Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

  • Why You Need My Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Make Keto Cheeseburger Casserole
  • Recipe Variations
  • Serving Ideas
  • More Keto Casserole Recipes
  • Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

If there’s one type of meal that makes an appearance most often at our house, it’s low carb dinner recipes that are an entire meal in one. Even more so when they are flexible enough to make ahead or freeze! This easy, low carb keto cheeseburger casserole has been a favorite for a long time, because it fits all of that criteria and it’s family-friendly. I’m excited to finally share it with you! I hope this keto hamburger casserole will become a staple for your family like it is for mine.

Unlike other keto casseroles, this casserole has layers like a cheeseburger! The base is similar to my loaded cauliflower casserole , while the beef and topping layers are similar to a big mac casserole . You’re going to love it!

Why You Need My Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Maya in the kitchen. - 1
  • Cheeseburger taste, without the bun
  • Seasoned ground beef
  • Gooey, melty cheese
  • Quick prep time
  • Just 2.6g net carbs per serving
  • Naturally gluten-free
  • Easy cheeseburger casserole recipe for meal prep
Maya's signature. - 2 Keto cheeseburger casserole in a baking dish. - 3

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.
Cooked cauliflower rice mixture transferred to baking dish. - 4 Ground beef, ketchup, and mustard layered on top of cauliflower rice. - 5
  1. Add toppings. Drizzle the keto cheeseburger casserole with ketchup and mustard. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  2. Bake. Place the hamburger casserole in the oven and bake, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted.
Cheese sprinkled on top of ground beef mixture. - 6 Baked keto cheeseburger casserole. - 7

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:

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Base Layer

  • 1 tbsp Avocado oil ▢
  • 1 large head Cauliflower ▢
  • 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded) ▢
  • 1/4 cup Heavy cream ▢

Beef Layer

  • 2 lb Ground beef ▢
  • 2 tsp Sea salt ▢
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢

Topping

  • 1/2 cup Sugar-free ketchup (or regular ketchup if not sugar-free) ▢
  • 2 tbsp Mustard (or more if you love mustard!) ▢
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

  1. Rice the cauliflower using a food processor or box grater. ( Learn more about how to make cauliflower rice here. )
  2. Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower rice and sea salt. Stir fry until the cauliflower is cooked and a little browned, about 7-10 minutes .
  3. Remove from heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream.
  4. Transfer the mixture evenly to a 9 x 13 in (23 x 33 cm) glass casserole dish . Set aside.
  5. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
  6. Lightly wipe down the saute pan to remove any cauliflower pieces, and add the ground beef. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Cook the ground beef until browned, about 10 minutes . Drain if needed.
  7. Sprinkle the ground beef evenly over the cauliflower in the casserole dish.
  8. Drizzle the casserole with ketchup (you can make your own sugar-free ketchup like this , or store bought is fine if you are not strictly sugar-free) and mustard. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  9. Bake for about 10 minutes , until casserole is hot and cheese melts.

Did You Like It?

Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/9 of entire casserole (cut into approx 3 x 4.3 in rectangles)

  • Store: Cover tightly or use an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for 4–5 days.
  • Meal prep: Portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches.
  • Reheat: Microwave individual bowls for 1–2 minutes, or bake the whole thing at 350°F for 15–20.
  • Freeze: Wrap in plastic and foil, then freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight for faster reheating, or freeze in single servings to reheat one at a time.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

Keto cheeseburger casserole recipe pin. - 8

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

  • Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
  • The Basic Keto Meal Formula
  • Understanding Macros
  • Keto Food Swaps
  • Keto Food List
  • Electrolyte Basics
  • Keto Diet Types
  • Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
  • Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Keto Cheat Sheet System - printable pdf's and ebooks - 9

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

  1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
  2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
  3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
  4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
  5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
  6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
  7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
  8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
  9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Pick A ProteinPick A VeggieAdd Fat
Beef Chicken Pork Eggs Lamb Turkey Fish Shellfish Protein powder VenisonCauliflower Broccoli Zucchini Leafy Greens Cucumbers Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Asparagus Radishes Bell Peppers Jicama CeleryButter Avocado Oil Cheese Bacon Avocado Lard Ghee Mayo Nuts MCT Oil

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Instead Of This…Eat This
PancakesAlmond flour pancakes or coconut flour pancakes
OatmealKeto oatmeal with hemp seeds
Cinnamon rollsFathead cinnamon rolls
CerealKeto nut granola
MuffinsAlmond flour muffins or coconut flour muffins
DonutsAlmond flour donuts
SconesAlmond flour scones
High-sugar smoothiesSmoothie with berries or avocado
Hash brownsCauliflower hash browns
Breakfast casseroleBreakfast casserole with no potatoes
Egg whitesWhole eggs
Turkey baconBacon
WafflesChaffles
Keto food swaps - breakfast - 10

