The Ultimate Cheesy Keto Skillet
One of our top low carb ground beef recipes, this one-pan wonder is packed with savory beef, vibrant veggies, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that's ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet (12-inch cast-iron recommended)
- 1 Spatula or Wooden Spoon For browning the beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb 85/15 ground beef
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 oz full-fat cream cheese softened and cubed
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, break it apart, and cook until it's nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Veggies: Push the browned beef to one side of the skillet and add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Mix the veggies and beef together and stir in the smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir continuously, allowing the cream cheese to melt and combine into a smooth, luscious sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
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- Pro-Tip: For the smoothest melt, grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce slightly grainy.
- Serving Suggestions: This skillet is delicious served over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or spooned into crisp lettuce cups.
- Healthier Swaps: For a leaner option, use 93/7 ground turkey. To boost nutrients, stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking until it wilts.