Every time I make this, it’s like a magic act—the food just vanishes
In those bygone days when the children were mere tots and the farm pulsated with ceaseless activity, concocting a meal that garnered unanimous approval while adhering to health-conscious principles was no mean feat. Enter the low carb bacon cheeseburger casserole—a perennial favorite. Marrying the smoky allure of bacon, the savory depth of ground beef, and an irresistible stratum of molten cheese, it conjures the ambiance of a vintage burger joint sans the carb overload. Not only does it satiate the appetite, but it also proves versatile for hectic weekday dinners or a nostalgic Sunday feast.
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This casserole finds its perfect companions in a crisp, verdant salad—perhaps adorned with a homemade vinaigrette that provides a tangy counterpoint. Steamed broccoli or cauliflower also serve admirably, contributing both hue and crunch to your repast without the carb burden. For those desiring a heftier side, buttery green beans invariably hit the mark.
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Bacon | 6 slices |
| Small onion, diced | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Chopped lettuce (optional, for serving) | 2 cups |
| Diced tomatoes (optional, for serving) | As needed |
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a capacious skillet, cook the bacon until it reaches a crisp pinnacle. Extract the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain, then crumble it into bits.
- Expunge most of the bacon fat from the skillet, reserving approximately a tablespoon. In the selfsame skillet, add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until they achieve translucence.
- Introduce the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, fragmenting the meat, until it attains a browned, fully-cooked state. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth.
- Stir 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the ground beef amalgamation until melted and integrated. Remove from heat.
- Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the cream mixture evenly atop.
- Distribute the crumbled bacon over the top, followed by the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving. If desired, top with chopped lettuce and diced tomatoes.
