Cheesy Bacon Burger Bake

Delicious & Healthy: Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe for Weight Loss (WW Friendly!)

When you’re striving to achieve your weight loss goals, the phrase “Bacon Cheeseburger” might seem like a forbidden indulgence, far removed from the healthy dinners you’re aiming for. However, what if we told you that you could savor all the beloved, comforting flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger without sabotaging your progress? Introducing the Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole – a revolutionary recipe designed to bring the joy of “fun food” back to your table, guilt-free!

Traditional bacon cheeseburgers can be notorious for their high calorie and fat content, often packing around 800 calories and over 80 grams of fat per serving. This innovative casserole, on the other hand, slashes those numbers dramatically, coming in at less than 250 calories and a mere 8 grams of fat per serving. That’s more than a 50% reduction in calories, all while preserving the iconic taste you crave. It’s a culinary magic trick that allows you to enjoy your favorite flavors while staying perfectly on track with your health and fitness objectives.

But the benefits don’t stop there. This Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is also a powerhouse of protein, significantly outweighing its carbohydrate and fat content. This makes it an incredibly satisfying meal that will keep you feeling full and help curb those pesky hunger pangs, a crucial factor in successful fat loss. Once you experience the simplicity, deliciousness, and health benefits of this recipe, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself adding it to your regular meal rotation. It’s not just a meal; it’s a game-changer for sustainable healthy eating!

Why This Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Is a Must-Try!

Adopting a healthier lifestyle doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or feeling constantly deprived. This Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole stands out as an exceptional recipe for several compelling reasons:

  • Indulge Without Guilt: A Cheeseburger on Your Diet? Absolutely!

    Sustainable diets are those that don’t leave you feeling bored or resentful. Consistently eating bland, unexciting foods is a recipe for diet burnout. This Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is your secret weapon against cravings, offering the full, savory flavor profile of a cheeseburger without the heavy calorie count or guilt. It’s a delicious way to keep your taste buds happy, your cravings at bay, and your weight loss journey firmly on track. Enjoying satisfying meals like this helps prevent those moments of weakness that can lead to falling off the wagon.

  • Remarkably Easy: A Big Margin for Error!

    Casseroles are renowned for their forgiving nature, and this recipe is no exception. It truly doesn’t get much simpler than combining a handful of ingredients in a dish and letting the oven do most of the work. This makes it an ideal meal for culinary beginners, busy parents, or anyone who simply doesn’t enjoy spending hours in the kitchen. With straightforward, easy-to-follow steps, even the most novice cook can achieve a perfect, delicious result every time. Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to effortless cooking!

  • A Family Favorite: Kid-Friendly and Parent-Approved!

    One of the biggest hurdles when trying to eat healthier is often the need to prepare separate meals for yourself and your family. This Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole eliminates that challenge entirely. Its familiar and comforting flavors make it an instant hit with kids, meaning you can serve one meal that everyone at the table will love. You can even turn meal prep into a fun family activity by having the kids help tear apart the biscuit dough, making them more invested in trying the finished dish. It’s a win-win for everyone!

  • Excellent for Meal Prep: Save Time and Stay Consistent!

    Beyond being easy and delicious, this casserole is also fantastic for meal prepping. Its flavors meld beautifully over time, and it reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for preparing in advance for busy weekdays. Having healthy, pre-made meals on hand is a key strategy for consistency in your weight loss efforts, reducing the temptation for less healthy takeout options when time is short. You can prepare a large batch and enjoy healthy, satisfying dinners for days!

