Craving a juicy cheeseburger but want to keep it low-carb? This Cheeseburger Skillet brings all the classic flavours of a cheeseburger—savoury beef, melted cheese, tangy pickles, and crispy bacon—into one easy, one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes and requires minimal prep and clean-up.
By skipping the bun and using simple, keto-friendly ingredients, you get all the satisfaction of a cheeseburger without the carbs. The beef is browned with onions and garlic, then topped with cheddar and finished under the grill for a bubbly, golden finish. A sprinkle of chopped pickles and crispy bacon adds crunch and zing, making every bite irresistible.
Serve it straight from the skillet for a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s packed with protein and healthy fats. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just want a hearty, flavourful dinner, this cheeseburger skillet is sure to become a favourite.
At a glance
- Time: 25 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Cost: Affordable
Macros (per serving)
- Protein: 32 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Carbs: 4 g
- Energy: 390 kcal
Ingredients
- 500g Beef mince (20% fat) (For juiciness and flavour)
- 120g Cheddar cheese (Grated)
- 80g Streaky bacon (Diced)
- 1 small (80g) Onion (Finely chopped)
- 2 Garlic cloves (Minced)
- 3 medium (60g) Dill pickles (Chopped)
- 1 tbsp Tomato purée (Adds depth)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (Optional, for tang)
- To taste Salt and black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large oven-safe frying pan
- Wooden spoon
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Grater
Steps
- Preheat your grill to high. Place the oven rack near the top.
- Heat the frying pan over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook for 4–5 minutes until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Add beef mince, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and most liquid has evaporated.
- Stir in tomato purée, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes to blend flavours.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar evenly over the beef. Place the pan under the grill for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Remove from the grill. Scatter chopped pickles and crispy bacon over the top.
- Serve hot, straight from the skillet, garnished with extra pickles if desired.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens:
Recipe contains: dairy, eggs, none
Potential swaps:
- Cheddar cheese → Dairy-free cheese — For a dairy-free version
- Beef mince → Turkey or chicken mince — For a lighter option
- Dijon mustard → Omit or use wholegrain mustard — If allergic to mustard
Serving Ideas
- With a crisp green salad – for freshness and crunch.
- Over steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice – for extra fibre and bulk.
- Topped with sliced avocado – for added creaminess and healthy fats.
Additional Info
Chefs Tips
- Use a cast iron pan for best browning and even heat.
- Drain excess fat if your mince is very fatty, but leave some for flavour.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
Variations
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Stir in chopped mushrooms or peppers for extra veg.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella or blue cheese for a different flavour.
Troubleshooting
- If the cheese isn’t browning, move the pan closer to the grill element.
- If the mixture is watery, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months
- Reheat: Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or in the oven at 180°C until piping hot.
Ingredient Spotlight
Beef mince: Choose 20% fat for juiciness and flavour; leaner mince can be used but may be less rich.
Cheddar cheese: Mature cheddar melts beautifully and adds sharpness; swap for your favourite hard cheese if preferred.
Dill pickles: Add tang and crunch, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.
FAQs
Can I make this cheeseburger skillet ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Reheat gently on the hob or in the oven before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Portion into containers and store in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I use instead of beef mince?
Try turkey, chicken, or pork mince for a different flavour and protein profile.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and check that your bacon is dairy-free.
Cheeseburger Skillet with Crispy Bacon and Pickles
Ingredients
- 500g Beef mince (20% fat) (For juiciness and flavour)
- 120g Cheddar cheese (Grated)
- 80g Streaky bacon (Diced)
- 1 small (80g) Onion (Finely chopped)
- 2 Garlic cloves (Minced)
- 3 medium (60g) Dill pickles (Chopped)
- 1 tbsp Tomato purée (Adds depth)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (Optional, for tang)
- To taste Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to high. Place the oven rack near the top.
- Heat the frying pan over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook for 4–5 minutes until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Add beef mince, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and most liquid has evaporated.
- Stir in tomato purée, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes to blend flavours.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar evenly over the beef. Place the pan under the grill for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Remove from the grill. Scatter chopped pickles and crispy bacon over the top.
- Serve hot, straight from the skillet, garnished with extra pickles if desired.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens: dairy, eggs, none
- Cheddar cheese → Dairy-free cheese — For a dairy-free version
- Beef mince → Turkey or chicken mince — For a lighter option
- Dijon mustard → Omit or use wholegrain mustard — If allergic to mustard
Nutrition (per serving)
- Protein: 32 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Carbs: 4 g
- Energy: 390 kcal
