Keto Cheeseburger Bake with Smoked Paprika

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Ground beef baked with sharp cheddar and smoky spices for a comforting, low-carb keto-friendly cheeseburger casserole. This american-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, for 7-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 oz cream cheese until melted and combined, then mix in 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup and 1 tbsp yellow mustard.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9x9-inch baking dish, then sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  5. Step 5: Scatter 1/4 cup diced dill pickles over the cheese layer.
  6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden on edges.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Keto Cheeseburger Bake with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Keto Cheeseburger Bake with Smoked Paprika?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Keto Cheeseburger Bake with Smoked Paprika?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Keto Cheeseburger Bake with Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Keto Cheeseburger Bake with Smoked Paprika keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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