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Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Bowls - A Satisfying Low-Carb Favorite

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (check for low-carb brand)
  • 1–1.5 cups shredded cheddar (or slices of American/cheddar)
  • 1 large head romaine or iceberg, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped or sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (avocado oil mayo works well)
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1–2 tsp dill pickle juice
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Method
 

  1. Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust acidity or salt. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  2. Cook the bacon. Place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp, 6–8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a plate. Leave 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan; discard any extra.
  3. Sauté the aromatics. Add diced onion to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Brown the beef. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed, but keep a little for flavor.
  5. Season it up. Stir in smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer 1–2 minutes to absorb the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Melt the cheese. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the hot beef. Cover the pan for 1 minute to melt. Alternatively, fold the cheese into the meat for a creamy texture.
  7. Prep the bowls. In four bowls, add a layer of chopped lettuce. Top with cherry tomatoes, dill pickles, and red onion if using.
  8. Assemble. Spoon the cheesy beef over the salad base. Add crispy bacon on top. Drizzle with the special sauce. Finish with avocado or jalapeños if you like heat.
  9. Serve. Garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper or sesame seeds. Serve immediately while the beef is warm and the lettuce is crisp.