carnivore cheeseburger casserole

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Intensity: Easy

• Servings: 6 servings

• Cuisine: American, Carnivore, Keto

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 100% Carnivore Compliant: No vegetables, no fillers, just pure animal-based ingredients.

• Incredibly Easy: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a perfect weeknight dinner.

• Meal Prep Hero: It tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for lunches throughout the week.

• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this cheeseburger-inspired dish. It has all the familiar, comforting flavors they crave.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) bacon, chopped into 1-inch pieces

• 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 is recommended for flavor)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper (omit for strict carnivore)

• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups (8 oz / 225g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

• 1 cup (4 oz / 115g) shredded mozzarella cheese

• Optional Toppings: Sugar-free pickles, cooked and crumbled bacon for garnish.

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or bacon grease.

2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it reaches your desired level of crispness. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.

3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the same skillet with the hot bacon fat. Season with salt and pepper. Break the beef apart with a spatula and cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Do not drain the fat – this is where the flavor is!

4. Create the Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese and the heavy cream to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has fully melted and incorporated into a rich, creamy sauce.

5. Melt in the Cheese: Add 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the shredded mozzarella to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and coats the beef beautifully.

6. Combine and Assemble: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked bacon pieces back in, reserving a small handful for the topping if desired. Stir everything together until well combined.

7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire beef and cheese mixture into your prepared 9×13 baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.

9. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up, making it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with the reserved bacon bits and sugar-free pickles, if using.

Tips for the Best Casserole

• Don’t Skimp on Fat: Using 80/20 ground beef and not draining the fat after browning is crucial. It keeps the casserole moist, flavorful, and provides the necessary fat for the carnivore diet.

• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened. This prevents lumps and helps it melt smoothly into the cream.

• Let it Rest: This is the most important step for a clean slice. If you serve it immediately, it will be delicious but very loose. Giving it 10 minutes allows it to thicken up perfectly.

• Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment! A mix of provolone, gouda, or pepper jack can add a different flavor profile. Just ensure the total amount of cheese remains roughly the same.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium-low heat, which helps re-crisp the edges. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the texture of the meat won’t be as firm.

• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Wrap the cooled baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or portion it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used and any optional toppings added. This is calculated for one serving of six.

• Calories: 680

• Fat: 55g

• Protein: 38g

• Total Carbs: 3g

• Fiber: 0g

• Net Carbs: 3g