Loaded BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet
Description
This Loaded BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet is an easy, cheesy one-pan dinner packed with juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, onions, and smoky BBQ sauce. It has all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger without needing to fire up the grill. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal when you want something hearty, comforting, and full of flavor!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup BBQ sauce
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp onion powder
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp chopped green onions
Optional: diced tomatoes, pickles, or jalapeños
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes.
Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and onion powder.
Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes so the sauce coats the beef.
Stir half of the cooked bacon into the beef mixture.
Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.
Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.
Top with the remaining crispy bacon and chopped green onions.
Serve hot with pickles, tomatoes, or jalapeños if desired.
🍔 Serving Ideas
Serve this skillet with:
Crispy roasted potatoes
Air-fryer French fries
Coleslaw
Steamed vegetables
A simple green salad
Toasted burger buns for a loaded sloppy-joe-style meal
💡 Tips
Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest flavor, or lean beef for a lighter version.
Sharp cheddar gives the skillet a stronger cheeseburger flavor.
Add diced pickles for a delicious tangy contrast to the sweet BBQ sauce.
For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
Want it extra smoky? Use a smoky BBQ sauce and smoked cheddar.
Q&A
Q: Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey is an easy substitute for ground beef, though the finished skillet will be slightly leaner.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, or zucchini work particularly well.
Q: What cheese works best?
Cheddar is the classic choice, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a cheddar-Mozzarella combination also melts beautifully.
Q: Can I make this low-carb?
Yes. Serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables instead of potatoes or buns.