Looking for a quick, comforting meal that fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle? This Cheesy Beef Skillet is the answer! Packed with savoury ground beef, colourful peppers, and a generous layer of gooey mozzarella, this one-pan wonder delivers big flavour with minimal fuss.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes and requires only a handful of ingredients. The combination of tender beef, sweet peppers, and rich cheese creates a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet keeps carbs ultra-low.
Simply brown the beef, toss in the veggies, season well, and finish with a bubbling cheese topping. Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style dinner that everyone will love. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, this cheesy beef skillet is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
At a glance
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Cost: Affordable
Macros (per serving)
- Protein: 29 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Carbs: 5 g
- Energy: 340 kcal
Ingredients
- 500g Beef mince (20% fat) (Choose grass-fed for best flavour)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper (Deseeded and diced)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper (Deseeded and diced)
- 1 small Onion (Finely chopped)
- 2 Garlic cloves (Minced)
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika (Adds depth)
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- To taste Salt and black pepper
- 150g Mozzarella cheese (Grated)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
Equipment Needed
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Grater
Steps
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the beef mince, breaking it up with a spoon. Sear for 5–6 minutes until browned and most liquid has evaporated.
- Mix in the diced red and green peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until just tender.
- Sprinkle over the smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly over the beef mixture.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes, or until bubbly and golden in spots.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens:
Recipe contains: dairy, none
Potential swaps:
- Mozzarella cheese → Dairy-free shredded cheese — For a dairy-free version
- Beef mince → Turkey mince — For a lighter option
- Olive oil → Butter or ghee — For a richer flavour
Serving Ideas
- Leafy green salad – adds freshness and balances the richness.
- Steamed broccoli – for extra fibre and nutrients.
- Cauliflower rice – soaks up the cheesy sauce and keeps carbs low.
Additional Info
Chefs Tips
- Let the skillet rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Use a mix of red and green peppers for both flavour and colour.
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of cream cheese before topping with mozzarella.
Variations
- Add sliced mushrooms with the peppers for extra umami.
- Stir in a handful of spinach just before adding the cheese for added greens.
- Top with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Troubleshooting
- If the beef releases too much liquid, increase the heat to evaporate before adding peppers.
- If cheese isn’t melting, cover the pan tightly or pop under a grill for 1–2 minutes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months
- Reheat: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or microwave until piping hot.
Ingredient Spotlight
Beef mince: A great source of protein and healthy fats, perfect for keto meals.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, satisfying finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes, cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses also work well and melt beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It reheats well and keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the cheesy beef skillet?
Yes, cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
How can I make this spicier?
Add a pinch of chilli flakes or diced jalapeño with the peppers for extra heat.
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli for extra fibre.
Cheesy Beef Skillet with Peppers and Melty Mozzarella
Ingredients
- 500g Beef mince (20% fat) (Choose grass-fed for best flavour)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper (Deseeded and diced)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper (Deseeded and diced)
- 1 small Onion (Finely chopped)
- 2 Garlic cloves (Minced)
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika (Adds depth)
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- To taste Salt and black pepper
- 150g Mozzarella cheese (Grated)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the beef mince, breaking it up with a spoon. Sear for 5–6 minutes until browned and most liquid has evaporated.
- Mix in the diced red and green peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until just tender.
- Sprinkle over the smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly over the beef mixture.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes, or until bubbly and golden in spots.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.
Allergens & Swaps
Allergens: dairy, none
- Mozzarella cheese → Dairy-free shredded cheese — For a dairy-free version
- Beef mince → Turkey mince — For a lighter option
- Olive oil → Butter or ghee — For a richer flavour
Nutrition (per serving)
- Protein: 29 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Carbs: 5 g
- Energy: 340 kcal
