This carnivore cheeseburger casserole is an easy, protein-packed dinner made with ground beef, bone broth, cheddar cheese, and simple seasonings.
It has all the savory flavors of a cheeseburger without the bun, vegetables, or complicated ingredients. The ground beef stays moist as it bakes, while the cheddar cheese melts over the top and becomes lightly golden around the edges.
This recipe is especially helpful on busy evenings because it requires only a few minutes of hands-on preparation. Serve it on its own for a carnivore meal, or pair it with your favorite low-carb side if you follow a more flexible keto or ketovore lifestyle.
Be sure to check out our entire collection of carnivore recipes for delicious ideas that fit a carnivore lifestyle.
Easy Carnivore Ground Beef Casserole
Ground beef is one of my favorite ingredients for easy carnivore meals because it is affordable, filling, and simple to prepare.
Instead of forming individual burger patties, this recipe turns seasoned ground beef into an easy casserole that can feed the entire family. It is also a great option for meal prepping because the leftovers reheat well.
The small amount of bone broth adds flavor and keeps the beef from becoming dry.
Once the beef and broth are transferred to the baking dish, everything is covered with shredded cheddar cheese and baked until hot and bubbling.
Why You Will Love This Carnivore Cheeseburger Casserole
This carnivore cheeseburger casserole is a practical recipe to keep in your regular dinner rotation.
It is:
- Made with simple, carnivore-friendly ingredients
- High in protein
- Naturally low in carbohydrates
- Easy to prepare in one skillet and one baking dish
- Great for meal prepping
- Family-friendly
- Ready in under an hour
It is also easy to adjust depending on how strict your carnivore diet is.
Ingredients Needed
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Ground Beef
Lean ground beef works well in this casserole because the tallow, cheese, and bone broth add plenty of moisture and flavor.
You can also use a ground beef blend with a higher fat content. If there is an excessive amount of grease after browning the meat, drain a little before adding the broth.
Beef Tallow or Butter
Use beef tallow or butter to cook the ground beef and lightly grease the baking dish.
Beef tallow is a great option for anyone following a strict carnivore diet. Butter also adds a rich flavor if you include dairy in your carnivore lifestyle.
Beef Bone Broth
Bone broth adds extra flavor and helps keep the ground beef moist while the casserole bakes.
Look for a bone broth made without sugar, starches, seed oils, or unnecessary fillers. Those following a strict carnivore diet may prefer homemade bone broth or a brand made with only animal-based ingredients.
Cheddar Cheese
Shredded cheddar cheese gives this casserole its classic cheeseburger flavor.
I recommend shredding the cheese yourself when possible because freshly shredded cheese usually melts more smoothly. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking ingredients.
Use mild, medium, or sharp cheddar depending on the flavor you prefer.
Seasonings
Salt is all you need for a strict carnivore version.
Black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are optional for anyone following a ketovore, keto, or more flexible carnivore lifestyle.
How To Make Carnivore Cheeseburger Casserole
Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
Heat the beef tallow or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, salt, and any optional seasonings you are using.
Break the ground beef into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no pink remains.
Pour the bone broth into the skillet and stir until it is evenly combined with the meat. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for a few minutes so that some of the broth reduces.
Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is completely melted and lightly browned around the edges.
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Allow the casserole to rest for several minutes before serving. This resting time helps the meat absorb more of the broth and makes the casserole easier to portion.
Tips For The Best Ground Beef Carnivore Casserole
Do not skip simmering the bone broth with the cooked ground beef. Allowing it to cook for a few minutes helps concentrate the flavor and prevents excess liquid from collecting in the bottom of the casserole.
Break the ground beef into small, evenly sized pieces so that every serving has a consistent texture.
Freshly shredded cheese gives you the smoothest melted topping.
Can I Use A Different Cheese?
Yes. Cheddar gives the casserole a classic cheeseburger flavor, but other cheeses can also work.
Try using:
- Colby Jack
- Monterey Jack
- Provolone
- Mozzarella
- Pepper Jack for a ketovore version
You can also combine two cheeses for a richer topping.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
Yes. You can assemble the entire casserole ahead of time, including the cheese topping.
After cooking the ground beef and bone broth mixture, transfer it to the baking dish and allow the meat to cool before adding the shredded cheese.
Once cooled, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top, cover the dish tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to two days.
When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake as directed. Since it will be cold, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
You can also fully cook the casserole ahead of time and reheat individual portions throughout the week, making it an easy carnivore meal prep recipe.
How To Store Carnivore Cheeseburger Casserole
Allow the casserole to cool before transferring the leftovers to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave until hot. You can also place the casserole in a covered baking dish and warm it in a 350°F oven.
Can You Freeze Carnivore Cheeseburger Casserole?
Yes. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight, freezer-safe container.
Freeze it for up to three weeks.
For easier meal prep, divide the casserole into individual servings before freezing. Thaw the portions overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the microwave or oven.
Keep in mind that the texture of the cheese may change slightly after freezing, but the casserole will still be flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cheese is commonly included in many versions of the carnivore diet, although individual tolerance can vary.
Some people follow a strict carnivore diet made primarily from meat, salt, and water. Others include full-fat dairy products such as butter, heavy cream, and cheese.
If dairy causes digestive issues or stalls your progress, you may need to limit or avoid it. This recipe is best suited for those who tolerate cheddar cheese well.
Yes. To keep the recipe as strict as possible, use ground beef, beef tallow, salt, plain bone broth, and cheddar cheese if dairy is included in your approach.
Leave out the black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
You should also check the ingredient labels on the bone broth and cheese to make sure they do not contain added sugar, starches, seed oils, or plant-based fillers.
More Carnivore Recipes To Try
If you enjoy easy carnivore chicken recipes like this one, be sure to try these next:
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Carnivore Cheeseburger Casserole
This easy carnivore cheeseburger casserole features seasoned ground beef baked with rich bone broth and topped with plenty of melted cheddar cheese. It is a satisfying, protein-packed dinner made with simple carnivore-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of tallow or butter
- 2 pounds of lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder (optional)
- 10 ounces of beef bone broth
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with tallow or butter.
- Heat the tallow or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, salt, pepper and optional seasonings. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
- Cook the ground beef for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and no pink remains. Drain only if there is an excessive amount of grease in the skillet.
- Pour the bone broth into the skillet and stir until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Transfer the ground beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the meat.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is fully melted and lightly browned around the edges.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the meat mixture to settle and absorb more of the bone broth.
Notes
For a strict carnivore casserole, season the ground beef with salt only. Choose a bone broth without added sugar, vegetables, starches, or unnecessary fillers.
Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts more smoothly than packaged shredded cheese, which may contain anti-caking ingredients.
Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the casserole in a covered baking dish and warm it in a 350°F oven.
Freeze the cooled casserole in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to three weeks. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 275Total Fat: 11.1gSaturated Fat: 3.3gCholesterol: 87mgSodium: 705mgCarbohydrates: 1.9gNet Carbohydrates: 1.9gSugar: 4.6gProtein: 31.5g
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