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Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet - A Fast, Satisfying One-Pan Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for best flavor and moisture)
  • Bacon (thick-cut if you like bigger bites; regular works too)
  • Yellow onion, diced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Dill pickles, chopped (or pickle relish with no added sugar)
  • Tomato, diced (optional for topping)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby Jack, American, or a blend)
  • Cream cheese (adds a creamy, “special sauce” vibe)
  • Unsweetened ketchup or low-sugar ketchup
  • Yellow mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce (optional, but great for depth)
  • Smoked paprika (optional, for a touch of warmth)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil or avocado oil (if needed)
  • Romaine or iceberg lettuce, shredded (for serving)
  • Green onions or chives, sliced (optional garnish)

Method
 

  1. Prep your ingredients. Dice onion, mince garlic, chop pickles, and shred lettuce for serving. Cube the cream cheese so it melts more easily.
  2. Crisp the bacon. Add the bacon to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until browned and crispy, about 7–10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel–lined plate.
  3. Cook the beef in the bacon drippings. If there’s more than 2 tablespoons of bacon fat, spoon off the excess. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Cook until browned, 5–7 minutes.
  4. Sauté onion and garlic. Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add onion to the empty side and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then mix everything together.
  5. Add the creamy burger sauce base. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in cream cheese, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire. Let the cream cheese melt and coat the beef, stirring until smooth and creamy.
  6. Fold in bacon and pickles. Stir in the crispy bacon and chopped pickles. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and mustard as needed. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth.
  7. Top with cheese and melt. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the skillet. Cover for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts. Alternatively, broil briefly if your skillet is oven-safe.
  8. Finish and serve. Top with lettuce, tomato, and green onions if using. Serve directly from the skillet with a spoon. It’s great on its own, over shredded lettuce, or alongside roasted veggies.