Keto Swaps For Bread

Instead Of This…Eat This
BagelsFathead bagels
English muffinAlmond flour English muffin
White breadKeto white bread
Multigrain breadCoconut flour bread with seeds
Tortillas for wrapsCoconut flour tortillas
Corn taco shellsCheddar cheese taco shells
Burger bunsOopsie rolls , portobello mushroom caps
BreadsticksCauliflower breadsticks
BiscuitsAlmond flour biscuits
CornbreadAlmond flour cornbread
CroutonsParmesan crisps
RiceCauliflower rice , konjac rice
Keto food swaps - bread and grains - 11

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Instead Of This…Eat This
Breaded wingsCrispy air fryer wings (unbreaded)
Low-fat meat & poultryHigh-fat cuts, or cook low-fat cuts with fat
Mashed potatoesMashed cauliflower
Roasted potatoesRoasted or fried radishes
TacosTaco salad
PizzaFathead crust , chicken crust , or cauliflower crust pizza
LasagnaEggplant lasagna
Potato saladCauliflower “potato” salad
French friesJicama , rutabaga , or zucchini fries
Tater totsCauliflower tots
WrapsLettuce wraps , almond flour tortillas
SushiNaruto-style or homemade rice-free sushi
Breaded chicken or fishBreaded cuts with almond flour or pork rinds
SpaghettiZoodles , spaghetti squash , shirataki noodles, kelp noodles
Keto food swaps - meals and sides - 12

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Instead Of This…Eat This
NachosCheese crisps
High-sugar fruitBerries & other keto fruits
CrackersAlmond flour crackers
HummusCauliflower hummus
Soft pretzelsFathead pretzels
PopcornPuffed cheese
Granola barsGrain-free granola bars
JamSugar-free berry chia jam
Sweet fruity yogurtFull-fat plain Greek yogurt with berries
Sweet salad dressingRanch , blue cheese , or plain vinaigrette
KetchupMustard and/or sugar-free ketchup
BBQ sauceSugar-free BBQ sauce
Sweetened peanut butterNatural, sugar-free nut butters
Light mayoAvocado oil mayo
Maple syrupSugar-free, maple flavored syrup
Potato chipsZucchini chips , pepperoni chips , pork rinds
Keto food swaps - snacks and sauces - 13

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Instead Of This…Eat This
SugarMonk fruit or allulose
Powdered sugarPowdered monk fruit or allulose
White flourAlmond or Coconut flour (use in tested recipes)
Making baked goods soft/chewyXanthan gum, flax seed meal, psyllium husk powder
BreadcrumbsPork rinds or almond flour
MargarineButter, coconut oil, or ghee
Vegetable oilOlive or avocado oil
BananasBanana extract
Chocolate chipsSugar-free chocolate chips
Cornstarch or flour rouxXanthan gum or gelatin powder (used at the end)
Simple syrupDissolve monk fruit allulose blend in water over heat
Keto food swaps - baking and cooking - 14

Keto Swaps For Drinks

Instead Of This…Eat This
LemonadeWater with lemon
SodaFlavored sparkling water
MilkAlmond milk, coconut milk, heavy cream
LatteButter coffee
Coffee creamerHeavy cream
Sweet wineDry wine
BeerUltra light beer
Mixed drinksHard liquor with soda + lemon

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto food swaps - drinks - 15

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Keto foods to eat and avoid summary - 16

Foods To Eat On Keto

  • Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
  • Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
  • Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
  • Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
  • Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
  • Avocados
  • Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
  • Almond flour and coconut flour
  • Eggs
  • Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

  • White flour & sugar
  • Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
  • Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
  • Cereal
  • Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
  • Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
  • Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
  • Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
  • Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
  • Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Keto Cheat Sheet System - printable pdf's and ebooks - 17

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

SodiumMagnesiumPotassium
Bone broth Boullion cubes Bacon Salted nuts PicklesSeaweed Seeds Nuts Avocado Leafy greensPotassium chloride Avocado Bone broth Spinach Broccoli Mushrooms Beef Pork

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

  • Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
  • Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
  • Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
  • Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

  1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
  2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
  3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
  4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
  5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
  6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
  7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
  8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
  9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.
Keto Cheat Sheet System - printable pdf's and ebooks - 18

