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Low Carb Cheeseburger-Auflauf recipe card

Low Carb Cheeseburger-Auflauf

Low carb cheeseburger casserole with savory ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and classic burger flavors without the bun.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 1 casserole
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: German
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 1/3 lb ground beef about 600 g
  • 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3/4 cup tomato puree or unsweetened tomato sauce about 200 g
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream about 200 ml
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese about 200 g, divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese about 100 g
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika optional
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
  • 1/2 cup diced dill pickles about 100 g, optional
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
  • Butter or oil for greasing the baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 355 °F (180 °C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish, about 9 by 13 inches.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until soft and translucent.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through and most of the liquid has evaporated.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste, tomato puree, and Dijon mustard until the beef is evenly coated and the mixture looks thick and glossy.
  5. Season the beef mixture with sweet paprika, smoked paprika if using, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer over medium low heat for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the diced pickles if using, then remove from the heat.
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and eggs until completely smooth. Stir in half of the shredded Cheddar cheese and a small pinch of salt if needed.
  7. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, pressing it gently into the corners.
  8. Pour the cream and egg mixture evenly over the beef, tilting the dish slightly so it seeps into all the gaps.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella evenly over the top.
  10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown, the cheese is bubbling, and the center feels set when gently shaken.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and serve warm.

Notes

- For a stronger cheeseburger flavor, use sharp Cheddar and include the diced pickles in the beef mixture.
- You can prepare the beef mixture a day ahead, chill it, then add the cream and cheese topping just before baking.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the beef mixture.