Embrace the flavors of a classic American cheeseburger without straying from your keto goals with this Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet. This one-pan wonder combines the savory taste of ground beef, the smoky richness of bacon, and the gooey goodness of cheese, all while keeping carbs to a minimum. Perfect for a satisfying keto-friendly meal, this dish brings all the comfort and taste of a bacon cheeseburger in a form that fits your low-carb lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned keto enthusiast or simply looking for a hearty and delicious meal, this skillet recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet:
- Low Carb, High Flavor: Enjoy the indulgent taste of a bacon cheeseburger without the carb-heavy bun.
- Quick and Easy: A simple one-pan meal that’s ready in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite burger toppings and mix-ins.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with the whole family, satisfying even those not following a keto diet.
Ingredients Notes For Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet:
- Ground Beef: Opt for higher-fat ground beef for more flavor and to align with keto macros.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky depth of flavor; cook until crispy for the best texture.
- Cheese: A mix of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella melts beautifully and adds richness.
- Dill Pickles: Provides a tangy contrast to the richness of the meat and cheese.
- Mustard and Ketchup: Look for sugar-free versions to keep it keto-friendly. Mustard adds tanginess, while ketchup brings a hint of sweetness.
- Onions and Garlic: Sauteed until fragrant, they build a flavorful base for the skillet.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and any additional burger seasonings you love, like smoked paprika or onion powder.
Recipe Steps:
- Cook the Bacon: Begin by cooking the bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the bacon to the skillet. Add the sugar-free ketchup, mustard, chopped dill pickles, and half of the cheese. Stir to combine and cook until the cheese starts to melt.
- Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt fully.
- Serve: Garnish with additional dill pickles, diced tomatoes, or avocado slices if desired. Serve hot.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the dish moist.
INGREDIENTS
- 1.5 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 for more flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomato, diced (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh lettuce leaves, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1.5 teaspoon paprika (optional for added flavor)
- 1 cup pickles, diced
- 1/2 cup tomato paste (check for no added sugars)
- 2 cup beef broth
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 9 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- Mustard and sugar-free ketchup, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel to drain. Keep the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Brown the Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Add Onion and Garlic:
- Once the beef is nearly cooked through, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions are translucent and soft.
- Mix in the Tomato Paste and Broth:
- Stir in the tomato paste until well combined with the beef. Then, pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let the mixture cook for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
- Incorporate Bacon and Pickles:
- Return the cooked bacon to the skillet along with the diced pickles. Stir to combine.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the beef mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and let it sit on low heat until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the cheese is melted, garnish the skillet with diced tomatoes and fresh lettuce leaves. Serve with mustard and sugar-free ketchup on the side.