Monster BBQ Pulled Pork Bacon Cheese Loaded Skillet
Craving something incredibly satisfying, wonderfully cheesy, and packed with flavor that’s also fast and easy? This Monster BBQ Pulled Pork Bacon Cheese Loaded Skillet is a game-changer for weeknights or any time you need a big hug in a pan. It's ridiculously easy, lightning-fast to put together, and so memorable, your taste buds will thank you!
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Lid
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pulled pork cooked and shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite kind
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Get Your Skillet Ready: Grab your largest skillet (a cast iron one works wonderfully) and place it over medium heat on your stovetop.
- Step 2: Sauté Those Veggies: Toss in your diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften up (tender-crisp, not mushy).
- Step 3: Bring on the Pork: Add your cooked and shredded pulled pork to the skillet. Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir everything together until the pork is fully coated and simmering. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing all those flavors to marry and warm through.
- Step 4: Bacon & Seasoning Time: Reduce the heat slightly, then gently fold in your crumbled bacon. Add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir to ensure all spices are evenly distributed.
- Step 5: Cheese It Up!: Generously sprinkle both the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire skillet mixture. Don't be shy!
- Step 6: Melt to Perfection: Cover your skillet with a lid (or foil) and reduce the heat to low. Let the cheese melt and get gloriously gooey for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't scorch on the bottom.
- Step 7: Garnish & Serve: Once the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbling, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the chopped green onions all over the top. Serve hot, right out of the skillet.
Notes
Substitutions & Additions: You can swap pulled pork for cooked, shredded chicken or ground beef. Experiment with different cheeses like Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack. For more veggies, add corn, black beans, or thinly sliced jalapeños. Extra toppings like sour cream, ranch dressing, pickled red onions, or crispy fried onions are great additions. Increase spice level with cayenne pepper or spicy BBQ sauce.
Tips for Success: Using pre-cooked pulled pork is key for the fast cooking time. Ensure your skillet is large enough to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming. Use a BBQ sauce you genuinely love, as it's a star flavor. Melt cheese gently on low heat to prevent burning. Prep all ingredients ahead of time for quick assembly.
Storage & Reheating: Let leftovers cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or for a crispier edge, in a skillet over medium-low heat on the stovetop, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly. While best fresh, you can freeze the pulled pork and BBQ sauce mixture (without cheese) for up to 3 months; thaw, reheat, then add fresh cheese and bacon.