Keto BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet (Printable)

Hearty one-pan skillet with crispy bacon, seasoned beef, and tangy BBQ sauce under melted cheddar. Ready in 30 minutes for an easy low-carb dinner.

# 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

→ Sauces and Dairy

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

→ Spices and 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

# Method:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving approximately 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
02 - Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
03 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly distributed.
05 - Return crispy bacon to the skillet. Add chopped pickle and halved cherry tomatoes, stirring to combine.
06 - Pour sugar-free BBQ sauce and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring thoroughly. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
07 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One pan means one cleanup, which honestly might be the best part after a long day.
  • It tastes indulgent and feels like comfort food, even though the macros are spot-on for keto.
  • Ready in 30 minutes flat, which beats any drive-thru run.
02 -
  • Don't drain all the bacon fat—that 1 tablespoon is essential, not optional, because it carries all the flavor through the dish.
  • The cheese needs a lid and low heat to melt properly; high heat will seize it up and make it grainy.
03 -
  • Cook your bacon first in a cold pan so it renders evenly and the fat builds gradually—it's gentler than starting with heat.
  • Let your sauce simmer those 2–3 minutes without stirring constantly so it tightens up and coats the beef instead of staying thin.
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