Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon. Add the chopped bacon to a cold cast iron skillet. Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy. Remove bacon to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

2. Brown the beef. Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef to the bacon fat. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 5–6 minutes until well browned, breaking into small crumbles.

3. Season. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in the mustard. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add pickles and bacon. If using pickles, stir them in along with the crispy bacon. Mix everything together.

5. Melt the cheese. Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet. Top with shredded cheddar. Cover with a lid or aluminium foil and reduce heat to low. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

6. Serve. Scoop straight from the skillet. Pairs well with a simple side salad or eat it on its own.

Tips

• Make it spicier: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or diced jalapeños with the pickles.
• Swap the cheese: Pepper jack or gruyère both work well here.
• Meal prep friendly: Stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in a skillet to keep things crispy.