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Healthy Cheeseburger Skillet - A Lighter One-Pan Favorite

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (only if your beef is very lean)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional but adds sweetness and color)
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced small
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 medium tomato, diced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder (or 1 tablespoon yellow mustard)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (check gluten-free if needed)
  • 3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (or your favorite)
  • 2 tablespoons dill pickles, finely chopped, plus extra for topping
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (low-sugar if desired)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 cups finely shredded lettuce (for serving)
  • Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, hot sauce, Greek yogurt or light sour cream
  • Optional base: cauliflower rice, brown rice, or whole-grain pasta

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Dice your onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
  2. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the dry skillet (use oil only if your beef is very lean). Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 4–6 minutes. Spoon off excess fat if needed.
  3. Add aromatics: Stir in the onion and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and smells fragrant.
  4. Layer in veggies: Add bell pepper and zucchini. Cook 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender but not mushy.
  5. Season it up: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and mustard powder (if using). Stir to coat the meat and vegetables.
  6. Create the “burger” sauce: Mix tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Pour into the skillet and stir. Simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken and meld flavors.
  7. Add tomatoes and pickles: Fold in cherry tomatoes and chopped pickles. Cook 1–2 minutes more to warm through.
  8. Finish with cheese: Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover for 1–2 minutes until melted and gooey.
  9. Top and serve: Drizzle ketchup and mustard over the skillet. Add shredded lettuce, extra pickles, and any garnishes you like. Spoon into bowls over your chosen base or enjoy as is.