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

Keto cheeseburger casserole lifted out of baking dish. - 19

Make this low carb keto cheeseburger casserole with hamburger, cauliflower, cheddar cheese, and zesty toppings for an easy, comforting meal.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/low-carb-keto-cheeseburger-casserole-recipe/

Keto Cheeseburger Casserole - 20 Keto Cheeseburger Casserole - 21 Keto Cheeseburger Casserole - 22 Keto Cheeseburger Casserole - 23

Ingredients

Base Layer

  • 1 tbsp Avocado oil
  • 1 large head Cauliflower
  • 1/2 tsp Sea salt
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 1/4 cup Heavy cream

Beef Layer

  • 2 lb Ground beef
  • 2 tsp Sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper

Topping

  • 1/2 cup Sugar-free ketchup (or regular ketchup if not sugar-free)
  • 2 tbsp Mustard (or more if you love mustard!)
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)

Instructions

  1. Rice the cauliflower using a food processor or box grater. ( Learn more about how to make cauliflower rice here. )
  2. Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower rice and sea salt. Stir fry until the cauliflower is cooked and a little browned, about 7-10 minutes .
  3. Remove from heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream.
  4. Transfer the mixture evenly to a 9 x 13 in (23 x 33 cm) glass casserole dish . Set aside.
  5. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
  6. Lightly wipe down the saute pan to remove any cauliflower pieces, and add the ground beef. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Cook the ground beef until browned, about 10 minutes . Drain if needed.
  7. Sprinkle the ground beef evenly over the cauliflower in the casserole dish.
  8. Drizzle the casserole with ketchup (you can make your own sugar-free ketchup like this , or store bought is fine if you are not strictly sugar-free) and mustard. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  9. Bake for about 10 minutes , until casserole is hot and cheese melts.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/9 of entire casserole (cut into approx 3 x 4.3 in rectangles)

  • Store: Cover tightly or use an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for 4–5 days.
  • Meal prep: Portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches.
  • Reheat: Microwave individual bowls for 1–2 minutes, or bake the whole thing at 350°F for 15–20.
  • Freeze: Wrap in plastic and foil, then freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight for faster reheating, or freeze in single servings to reheat one at a time.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

  • Why You Need My Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Make Keto Cheeseburger Casserole
  • Recipe Variations
  • Serving Ideas
  • More Keto Casserole Recipes
  • Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

If there’s one type of meal that makes an appearance most often at our house, it’s low carb dinner recipes that are an entire meal in one. Even more so when they are flexible enough to make ahead or freeze! This easy, low carb keto cheeseburger casserole has been a favorite for a long time, because it fits all of that criteria and it’s family-friendly. I’m excited to finally share it with you! I hope this keto hamburger casserole will become a staple for your family like it is for mine.

Unlike other keto casseroles, this casserole has layers like a cheeseburger! The base is similar to my loaded cauliflower casserole , while the beef and topping layers are similar to a big mac casserole . You’re going to love it!

Why You Need My Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Maya in the kitchen. - 24
  • Cheeseburger taste, without the bun
  • Seasoned ground beef
  • Gooey, melty cheese
  • Quick prep time
  • Just 2.6g net carbs per serving
  • Naturally gluten-free
  • Easy cheeseburger casserole recipe for meal prep
Maya's signature. - 25 Keto cheeseburger casserole in a baking dish. - 26

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.
Cooked cauliflower rice mixture transferred to baking dish. - 27 Ground beef, ketchup, and mustard layered on top of cauliflower rice. - 28
  1. Add toppings. Drizzle the keto cheeseburger casserole with ketchup and mustard. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  2. Bake. Place the hamburger casserole in the oven and bake, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted.
Cheese sprinkled on top of ground beef mixture. - 29 Baked keto cheeseburger casserole. - 30

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:

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Base Layer

  • 1 tbsp Avocado oil ▢
  • 1 large head Cauliflower ▢
  • 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded) ▢
  • 1/4 cup Heavy cream ▢

Beef Layer

  • 2 lb Ground beef ▢
  • 2 tsp Sea salt ▢
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢

Topping

  • 1/2 cup Sugar-free ketchup (or regular ketchup if not sugar-free) ▢
  • 2 tbsp Mustard (or more if you love mustard!) ▢
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

  1. Rice the cauliflower using a food processor or box grater. ( Learn more about how to make cauliflower rice here. )
  2. Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower rice and sea salt. Stir fry until the cauliflower is cooked and a little browned, about 7-10 minutes .
  3. Remove from heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream.
  4. Transfer the mixture evenly to a 9 x 13 in (23 x 33 cm) glass casserole dish . Set aside.
  5. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
  6. Lightly wipe down the saute pan to remove any cauliflower pieces, and add the ground beef. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Cook the ground beef until browned, about 10 minutes . Drain if needed.
  7. Sprinkle the ground beef evenly over the cauliflower in the casserole dish.
  8. Drizzle the casserole with ketchup (you can make your own sugar-free ketchup like this , or store bought is fine if you are not strictly sugar-free) and mustard. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  9. Bake for about 10 minutes , until casserole is hot and cheese melts.

