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Low Carb Cheeseburger Skillet - A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small head of cauliflower, riced (about 3 cups) or 10 oz frozen riced cauliflower
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped, plus extra for topping
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup (or low-sugar ketchup)
  • 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1–1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise (for optional sauce)
  • 1 tbsp sugar-free ketchup (for optional sauce)
  • 1 tsp pickle juice (for optional sauce)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (if needed)
  • Chopped scallions or shredded lettuce (optional garnish)

Method
 

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned with some crispy edges, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if there’s a lot, but leave a little for flavor.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using). Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  3. Add seasonings: Sprinkle in smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir to coat the meat and veggies. This builds that signature cheeseburger depth.
  4. Stir in “burger” elements: Add mustard, sugar-free ketchup, and chopped pickles. Mix well so everything is glossy and evenly distributed.
  5. Add cauliflower rice: Stir in the riced cauliflower and pour in the beef broth. Spread everything into an even layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4–6 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender and most of the liquid has cooked off. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  6. Make it cheesy: Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle cheddar evenly over the top. Cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes to melt, or broil the pan (if oven-safe) for 1–2 minutes for bubbly, golden edges.
  7. Optional sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, and pickle juice. Drizzle over the skillet or serve on the side.
  8. Finish and serve: Top with extra chopped pickles, scallions, or a handful of shredded lettuce. Serve hot right from the pan.