continues to crisp as it bakes, so remove it from the skillet when it's just starting to brown. This avoids burnt edges and keeps the texture pleasant.

Layer cheese in two steps

Adding half the cheese before the egg mixture and the rest on top creates a gooey layer in the middle and a golden crust on top, mimicking the cheese pull of a burger.

Rest before slicing

Letting the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking ensures it holds together when cut, preventing a messy slice and keeping the layers intact.

Smart Swaps & Variations

Spicy Southwest Swap the cheddar for pepper jack and add ½ cup of diced jalapeños and 1 tsp of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.

Bacon & Egg Topping Omit the custard layer and top the browned beef with 4 fried eggs and extra turkey bacon before baking to create a breakfast-style casserole.

Dairy-Free Replace cheddar with dairy-free cheese shreds and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a fully keto-friendly option.

What to Serve With This

A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Sugar-free coleslaw for a refreshing, crunchy contrast.
Pickle spears and sliced avocado on the side for a burger bar experience.
A cold glass of unsweetened iced tea or a light lager to balance the hearty flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The casserole will keep its texture and flavor when reheated properly.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, covered, to restore warmth without drying out the custard.

Expert Chef Tips

For a deeper flavor, brown the onions and garlic until just golden before adding the beef-this builds a fond that enhances the entire dish.
Use a light hand with salt until after baking; the turkey bacon and cheese can make the custard taste saltier than expected.
If baking in a glass dish, lower the oven temperature by 25°F to prevent the edges from over-browning while the center sets.

Equipment You’ll Need

9×13-inch baking dish (glass or ceramic preferred)
Large skillet (cast iron works best for browning)
Mixing bowl (medium-sized for the custard mixture)
Whisk (to blend eggs, cream, and seasonings smoothly)

Nutritional Benefits

High in protein (about 25g per serving) from lean ground beef and eggs, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.
Low in net carbs (around 5g per serving), making it ideal for low-carb, keto, or diabetic-friendly meal plans.
Rich in healthy fats (around 28g per serving) from beef and heavy cream, providing long-lasting energy and helping absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
Contains no added sugars, and sugar-free ketchup/mustard options keep the carbohydrate count minimal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Absolutely! Regular bacon will add more fat and flavor, but reduce the baking time slightly to avoid over-browning. Aim for 18-22 minutes in the oven.

Why does my custard layer feel rubbery?

Overbaking is the most common cause. Pull the casserole out when the center is just set but still slightly jiggly-it will firm up as it cools. Also, avoid overmixing the eggs.

Can I make this casserole ahead and freeze it?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, adding 5-10 minutes to the bake time if it's still cold.

What's the best way to reheat this without drying it out?

Wrap individual portions in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10-12 minutes. This gently reheats the casserole without turning the custard tough or the cheese rubbery.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

You can, but ground beef's higher fat content keeps the casserole moist. If using turkey, add 1 tbsp of olive oil or butter to the beef mixture when browning to compensate.

How do I know when the custard is fully set?

Insert a knife into the center-if it comes out clean, the custard is done. The edges should look slightly puffed, and the center should jiggle just a bit.

Can I add veggies like spinach or mushrooms?

Yes! Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms or 2 cups of fresh spinach with the onions and garlic before adding the beef. Pat them dry first to avoid excess moisture.

Is this keto-friendly?

Yes! With no bread, sugar, or high-carb ingredients, this casserole fits into a keto diet. Each serving has about 5g net carbs, depending on the toppings.