Keto BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet (Print View)

A hearty one-pan skillet combining crispy bacon, seasoned beef, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted cheddar—ready in 30 minutes with only 5 net carbs.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 8 oz bacon, chopped
02 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
04 - 1 small dill pickle, chopped
05 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

→ Sauces & Dairy

06 - 1/2 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
07 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
08 - 1/4 cup heavy cream

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Garnishes

13 - 2 green onions, sliced
14 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon, leaving approximately 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan.
02 - Add diced yellow onion to the skillet with bacon fat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
05 - Return cooked bacon to the skillet. Add chopped dill pickle and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir to combine all ingredients.
06 - Pour sugar-free BBQ sauce and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir well to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
07 - Distribute shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet mixture. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
08 - Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything happens in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time actually enjoying your meal instead of scrubbing pans.
  • The bacon fat does the flavor work for you, eliminating the need for extra oil and adding a depth that feels almost luxurious.
  • It's genuinely satisfying and keto-friendly, so you get to eat like you're indulging without the guilt.
02 -
  • Drain your ground beef only if there's truly excessive grease—a little fat keeps everything moist and flavorful, and you've earned it through all that bacon.
  • Don't skip the heavy cream; it's what separates this from just ground beef with sauce, transforming it into something silky and cohesive.
03 -
  • Use a skillet with a lid, or even a piece of foil works—you need to trap that heat to melt the cheese evenly without drying out the meat.
  • If your BBQ sauce is very thick, thin it slightly with a splash of water so it distributes as a sauce rather than clumping up in places.
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