Low Carb Cheeseburger Quiche Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to Love With Recipes, the platform dedicated to bringing you delicious, nutritious, and thoughtfully prepared dishes that cater to a variety of dietary preferences. Today, we delve into a culinary creation that masterfully combines comfort food with health-conscious eating: the Low Carb Cheeseburger Quiche. This dish is an innovative twist on classic quiche, replacing traditional pastry crust with a savory meat base that is both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for those following a low carbohydrate lifestyle, especially during the induction phase of the ketogenic diet, this recipe offers a balanced mix of protein, fats, and minimal carbs, making it ideal for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.

The beauty of this cheeseburger quiche lies in its simplicity and flavor depth. By utilizing ground beef as the foundation and infusing it with the smoky goodness of crispy bacon, along with melted sharp cheddar, the dish delivers a rich, umami-packed experience. The creamy egg filling, made with mayonnaise and half-and-half, adds a luxurious texture without sacrificing the low carb credentials. Whether you’re aiming to stay in ketosis, reduce carb intake, or simply enjoy a flavorful meal, this recipe offers flexibility and comfort all in one.

Throughout this extensive guide, we will explore every aspect of creating this delectable dish—from the necessary equipment and ingredient sourcing to step-by-step instructions, preparation tips, nutritional insights, and variations. Our goal is to ensure you can recreate this masterpiece with confidence, understanding the science behind each step, and optimizing the process for the best possible outcome. Buckle up for a comprehensive culinary journey that will elevate your low carb repertoire and satisfy your taste buds thoroughly.

Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Needed Equipment

• Oven, capable of maintaining 350°F (175°C)
• Deep dish pie pan or ceramic baking dish (preferably 9-inch)
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and small)
• Whisk or fork for mixing
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Cheese grater (for shredding cheese)
• Paper towels (for bacon drainage)
• Cooling rack or plate (for resting the quiche)
• Optional: silicone spatula for easy removal

Tags

• Low Carb
• Keto Friendly
• Gluten-Free
• High Protein
• Breakfast
• Brunch
• Easy
• Comfort Food

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 generous slices, suitable for serving 2 to 4 people depending on appetite and accompanying side dishes. Each serving provides a hearty, low carbohydrate meal with a substantial protein and fat profile.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate—While the steps are straightforward, attention to detail in browning the meat, handling the egg mixture, and baking at the correct temperature is essential for optimal results. Experience with basic kitchen techniques such as sautéing and whisking will help streamline the process.

Allergen Information

• Contains dairy (cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, half-and-half)
• Contains egg
• Contains pork (bacon)
• Contains beef (ground beef)

Dietary Preference

• Low Carb
• Keto
• Paleo (optional depending on mayonnaise choice)
• Gluten-Free

Course

Main Dish / Breakfast / Brunch

Cuisine

American / Comfort Food / Low Carb

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Allow it to fully preheat before proceeding to ensure even baking. This step is crucial in achieving the perfect golden top and well-set filling. While preheating, gather all ingredients and equipment to streamline your workflow.

Prepare the Meat Crust

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned, which generally takes about 8-10 minutes. During this process, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook together until the onions become translucent and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes. This step enhances flavor infusion and ensures the meat mixture is well-seasoned.

Drain off any excess fat to prevent the quiche from becoming greasy. Using a paper towel or a fine-mesh sieve can help absorb residual fat efficiently. Proper draining is vital for maintaining the low carb integrity and avoiding overly greasy results.

Add Bacon

While the meat mixture is still warm, add the crumbled crispy bacon. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the bacon bits throughout the meat mixture. This combination creates a flavorful, smoky base that mimics the richness of a traditional crust, but with far fewer carbs. Bacon should be cooked separately until crispy, then crumbled and folded into the beef mixture to retain its texture and flavor.

Form the Crust

Transfer the meat mixture into a deep dish pie pan or a suitable baking dish. Using the back of a spoon or spatula, press the meat mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the dish, creating an even layer that acts as the crust. The goal is to compact the meat to prevent it from crumbling during slicing and to form a solid base for the filling. Use a gentle but firm pressure, ensuring the layer is uniform in thickness—about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.

Prepare the Quiche Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, mayonnaise, and half-and-half. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous, ensuring that the mayonnaise is fully incorporated to create a creamy texture. The egg mixture acts as the binding agent that will set during baking, providing structure and richness without the need for pastry crust.

