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WW Recipe of the Day: Baked Cheeseburger Casserole for Two
Let’s revisit the bacon cheeseburger, one of my go to, gotta have meals. This baked casserole is pretty close to the flavors I’m accustomed to.
The good news about this clever rendition is that it’s actually easy to do ahead and make for just a few people. Especially if time is a little short at the end of the day when you “need” dinner quickly, this can be made ahead (even frozen for up to a month) thawed and baked at the last minute.
Just like any basic burger, this can be dressed up or down with your favorite add ons. Additional sliced tomatoes, pickles, lettuce can all be served on the side as well as the traditional fries, which I usually bake now rather than deep fry.
All in all, it’s a great burger experience for weekday dinners.
How Many Calories and WW Points in this Easy Low Carb Cheeseburger Casserole?
According to my calculations, each serving has 326 calories and:
9 *SmartPoints (Green plan)
9 *SmartPoints (Blue plan)
9 *SmartPoints (Purple plan)
8 *PointsPlus (Old plan)
To see your WW PersonalPoints for this recipe and track it in the WW app or site, Click here!
How to Make Baked Cheeseburger Casserole Step by Step
Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients.
Step 2: Heat the oven to 375F degrees. Spray an 8-inch square casserole dish (affiliate link) and set aside.
Step 3: Spray and heat a 9-inch skillet and saute the meat for 2 minutes over medium high heat, or until lightly colored.
Drain the meat if a lot of liquid has accumulated and place the meat on a plate.
Step 4: Add the onion and garlic and saute for 3 minutes or until softened.
Step 5: Return the meat to the pan and stir in the Italian seasoning. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook for 1 minute.
Step 6: Turn off the heat and stir in the cream cheese, ketchup (or marinara sauce) and mustard.
Step 7: Spread in prepared pan and top with the egg whites. Top with cheese and bacon bits.
Step 8: Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and slightly bubbly.
Step 9: Serve hot or warm.
Recipe Notes with Substitutions & Variations
- Ground turkey works just as well as beef, if you’re feeling like a slightly lighter version.
- Additional veggies like cherry tomatoes can be added; try decorating the top with them.
- For a distinctive Italian flair, substitute low fat mozzarella or fontina cheese for the cheddar.
- Ketchup will add that traditional tang, while marinara sauce is a little more subtle. Both are delicious.
- For a spicier dish, go for the horseradish mustard or a strong Dijon. Trader Joe’s Dijon mustard is a real zinger, so if you use it beware!
- A milder spicy brown mustard or yellow mustard will be fine if you’re looking for a mild, less assertive route.
- If the casserole looks cooked but has yet to nicely brown, turn the temperature to broil for 1 to 2 minutes.
Cheeseburger Casserole Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad and/or oven baked fries. Don’t forget to garnish your casserole with all your favorite cheeseburger toppings such as tomato, lettuce, and pickles.
Ways to Use Leftovers
Since this recipe makes only two servings, leftovers will be minimal. Leftover casserole can be reheated lightly in the microwave (affiliate link) for a quick lunch. It does freeze well, although we rarely have enough leftover to bother with.
If you buy a pound of ground beef and have that half package left, that can be easily frozen as can the cheddar cheese, if you need to.
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Easy Healthy Baked Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 ounces light cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons ketchup, or marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoon mustard
- 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon bacon bits
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375F degrees. Spray an 8-inch square casserole dish (affiliate link) and set aside.
- Spray and heat a 9-inch skillet and saute the meat for 2 minutes over medium high heat, or until lightly colored. Drain the meat if a lot of liquid has accumulated and place the meat on a plate.
- Add the onion and garlic and saute for 3 minutes, or until softened.
- Return the meat to the pan and stir in the Italian seasoning. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook for 1 minute.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the cream cheese, ketchup (or marinara sauce) and mustard.
- Spread meat mixture in prepared pan and top with the egg whites. Top with cheese and bacon bits.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and slightly bubbly.
- Serve hot or warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
A note about WW Points
If you're following Weight Watchers, all the recipes here on Simple Nourished Living have been updated for the new WW program, with points displayed in the recipe card. The Check the WW Points link in the recipe card takes you to the Weight Watchers App where you can edit it using the WW recipe builder or add it to your day.
(Must be logged into WW account on a mobile device, such as smartphone or tablet).
More Healthy “Cheeseburger” Recipes for Weight Watchers
- Skinny Cheeseburger Pasta One Pot Skillet
- Skinny Cheeseburger Salad
- Lighter Healthier Cheeseburger Soup
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Hallie is a chef-teacher who eventually found her way to Provence, France, where she gave food and wine tours of the region.
In addition to writing more than a dozen cookbooks, she has also been teaching both professional and recreational cooking classes since 1978.
Hallie looks forward to sharing some of her favorite easy, healthy recipes with you here on Simple Nourished Living.
Hi, do you think whipped cream cheese would work?
Yes, I think whipped cream cheese would work fine. ~Martha
Was happy to see this recipe. I’m trying to eat more keto friendly meals and like that you offer recipes that are not only WW friendly, but ones that can easily be adapted to fit other weight loss plans. Please keep them coming!
We doubled it and used the ketchup for the sauce mixture. Definitely will be making again!!
I ordered your slow cooker book on April 3 and have not received anything yet. Please let me know where it is tu
Hi Esmeralda, It’s an eBook. We have sent download instructions to you via email. ~Martha