Essential Ingredients for Your Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Crafting this healthy and delicious casserole requires a few simple, accessible ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to transform everyday items into something truly special and satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 (7.5 oz) package Great Value biscuits (from a 4-value pack): This typically equates to 10 small biscuits per can. The specific weight is important for nutritional accuracy, especially for Weight Watchers points. If you can’t find this exact size or brand, you can use a different biscuit package, just be sure to measure out 7.5 oz of biscuit dough. Alternatively, for those seeking even lower points, consider using Weight Watchers Two-Ingredient Dough for the base (see variations section for details).
  • 1 lb 95% lean ground beef: Opting for very lean ground beef is crucial for keeping the fat content low and the protein high. This is where a significant portion of the flavor and satiating power comes from.
  • 4 slices Oscar Mayer center-cut bacon: Center-cut bacon is typically leaner than regular bacon, offering that smoky, salty crunch with fewer calories and less fat. Crisping it up before adding to the casserole enhances its texture and flavor.
  • 2/3 cup light or reduced-fat shredded cheese: Using light or reduced-fat cheese helps cut down on fat and calories without compromising on the creamy, melty cheese factor that’s essential for a cheeseburger experience. Cheddar or a cheddar blend works wonderfully.
  • 1/4 cup sugar-free ketchup: Traditional ketchup can be surprisingly high in sugar. Switching to a sugar-free alternative, like G Hughes brand, significantly reduces added sugars and calories while maintaining that classic tangy flavor.
  • 1/4 cup mustard: Yellow mustard or a tangy Dijon can add a wonderful zesty kick. The mustard is key to achieving that authentic cheeseburger condiment flavor throughout the casserole.
  • 2 Tbsp bread crumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the meat mixture and can prevent the casserole from becoming too wet. They also contribute to a slightly more substantial texture.
  • 1/2 cup diced onions: Freshly diced onions add a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the ground beef mixture, enhancing the overall savory profile of the casserole.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Your Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

This recipe is designed for simplicity, ensuring a delicious meal with minimal fuss. Follow these easy steps to bring your healthy Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole to life:

  1. Prepare Your Dish and Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a non-stick cooking spray (like Pam). This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet on the stovetop, cook your 95% lean ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. As it cooks, season generously with salt and pepper to start building layers of flavor. Once cooked, thoroughly drain off any excess fat. It’s important not to rinse the ground beef, as this can wash away flavor.
  3. Crisp the Bacon: While the ground beef is cooking, prepare your bacon. Place the 4 slices of center-cut bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Microwave until crispy, typically 2-4 minutes depending on your microwave’s power. Once crispy, chop it into small pieces.
  4. Prepare the Biscuit Base: Open your package of biscuits. Cut each of the 10 small biscuits into 8 equal pieces. Spread these biscuit pieces evenly across the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. (Chef’s Note: Ovens can vary. If you’re concerned about the dough cooking through, you can pre-bake these biscuit pieces for about 5-7 minutes before adding the meat mixture. However, for most ovens, this step isn’t necessary, and the dough will cook perfectly with the casserole.)
  5. Assemble the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained ground beef, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, diced onions, and bread crumbs. Now, add 2 pieces of your chopped, crispy bacon and 1/3 cup of the shredded light cheese to this mixture. Reserve the remaining 2 pieces of bacon and the other 1/3 cup of cheese for topping later. Mix all these ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
  6. Layer and Bake: Evenly spoon the beef and biscuit mixture over the dough pieces in your casserole dish. Gently spread it out to cover the biscuit layer. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Final Topping and Bake: After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup of shredded cheese and the remaining 2 pieces of chopped bacon over the top. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This recipe yields 6 delicious servings. Each serving boasts the following impressive nutritionals: 249 calories, 7.6 g fat, 22.6 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 4.7 g sugar, and a robust 23.2 g protein. Enjoy your guilt-free, flavorful feast!

Weight Watchers Points Breakdown for Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

For those following the Weight Watchers (WW) program, this Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is an excellent choice for a satisfying, point-friendly meal. Understanding the point values of each ingredient helps in customizing the recipe and tracking your daily intake. Here’s a breakdown of the points per ingredient, contributing to a truly smart choice:

  • Great Value Biscuits: 16 points
  • 95% Lean Ground Beef: 19 points
  • Center Cut Bacon: 4 points
  • Light Shredded Cheese: 7 points
  • Sugar-Free Ketchup: 0 points (a fantastic zero-point food!)
  • Mustard: 0 points (another zero-point superstar!)
  • Breadcrumbs: 2 points
  • Onion: 0 points (load up on those veggies!)

