If you love a juicy burger but want to keep it low carb, this bunless burger skillet checks all the boxes. It’s everything you crave—savory beef, melted cheese, crisp toppings—without the bun or the fuss. You cook it all in one pan, so cleanup is easy and dinner is on the table fast.
The flavors are classic and familiar, with a few fresh twists to keep it interesting. It’s the kind of meal you make once and then keep coming back to.
Low Carb Bunless Burger Skillet - A Satisfying Weeknight Favorite
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional but recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 large tomato, diced)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup (or regular if not strict low carb)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp dill relish or chopped dill pickles
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (divided)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg), for serving
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, crumbled bacon, hot sauce, green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Brown the beef: Add 1 tbsp oil to the skillet. Crumble in the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up until browned. If there’s excess grease, spoon off most of it, leaving about 1 tbsp for flavor.
- Sauté the aromatics: Push the beef to one side. Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil, then the onion and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the sauce base: Stir in tomato paste, Dijon, ketchup, and Worcestershire. Add smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well so the beef is glossy and coated.
- Add tomatoes and pickles: Fold in cherry tomatoes and dill relish. Cook 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly but still hold shape.
- Melt the cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover for 1–2 minutes until melted and gooey.
- Taste and adjust: Add a pinch more salt and pepper if needed. For extra tang, add a splash more ketchup or mustard. For heat, shake in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Serve: Spoon the skillet mixture over a bed of shredded lettuce. Top with avocado, bacon, or green onions if you like. Finish with sesame seeds for a “burger bun” vibe.
What Makes This Special
This skillet takes the spirit of a classic cheeseburger and turns it into a simple, weeknight-friendly dish. You get the same satisfaction with fewer carbs and more veggies.
It’s flexible, meal-prep friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes. There’s no complicated technique—just everyday ingredients and a hot pan.
- Low carb without feeling restricted: No bun, no problem—extra flavor and texture from vegetables and sauces fill the gap.
- One-pan cleanup: Everything cooks in a single skillet for less mess and faster cleanup.
- Customizable: Swap the cheese, change the veggies, add heat, or top it your way.
- High in protein: Keeps you full and satisfied with simple, balanced ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional but recommended)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 large tomato, diced)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup (or regular if not strict low carb)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp dill relish or chopped dill pickles
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (divided)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg), for serving
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, crumbled bacon, hot sauce, green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Brown the beef: Add 1 tbsp oil to the skillet.
Crumble in the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up until browned. If there’s excess grease, spoon off most of it, leaving about 1 tbsp for flavor.
- Sauté the aromatics: Push the beef to one side. Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil, then the onion and bell pepper.
Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the sauce base: Stir in tomato paste, Dijon, ketchup, and Worcestershire. Add smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Mix well so the beef is glossy and coated.
- Add tomatoes and pickles: Fold in cherry tomatoes and dill relish. Cook 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly but still hold shape.
- Melt the cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the skillet.
Cover for 1–2 minutes until melted and gooey.
- Taste and adjust: Add a pinch more salt and pepper if needed. For extra tang, add a splash more ketchup or mustard. For heat, shake in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Serve: Spoon the skillet mixture over a bed of shredded lettuce.
Top with avocado, bacon, or green onions if you like. Finish with sesame seeds for a “burger bun” vibe.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store the cooked beef mixture (without lettuce) in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Keep toppings separate.
- Freezer: Freeze portions without cheese for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat and add cheese fresh.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. Add fresh cheese in the last minute so it melts nicely.
- Meal prep tip: Pack lettuce and cold toppings separately to keep them crisp until serving.
Why This is Good for You
This dish keeps carbs low while delivering solid protein and satisfying fats. The veggies add fiber and micronutrients without weighing you down.
You control the sauces and seasonings, so you can reduce added sugars and keep it clean. It’s a balanced, filling way to hit your goals without missing out on flavor.
- Protein-rich: Helps with satiety and steady energy.
- Lower carb profile: Skips the bun and leans on non-starchy vegetables.
- Healthy fats: Cheese and avocado (if using) support fullness and flavor.
- Customizable for macros: Easy to tweak portions, sauces, and toppings.
What Not to Do
- Don’t skip seasoning: Salt, pepper, and spices bring the burger vibe together. Without them, it tastes flat.
- Don’t overcook the beef: Dry, crumbly meat won’t absorb flavors well.
Stop when it’s just browned.
- Don’t add lettuce to the hot pan: It wilts fast and gets soggy. Serve it cold as a base.
- Don’t overload with sugary condiments: Regular ketchup and sweet relish can add hidden carbs. Choose sugar-free or use sparingly.
- Don’t skip draining excess grease: A little fat is great for flavor, but too much can make the dish heavy.
Variations You Can Try
- Bacon Mushroom Swiss: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion and pepper.
Top with Swiss and crumbled cooked bacon.
- Spicy Jalapeño Pepper Jack: Add diced jalapeños and swap the cheese for Pepper Jack. Finish with hot sauce and green onions.
- In-N-Out Style: Add a splash of pickle juice and extra mustard to the pan. Top with grilled onions and a simple “special sauce” made from mayo, sugar-free ketchup, and a little relish.
- BBQ Cheddar: Mix in a tablespoon of sugar-free BBQ sauce and smoked paprika.
Top with sharp cheddar and green onions.
- Turkey or Chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Add a bit of olive oil and don’t overcook to keep it juicy.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in chopped zucchini or riced cauliflower with the peppers for extra volume and fiber.
- Breakfast Twist: Top the finished skillet with a fried or poached egg. The yolk makes a rich, glossy sauce.
FAQ
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes.
Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free shredded cheese that melts well. You can also drizzle a creamy tahini or avocado sauce on top for richness.
What ground beef works best?
80/20 is ideal because the fat carries flavor and keeps the meat juicy. If you use leaner beef, add a tablespoon of oil and watch the cook time so it doesn’t dry out.
Is this keto-friendly?
It can be.
Use sugar-free ketchup and relish, and keep the tomato portion modest. Check labels on sauces to keep net carbs in your target range.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even bison all work.
Adjust seasoning to taste and add a bit more oil for leaner meats.
What’s the best cheese for melting?
Cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella all melt beautifully. For sharper flavor, use aged cheddar; for ultra-melty, go with Jack or mozzarella.
How do I make it spicier?
Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, chipotle powder, or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. Taste as you go so it doesn’t overpower the burger flavors.
Can I serve this without lettuce?
Yes.
It’s great on its own, over sautéed cabbage, or on top of cauliflower rice for extra volume without many carbs.
How can I reduce sodium?
Use low-sodium Worcestershire or skip it, choose low-sodium ketchup, and salt in stages. Fresh tomatoes and herbs also boost flavor without extra salt.
What if I don’t have tomato paste?
Use a few tablespoons of canned tomato sauce, but simmer a minute longer to reduce. You want a thick, clingy sauce that coats the meat.
Can I meal prep this?
Yes.
Portion the cooked meat into containers, keep lettuce and toppings separate, and add cheese when reheating. It holds up well for several days.
In Conclusion
This Low Carb Bunless Burger Skillet is fast, flexible, and deeply satisfying. It captures the classic burger experience without the bun and without sacrificing flavor.
Keep the ingredients simple, season well, and finish with your favorite toppings. With one pan and about 30 minutes, you’ve got a go-to dinner that fits your routine and your goals.