Every time I make this, it's like a magic act—the food just vanishes

Back when the kids were little and the farm was always bustling, finding a dish that everyone loved while keeping an eye on health was a challenge. This low carb bacon cheeseburger casserole has been a keeper. Combining the smoky goodness of bacon, the savory taste of ground beef, and that unbeatable layer of bubbling cheese, it's like a visit to an old-fashioned burger joint, but without all the carbs. Not only is it satisfying, but it's also easily adaptable for those busy weeknights or a bit of nostalgia on a Sunday dinner.

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp, green salad – perhaps with a homemade vinaigrette that offers a tangy contrast. Steamed broccoli or cauliflower can be excellent sides too, adding both color and crunch to your meal without packing on extra carbs. If you're hankering for a bit more substance, a side of buttery green beans always delights.

Servings: 6

1 lb ground beef
6 slices of bacon
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups chopped lettuce (optional, for serving)
Diced tomatoes (optional, for serving)

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels, then crumble it into bits.

Drain most of the bacon fat from the skillet, leaving about a tablespoon. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth.

Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the ground beef mixture until melted and combined. Remove from heat.

Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the cream mixture evenly over the top.

Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top, followed by the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. If desired, top with chopped lettuce and diced tomatoes.

For a bit of extra flavor, you can mix in some chopped pickles or jalapeños to the ground beef. If you're looking for a bit more creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream after the casserole is baked. For the veggie lovers, adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers can elevate the dish. And for those who miss the bun, a sprinkle of homemade low-carb breadcrumbs before baking adds a lovely, crunchy top layer.