Based on the WW app recipe creator, this Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole comes out to **8 points per serving** (for 6 servings). This makes it a highly accessible and delicious option for managing your points while enjoying a hearty meal.

For those using older versions of Weight Watchers, here are the estimated points:

  • 7 Personal Points or 7 SmartPoints (SP) on all three MyWW programs (Blue, Green, & Purple).
  • 6 points plus per serving.

These low point values highlight how effectively this recipe combines flavor with responsible eating, proving that you don’t have to compromise on taste to meet your weight loss goals.

Exciting Variations to Customize Your Casserole and Adjust WW Points

One of the best aspects of this Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is its versatility. You can easily tweak ingredients to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or to further adjust the Weight Watchers points. Get creative with these delicious variations:

  • Add Pickles for an Authentic Tang! To truly capture the essence of a traditional cheeseburger, consider adding some diced dill pickles. You can mix them into the beef mixture before baking for a more integrated flavor, or sprinkle them on top after the casserole is baked for a fresh, zesty crunch. Sweet pickles can also be used for a different flavor profile. Pickles are generally low in points and add a fantastic burst of flavor.
  • Go Breadcrumb-Free for Fewer Points: If you’re looking to shave off a few extra points, you can omit the breadcrumbs entirely. Breadcrumbs primarily serve to absorb excess moisture and add a bit of texture. The casserole will still turn out wonderfully moist and flavorful without them, especially if you ensure your ground beef is well-drained. Just be mindful of the baking time to prevent it from drying out if you remove the breadcrumbs.
  • Utilize WW Two-Ingredient Dough for a Lighter Base: For a significant reduction in points and a different texture, try making this casserole with Weight Watchers Two-Ingredient Dough instead of pre-made biscuits. This simple dough, made from self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, can drastically lower the point value of your casserole base. Remember to pre-bake the dough pieces for 7-10 minutes before adding the meat mixture to ensure they cook through properly and achieve a good texture.
  • Switch to Lean Ground Turkey: While 95% lean ground beef is already a great choice, using extra-lean ground turkey can further decrease the fat and calorie count, potentially saving a few more points. While it won’t replicate the exact classic bacon cheeseburger flavor of beef, it will still result in a incredibly delicious and healthy dinner casserole that’s packed with protein.
  • Boost Your Veggies: Increase the nutritional value and fiber by incorporating additional diced vegetables into the meat mixture. Bell peppers (any color), mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach can blend seamlessly into the savory flavors.
  • Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture, or serve with a side of jalapeños. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can also deepen the savory umami flavor of the beef.

Expert Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Mastering this casserole is simple, but a few insider tips and tricks can elevate your cooking experience and ensure a flawless, flavorful result every time. From baking nuances to smart meal prep strategies, these suggestions will make your Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole a consistent winner:

  • Account for Oven Variations:

    Every oven is a little different, and cooking times can vary. To ensure your biscuit dough base is perfectly cooked through and not soggy, especially if your oven tends to run cooler or you’ve added extra moisture, consider pre-baking the dough pieces for approximately 7-10 minutes before adding the meat mixture. This gives the base a head start and guarantees a lovely, golden-brown crust.

  • Effortless Make-Ahead (Refrigerate):

    This casserole is a dream for meal planning! You can assemble the entire dish the night before you plan to bake it, saving significant dinner prep time on a busy day. Simply follow all the instructions up to the point of baking. Once assembled in the casserole dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. On the day of baking, remove the casserole from the fridge while your oven preheats, allowing it to come closer to room temperature. Then, bake as directed. This method ensures maximum freshness and convenience.

  • Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep (Muffin Tin Method):

    For ultimate portion control and grab-and-go convenience, transform this casserole into individual servings that are perfect for freezing. Instead of a large 9×13-inch dish, prepare the recipe in a standard muffin tin. Use muffin tin liners for super easy cleanup and simple storage. Once you’ve baked your 12 bacon cheeseburger casserole muffins (adjust cooking time slightly as needed for smaller portions), let them cool completely. Store the cooled muffins in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy a quick meal, simply grab two muffins and microwave them for 1-2 minutes until heated through. This is fantastic for packed lunches or single-serve dinners!

  • The Slow Cooker (Crockpot) Option:

    Imagine coming home to the savory aroma of a perfectly cooked Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole! A crockpot version is entirely possible, making it an excellent choice for set-it-and-forget-it meals. The key is to ensure your cooked ground beef is very well-drained before adding it to the slow cooker; excess grease can lead to a soggy result. Layer your biscuit pieces on the bottom, then the meat mixture, and top with cheese as instructed. Cook on low for approximately 4 hours. This method offers a slightly different texture but delivers the same great flavors with minimal active cooking time.

  • Serving Suggestions:

    While delicious on its own, you can enhance your casserole experience with simple side dishes. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast, or a side of steamed non-starchy vegetables like broccoli or green beans can round out the meal beautifully. For an extra touch, offer additional sugar-free ketchup or mustard for dipping.

More Delicious & Healthy Recipes You’ll Love:

If you enjoyed this Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole, you’re likely to love these other weight loss-friendly and flavorful recipes that make healthy eating exciting:

  • Weight Watchers Pizza – Satisfy your pizza cravings without the guilt!
  • Easy Taco Pockets – A fun, portable, and healthy way to enjoy taco flavors.
  • Taco Fiesta Casserole – Another crowd-pleasing casserole packed with zesty flavors.

4.15 from 48 votes

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

By: Drizzle
Servings: 6
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole with piece removed
7PP, 7SP blue, green & purple per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 7.5 oz package pillsbury biscuits, in the 4 value pack If you cant find that size you can buy the bigger pack and weigh out, for those that can’t find pillsbury products, try using pizza dough, however the points may be higher.
  • 1 lb cooked lean ground beef
  • 4 slices cooked low point bacon, I use Oscar Mayer
  • 2/3 cup light shredded cheese
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup mustard, I used a honey dijon
  • 2 Tbsp bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • Cook both your ground beef and bacon on the stove, drain fat.
  • Preheat oven to 350F, spray a 9×13 casserole dish.
  • Cut up your 10 small pillsbury biscuits into 8 pieces each, spread evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish. Some ovens vary, so if you want you can pop the dough pieces that are in the dish in oven for about 5-10min to assure they cook all the way through once mixture goes on top. (My oven is fine and does not require this step)
  • In a bowl mix your ground beef, ketchup, mustard, diced onion, bread crumbs, 2 pieces of your bacon, chopped up (leave other 2 pieces aside) and 1/3 cup cheese (leave other 1/3 cup aside)
  • Spoon meat mixture onto the dough pieces in your dish. Bake in oven for 20 minutes. Top with remaining cheese and bacon and return to oven for additional 10 minutes.
  • Serves 6 at 7 personal points or 7SP on all 3 MyWW programs, 6 points plus per serving.
  • Nutritional info, per serving.. Calories 249… Fat 7.6g… Saturated fat 3.2g… Carbs 22.6g… Fiber 1.1g… Sugars 4.7g… Protein 23.2g

Additional Info

Course: Main meals
Tried this recipe?Mention @drizzlemeskinny or tag #drizzlemeskinny!

We hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to try this incredible Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be vibrant, delicious, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or efficient meal prep, this recipe is your secret weapon for enjoying comfort food while confidently pursuing your weight loss goals. Don’t let your diet be a drab affair – embrace the flavor, embrace the health, and enjoy every bite!