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Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet - A Fast, Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal

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

Ingredients
  

  • Thick-cut bacon (4–6 slices), chopped
  • Ground beef (1 to 1.25 pounds), 80/20 for best flavor
  • Onion (1 small), diced
  • Garlic (2 cloves), minced
  • Tomato paste (1 tablespoon)
  • Dill pickles (3–4 spears), chopped, plus extra for topping
  • Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon)
  • Yellow mustard (1 tablespoon)
  • Beef broth (1/3 cup)
  • Cream cheese (2 ounces), softened
  • Heavy cream (1/4 cup)
  • Cheddar cheese (1.5 cups), shredded
  • Paprika (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Smoked paprika or chipotle powder (optional, a pinch for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil or bacon fat (as needed)
  • Green onions or chives, sliced for garnish
  • Romaine lettuce or shredded iceberg for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Crisp the bacon: Place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and leave 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the beef: Add ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and optional smoked paprika. If there’s excess grease, spoon off a bit (leave some for flavor).
  4. Build the sauce base: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire, and mustard. Cook 1 minute to caramelize the paste slightly.
  5. Add liquids and creaminess: Pour in beef broth. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth, then add heavy cream. Simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Fold in bacon and pickles: Return the crispy bacon to the pan and stir in the chopped pickles. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Add the cheese: Sprinkle cheddar evenly over the skillet. Cover and let it melt on low heat for 2–3 minutes, or broil briefly if your skillet is oven-safe.
  8. Finish and serve: Top with green onions or chives. Serve as is, or spoon over shredded lettuce for a “burger bowl” vibe. Add extra pickles or a drizzle of mustard if you like.