Did You Like It?

Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/9 of entire casserole (cut into approx 3 x 4.3 in rectangles)

  • Store: Cover tightly or use an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for 4–5 days.
  • Meal prep: Portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches.
  • Reheat: Microwave individual bowls for 1–2 minutes, or bake the whole thing at 350°F for 15–20.
  • Freeze: Wrap in plastic and foil, then freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight for faster reheating, or freeze in single servings to reheat one at a time.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

Keto cheeseburger casserole recipe pin. - 31

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

  • Why You Need My Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Make Keto Cheeseburger Casserole
  • Recipe Variations
  • Serving Ideas
  • More Keto Casserole Recipes
  • Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

If there’s one type of meal that makes an appearance most often at our house, it’s low carb dinner recipes that are an entire meal in one. Even more so when they are flexible enough to make ahead or freeze! This easy, low carb keto cheeseburger casserole has been a favorite for a long time, because it fits all of that criteria and it’s family-friendly. I’m excited to finally share it with you! I hope this keto hamburger casserole will become a staple for your family like it is for mine.

Unlike other keto casseroles, this casserole has layers like a cheeseburger! The base is similar to my loaded cauliflower casserole , while the beef and topping layers are similar to a big mac casserole . You’re going to love it!

Why You Need My Keto Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Maya in the kitchen. - 32
  • Cheeseburger taste, without the bun
  • Seasoned ground beef
  • Gooey, melty cheese
  • Quick prep time
  • Just 2.6g net carbs per serving
  • Naturally gluten-free
  • Easy cheeseburger casserole recipe for meal prep
Maya's signature. - 33 Keto cheeseburger casserole in a baking dish. - 34

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.
Cooked cauliflower rice mixture transferred to baking dish. - 35 Ground beef, ketchup, and mustard layered on top of cauliflower rice. - 36
  1. Add toppings. Drizzle the keto cheeseburger casserole with ketchup and mustard. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  2. Bake. Place the hamburger casserole in the oven and bake, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted.
Cheese sprinkled on top of ground beef mixture. - 37 Baked keto cheeseburger casserole. - 38

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:

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Base Layer

  • 1 tbsp Avocado oil ▢
  • 1 large head Cauliflower ▢
  • 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded) ▢
  • 1/4 cup Heavy cream ▢

Beef Layer

  • 2 lb Ground beef ▢
  • 2 tsp Sea salt ▢
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢

Topping

  • 1/2 cup Sugar-free ketchup (or regular ketchup if not sugar-free) ▢
  • 2 tbsp Mustard (or more if you love mustard!) ▢
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

  1. Rice the cauliflower using a food processor or box grater. ( Learn more about how to make cauliflower rice here. )
  2. Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower rice and sea salt. Stir fry until the cauliflower is cooked and a little browned, about 7-10 minutes .
  3. Remove from heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream.
  4. Transfer the mixture evenly to a 9 x 13 in (23 x 33 cm) glass casserole dish . Set aside.
  5. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
  6. Lightly wipe down the saute pan to remove any cauliflower pieces, and add the ground beef. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Cook the ground beef until browned, about 10 minutes . Drain if needed.
  7. Sprinkle the ground beef evenly over the cauliflower in the casserole dish.
  8. Drizzle the casserole with ketchup (you can make your own sugar-free ketchup like this , or store bought is fine if you are not strictly sugar-free) and mustard. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  9. Bake for about 10 minutes , until casserole is hot and cheese melts.

Did You Like It?

Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/9 of entire casserole (cut into approx 3 x 4.3 in rectangles)

  • Store: Cover tightly or use an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for 4–5 days.
  • Meal prep: Portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches.
  • Reheat: Microwave individual bowls for 1–2 minutes, or bake the whole thing at 350°F for 15–20.
  • Freeze: Wrap in plastic and foil, then freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight for faster reheating, or freeze in single servings to reheat one at a time.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Keto Cheeseburger Casserole

Keto cheeseburger casserole recipe pin. - 39