Optionally, season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired, but keep in mind that bacon and cheese already contribute saltiness and flavor. This step can be customized depending on taste preferences.

Assemble the Quiche

Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the meat crust in the pie dish. Distribute the cheese uniformly to ensure every slice gets a delightful cheesy layer. The cheese adds meltiness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Carefully pour the prepared egg mixture over the cheese and meat crust, tilting the dish slightly if necessary to allow the liquid to spread evenly. It’s important that the egg mixture covers the entire surface, filling in gaps and ensuring a consistent texture in every bite.

Baking

Place the assembled quiche into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes. During baking, the eggs will set, the cheese will melt, and the top will turn a beautiful golden brown. The edges should be slightly crispy, and the center should be firm but not dry.

To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or a thin skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning while ensuring the interior continues to cook evenly.

Cooling and Serving

Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and place it on a cooling rack or heat-resistant surface. Allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. Resting helps the filling to set further, making slicing cleaner and preventing it from collapsing.

Serve slices warm or at room temperature. This dish pairs well with simple side salads, pickles, or a dollop of sour cream, enhancing the low carb theme and adding freshness to the richness of the quiche.

Preparation Tips

• Meat Quality: Use high-quality ground beef with a good fat content (80/20 or 85/15) to ensure flavor and moisture. Leaner beef may lead to a drier crust.
• Cheese Selection: Sharp cheddar provides a bold flavor, but you can also experiment with other cheeses such as Colby or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon is key for texture. Cook bacon separately until crispy, then crumble to avoid excess grease in the meat mixture.
• Egg Mixture Variations: For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese. For extra flavor, incorporate herbs such as chives or parsley.
• Crust Formation: Ensure the meat is pressed firmly to prevent crumbling during slicing and serve. Using a silicone spatula or dampened hands can help mold the mixture tightly.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Meat Layer Consistency: For a uniform crust, ensure the meat mixture is thoroughly cooked and cooled slightly before pressing into the dish to prevent shrinking or puffing during baking.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add spices such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian herbs into the meat mixture for added depth.
• Cheese Variations: Mix different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy kick or extra meltiness.
• Preventing Cracks: Baking at a consistent temperature and avoiding overbaking will prevent cracks in the filling. Resting the quiche after baking helps maintain structural integrity.

Add-ons

• Fresh herbs such as chopped parsley, chives, or cilantro can be added on top before serving.
• For a spicy touch, incorporate sliced jalapeños or hot sauce into the egg mixture.
• Serve with a side of low carb vegetables like steamed broccoli or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Side Dishes

• Mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Steamed or roasted vegetables (zucchini, asparagus, spinach)
• Pickles or fermented vegetables for added tang
• Sliced avocado with a sprinkle of sea salt and lime

Improvements

• Incorporate additional vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the meat layer for added nutrients and color.
• Add a layer of sliced tomatoes or roasted red peppers before pouring the egg mixture for a burst of flavor and moisture.
• Use different cheeses or dairy-free cheese alternatives for variations suitable for dairy allergies or preferences.
• Experiment with different meats like turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.

Save and Store

This low carb Cheeseburger Quiche can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave slices for 1-2 minutes or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as described.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the meat crust and egg filling in advance, assemble, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Ensure the dish is brought to room temperature before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.

Can I substitute the cheese or add additional toppings?

Absolutely. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Swiss. You can also add toppings like sliced olives, chopped green onions, or cooked vegetables for variety.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes. Since it contains no traditional flour or gluten-containing ingredients, it is inherently gluten-free. Just ensure all processed ingredients, such as mayonnaise, are gluten-free.

What adjustments can I make for a vegetarian version?

Replace the ground beef and bacon with textured vegetable protein, tofu, or plant-based meat crumbles seasoned to mimic the flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning accordingly and add vegetables for added texture.

Conclusion

This Low Carb Cheeseburger Quiche from Love With Recipes exemplifies the perfect harmony of indulgence and health-conscious eating. Its savory meat crust, rich cheese, and creamy filling deliver a satisfying experience without the carbohydrate overload typical of traditional quiche. Ideal for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or a nourishing dinner, this dish can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Its straightforward preparation process and adaptable ingredients make it an excellent addition to any low carb repertoire, ensuring you can enjoy comfort food that aligns with your nutritional goals while delighting your palate.

References

• Ketogenic Diet Resources and Guidelines, Johns Hopkins Medicine
• Low Carb High Fat Recipes, Diet Doctor