High-Protein Korean-Inspired BBQ Cheeseburger Casserole

Craving bold flavors? Try this High-Protein Korean-Inspired BBQ Cheeseburger Casserole! Spicy gochujang meets cheesy comfort in this high-protein, one-pot dinner. 

Let’s board the comfort food train. 

Because you don’t want to miss this High-Protein Korean-Inspired BBQ Cheeseburger Casserole, a dish that blends the juicy, savory goodness of a cheeseburger with the sweet-spicy kick of Korean BBQ. 

This hearty casserole is a protein powerhouse, perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or satisfying post-workout cravings. Packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s an easy dinner idea that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

The Fusion of Flavors

This casserole takes the classic cheeseburger—think ground beef, melty cheese, and tangy toppings—and infuses it with Korean BBQ flair, featuring gochujang’s spicy-sweet heat, soy sauce’s umami depth, and sesame’s nutty warmth. The result is a mouthwatering dish that balances familiar comfort with an exciting Asian-inspired twist. 

Why High-Protein?

With lean ground beef this casserole delivers the fuel you need to power through your day. It’s a fantastic choice for those seeking high-protein meals to support muscle-building or active lifestyles without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s customizable to fit low-carb or keto diets, making it a versatile option for healthy dinner recipes that don’t skimp on satisfaction.

Need a few more high-protein meal ideas? Don’t sleep on these delicious recipes: High-Protein Herbed Skillet Pancake, High-Protein Cardamom Strawberry Snack Cake, or High-Protein Greek Baked Ziti.   

A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dish

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this Korean-inspired casserole shines. It’s easy to assemble, bakes up bubbly and golden, and holds up beautifully for leftovers. Serve it with a side of kimchi or a crisp salad for a complete meal that’s as vibrant as it is comforting. 

Ingredients to Make High-Protein Korean-Inspired BBQ Cheeseburger Casserole 

These ingredients come together to form a nutrient-dense, flavorful casserole that’s perfect for healthy, high-protein meals with a Korean twist. You’ll need the following: 

• Ground beef
• Yellow onion
• Sesame oil
• Soy sauce
• Gochujang
• Kosher salt and pepper
• Eggs
• Tomato paste
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Heavy whipping cream
• Garnish: tomato slices, scallions, shredded lettuce, red onion, sesame seeds

How to Make High-Protein Korean-Inspired BBQ Cheeseburger Casserole 

Here’s how to whip up this flavorful casserole in your kitchen

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9X13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. 
• In a mixing bowl combine soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and gochujang. 
• Next, in a large skillet preheated to medium-high heat add the ground beef, kosher salt and ground pepper. Cook the beef until it is no longer pink for about 5 minutes. Remove any excess fat. 
• Next, add in the onion and continue to cook for another few minutes. Stir in the gochujang mixture and continue to cook for another few minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the ground beef mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread into an even layer and then top with 1 cup of cheddar cheese. 
• In another large mixing bowl combine eggs, tomato paste, cream, kosher salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the beef followed by remaining cheddar cheese. Bake for about 35 minutes or until golden and eggs are set. 
• Remove from the oven and garnish with tomatoes, scallions, shredded lettuce, red onion, and sesame seeds. Enjoy! 

Variations of High-Protein Korean-Inspired BBQ Cheeseburger Casserole 

Here are some exciting variations to keep this casserole fresh and flavorful while maintaining its high-protein, Korean-inspired appeal:

Spicy Kimchi Korean BBQ Casserole: Incorporate ½-1 cup of chopped kimchi into the meat mixture for a tangy, fermented kick that amplifies the Korean vibe. Increase the gochujang to 2 tablespoons for extra heat and sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking. 

Chicken and Quinoa Korean BBQ Casserole: Swap ground beef for 1-1.5 pounds of ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for a leaner protein. Replace pasta or potatoes with 1 cup of cooked quinoa for added protein and a nutty texture. Keep the gochujang sauce and cheese for a lighter yet hearty twist.

Vegetarian Korean BBQ Tofu Casserole: Substitute beef with 1 pound of crumbled, extra-firm tofu (pressed and drained) sautéed with the gochujang and soy sauce. Use high-protein lentil pasta and swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt to keep it vegan-friendly. Add ½ cup of chopped mushrooms for umami depth.

Low-Carb Cauliflower Korean BBQ Casserole: Replace pasta or potatoes with 4 cups of cauliflower rice or florets (lightly steamed) for a keto-friendly, low-carb version. Mix in an extra egg and ¼ cup of cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture. The gochujang and cheese keep it indulgent without the carbs.

Proper Storing 

Refrigeration: Short-Term Storage: Let the casserole cool to room temperature (within 2 hours of baking). Transfer to an airtight container, or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It’ll stay fresh for 3-5 days.

Freezing: Longer-Term Option: This casserole freezes well, making it great for batch cooking. Cool it completely, then cut into portions for easier thawing. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top bag to prevent freezer burn. It’ll keep for 2-3 months.