Carnivore Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 or fattier for more flavor)
- 8 strips of bacon (diced)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of carnivore-friendly cheese)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier texture)
- 1/4 cup beef broth (optional, for added richness)
- 1 tbsp butter or beef tallow (for greasing the baking dish)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional, omit for strict carnivore)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder (optional, omit for strict carnivore)
- 1/4 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (optional, omit for strict carnivore)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or beef tallow.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the ground beef.
- Cook over medium heat, breaking the meat into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked (about 7–10 minutes).
- Drain any excess grease, if necessary, and season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic or onion powder.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the cooked ground beef evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the beef.
- If using, pour in the heavy cream and beef broth for added richness, stirring gently to combine everything.
- Add the Cheese:
- Top the beef and bacon mixture with the shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly across the top.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. If you like the cheese a bit crispy on top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Serve warm and enjoy the savory, cheesy goodness!
Pro Tips:
- Extra Cheese: Add more cheese for an extra gooey casserole, or mix in different types of cheese for flavor variety (e.g., gouda or mozzarella).
- Add More Fat: For extra richness, you can drizzle more melted butter or bacon grease over the casserole before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
This Carnivore Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and indulgent dish that combines the best parts of a cheeseburger with the convenience of a casserole—perfect for a carnivore-friendly meal! 🍔🥓🧀