A rich, satisfying skillet loaded with lean ground beef, crispy bacon, plenty of melted cheddar, garlic, and savory seasonings. It’s high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef & Bacon
1½ lb (680 g) lean ground beef, 90–93% lean
6 slices bacon, chopped
½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Cheesy Sauce
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup beef broth
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Toppings
2 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
Extra shredded cheddar
Chopped green onions
Fresh parsley
Sliced jalapeños
A little sour cream
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
Place the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy.
Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate.
Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet and carefully discard the excess.
2. Brown the Beef
Increase the heat to medium-high.
Add the ground beef to the skillet.
Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Add the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the beef.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds.
4. Season the Beef
Add:
Worcestershire sauce
Smoked paprika
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Black pepper
Salt
Italian seasoning
Optional red pepper flakes
Stir thoroughly and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
5. Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add the cream cheese and beef broth.
Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts into the beef mixture and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
Add the heavy cream and Dijon mustard.
Mix well.
6. Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low.
Add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan gradually, stirring after each addition.
Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
Avoid boiling the sauce because excessive heat can cause the cheese sauce to become greasy or separate.
7. Add the Bacon
Reserve a little crispy bacon for garnish.
Stir the remaining bacon into the cheesy beef mixture.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes so the flavors combine.
8. Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and the reserved crispy bacon.
Add extra cheddar, green onions, or sliced jalapeños if desired.
Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
For a low-carb/high-protein meal, serve with:
Steamed broccoli
Roasted cauliflower
Green beans
Sautéed spinach
Zucchini noodles
Cauliflower mash
Simple garden salad
Roasted asparagus
For a more traditional meal, serve over rice, potatoes, pasta, or toasted bread.
Tips for the Best Beef & Bacon
Use lean beef
90–93% lean ground beef gives you plenty of protein without making the skillet excessively greasy.
Don’t burn the garlic
Garlic only needs about 30–60 seconds before the cheese sauce is added.
Add cheese over low heat
High heat can cause cheese to separate. Keep the skillet on low when adding the shredded cheese.
Shred your own cheese
Freshly shredded cheese usually melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Let it thicken
Allow the finished mixture to sit for 2–3 minutes before serving. It will naturally become thicker.
Easy Variations
Spicy Beef & Bacon
Add:
½ teaspoon cayenne
1 chopped jalapeño
Extra red pepper flakes
Mushroom Version
Sauté 8 oz (225 g) sliced mushrooms after cooking the bacon, then add the beef.
Bacon Cheeseburger Style
Add:
2 tablespoons diced pickles
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1–2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
Tex-Mex Version
Replace the Italian seasoning with:
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Top with avocado, cilantro, and jalapeños.
Nut Information
Does this recipe contain nuts?
No. The recipe contains no peanuts or tree nuts.
Peanut-free: Yes, assuming all packaged ingredients are peanut-free.
Tree-nut-free: Yes, assuming all packaged ingredients are tree-nut-free.
Nut-free: The basic recipe is naturally nut-free.
Allergy Precaution
If preparing this for someone with a severe nut allergy, check the labels of:
Bacon
Cream cheese
Shredded cheese
Parmesan
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Dijon mustard
Seasonings
Look for peanut/tree-nut cross-contact warnings on packaged products.
Other Allergens
This recipe contains milk/dairy.
Worcestershire sauce and other packaged ingredients may contain additional allergens depending on the brand.
Recipe Q&A
Q: Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes. Using lean ground beef and cheese makes this a protein-rich meal. The exact amount depends on the beef and cheese brands used.
Q: Is it keto-friendly?
Yes, the basic recipe is low in carbohydrates and can fit many keto-style meal plans. Avoid high-carb toppings and serve it with low-carb vegetables.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well, although the flavor will be lighter. Adding a little olive oil can help if using very lean turkey.
Q: Can I use ground chicken?
Yes. Ground chicken is another good lean protein option.
Q: Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely. Try:
Monterey Jack
Colby Jack
Provolone
Pepper Jack
Gouda
Swiss
Q: Can I leave out the cream cheese?
Yes. You can replace it with additional shredded cheese and a little extra broth, although the sauce will be less creamy.
Q: Can I make this without bacon?
Yes. Simply omit the bacon and cook the beef in 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the complete dish, allow it to cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave.
Q: How long do leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes. Cool completely and place in an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2–3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Q: Why did my cheese sauce become oily?
The heat may have been too high, or the cheese may have been added too quickly. Keep the heat low and add cheese gradually.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, and cauliflower all work particularly well.
Q: What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
You can use a small amount of soy sauce or coconut aminos. Check the label if you need the recipe to remain free of specific allergens.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, assuming 6 servings:
Calories: 500–550
Protein: 42–47 g
Total Carbohydrates: 5–7 g
Fiber: 0–1 g
Net Carbohydrates: approximately 4–6 g
Fat: 34–38 g
Sugar: 2–3 g
Sodium: approximately 900–1,200 mg
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary according to the fat percentage of the beef, bacon, cheese, broth, and exact serving size.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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