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Keto Cheeseburger Skillet - A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

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

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef (80/20 for flavor, about 1 to 1.25 pounds)
  • Onion (1 small, diced)
  • Garlic (2–3 cloves, minced)
  • Tomato paste (1 tablespoon)
  • Beef broth (1/2 cup, low-sodium if possible)
  • Cream cheese (3 ounces, softened)
  • Heavy cream (1/4 cup)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (1.5 to 2 cups)
  • Yellow mustard (1 tablespoon)
  • Sugar-free ketchup (2 tablespoons, optional but recommended)
  • Dill pickles (1/3 cup chopped, plus extra slices for topping)
  • Worcestershire sauce (1–2 teaspoons)
  • Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Chili powder or cayenne (pinch, optional for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • Olive oil or butter (1 tablespoon, if needed for sautéing)
  • Optional mix-ins: diced green bell pepper, chopped cooked bacon, sliced green onions, shredded lettuce for serving

Method
 

  1. Preheat the skillet: Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. If your beef is very lean, add a little olive oil or butter.
  2. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until well browned and most moisture has evaporated, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if there’s a lot, but leave a bit for flavor.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Push the beef to one side. Add the diced onion to the empty space and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  4. Build the base: Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of chili powder if using. Let the tomato paste toast for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
  5. Make it saucy: Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Reduce heat to medium. Add cream cheese in small pieces and stir until it melts into the sauce.
  6. Finish the “burger sauce”: Stir in heavy cream, mustard, and sugar-free ketchup. Let the mixture simmer 2–3 minutes, until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Add the pickles: Fold in the chopped dill pickles. They brighten the rich sauce and bring that true cheeseburger vibe.
  8. Cheese it up: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the skillet. Cover and let it melt for 1–2 minutes. If you like browned, bubbly cheese, pop the skillet under the broiler for a minute—only if your skillet is oven-safe.
  9. Garnish and serve: Top with extra pickle slices, chopped green onions, or crispy bacon. Serve as is, or spoon over shredded lettuce, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles for a fuller plate.