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Keto Cajun Spiced Hamburger Skillet - Fast, Flavorful, and Low-Carb

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

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or sweet paprika if preferred)
  • 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • Cauliflower rice or sautéed shredded cabbage
  • Avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream
  • Lemon wedges for a quick squeeze of acidity

Method
 

  1. Mix the Cajun spices. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Set aside.
  2. Brown the beef. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and slightly crispy in spots, about 6–8 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if needed, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons in the pan.
  3. Season the meat. Sprinkle half of the Cajun spice blend over the beef and stir well. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Soften the veggies. Add the onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly charred at the edges, 6–8 minutes.
  5. Add aromatics and tomato base. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add the drained diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the remaining Cajun spice blend and stir to combine.
  6. Simmer and reduce. Lower heat to medium. Let the mixture simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy. If using hot sauce, add it now.
  7. Finish with butter. Stir in the butter until melted. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and cayenne if needed.
  8. Garnish and serve. Remove from heat. Top with parsley. Serve over cauliflower rice or with your favorite keto sides. Add avocado or sour cream if you like a cooling element.