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Keto Ground Beef Queso Skillet - A Creamy, Low-Carb One-Pan Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced (or use poblano for mild heat)
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but great)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, well drained (like Rotel)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional, for freshness)
  • Lime wedges (optional, to brighten)
  • For serving: cauliflower rice, lettuce cups, low-carb tortillas, or pork rinds/low-carb chips

Method
 

  1. Warm the pan. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add avocado oil and swirl to coat.
  2. Brown the beef. Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned with some crisp edges, about 5–7 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if needed, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
  3. Sauté the aromatics. Add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Season it. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir so the spices coat the beef and veggies.
  5. Add the tomatoes. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chiles. Let it bubble for 1–2 minutes to concentrate flavor.
  6. Make it creamy. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
  7. Melt the cheese. Sprinkle in shredded cheddar a handful at a time, stirring until melted and glossy. If the sauce gets too thick, splash in a little more cream.
  8. Taste and adjust. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if you want extra kick. Stir in chopped cilantro if using.
  9. Finish and serve. Squeeze a little lime over the skillet for brightness. Serve hot with your favorite keto sides or scoops.