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Loaded Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

keto bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole - featured image

A comforting, low-carb casserole featuring crispy cauliflower ‘tater tots’, juicy ground beef, smoky bacon, melty cheese, and a tangy burger sauce. This easy keto dinner satisfies classic cheeseburger cravings without the carbs and is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cauliflower florets (fresh or frozen, riced)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp for best flavor)
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour (or almond flour)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 1/2 cup diced onion (yellow or white)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 Tbsp dill pickle juice
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp & crumbled
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Rice the cauliflower using a food processor or box grater until you have about 2 cups.
  3. Microwave riced cauliflower for 2 minutes to soften, then let cool. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
  4. In a large bowl, mix cauliflower, egg, shredded cheddar, coconut flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
  5. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and shape into small ‘tots.’ Place on baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
  7. While tots are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
  8. Add diced onion and garlic; cook 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  9. Season with Worcestershire, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook another 2 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  10. In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, mustard, and pickle juice until smooth. Set aside.
  11. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the cheeseburger mixture evenly on the bottom.
  12. Drizzle half the burger sauce over the meat. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and half the crumbled bacon on top.
  13. Arrange baked cauliflower ‘tater tots’ over the cheese layer in a single layer.
  14. Drizzle remaining burger sauce on top. Add chopped pickles, green onions, and rest of the bacon.
  15. Bake assembled casserole at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and the top is golden.
  16. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Squeeze excess moisture from cauliflower for crisp tots. Use pre-cooked bacon bits and frozen riced cauliflower for convenience. Substitute ground turkey for beef or use vegan cheese for dairy-free. Check condiments for hidden gluten if needed. Casserole is forgiving—layer cheese above and below tots for best texture. Leftovers taste even better after a day in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: keto, low carb, casserole, bacon cheeseburger, tater tots, cauliflower, gluten-free, dinner, comfort food