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Low Carb Bunless Burger Skillet - A Satisfying Weeknight Favorite

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

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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Add tomatoes and pickles: Fold in cherry tomatoes and dill relish. Cook 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly but still hold shape.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.