How to Make The Best Low-Carb Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole in 30 Minutes

What is Beef Bacon? Your Complete Guide

Let’s start with the star of this recipe: beef bacon. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat. Beef bacon is a smoky, savory alternative to traditional pork bacon, made from the cow’s belly or plate cuts. These fatty sections, similar to pork belly, are cured with salt, spices, and sometimes smoked to mimic the flavor of pork bacon—but with a bolder, meatier punch.

Why choose beef bacon?

• Halal-Friendly: For those avoiding pork due to religious or dietary preferences, beef bacon is a game-changer. Just ensure it’s certified halal.
• Low-Carb/Keto: With zero carbs and high protein, it’s perfect for keto and carnivore diets.
• Unique Flavor: Crispier than chicken bacon and less greasy than pork, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
• Dietary Versatility: Ideal for anyone exploring halal, keto, or gluten-free lifestyles.

How is beef bacon made?

1. Select the Cut: The beef belly or plate (located near the ribs) is trimmed of excess membranes but retains its fat for that signature crispiness.
2. Cure: The meat is cured with a mix of salt, sugar (or sugar substitutes for keto), and spices like black pepper, garlic, and paprika. Some brands add liquid smoke for depth.
3. Smoke or Bake: Traditionally smoked over hardwood (like hickory or applewood), but home cooks can bake it in the oven for a DIY version.
4. Slice: Thinly sliced for that classic bacon texture, though thicker cuts work for chewier results.

Fun Fact: Beef bacon isn’t new—it’s been a staple in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisines for decades! Reddit threads like r/keto and r/halalFood are buzzing with creative ways to use it. For an in-depth look at the history of beef bacon in America, check out this article .

How to Make Beef Bacon at Home

Can’t find beef bacon near you? No problem! Here’s how to DIY:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef belly (ask your butcher for a fatty cut)
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 2 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup sugar-free maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

Steps:

1. Trim the Beef: Remove any tough membranes from the beef belly, leaving the fat intact.
2. Cure: Rub the salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder into the meat. For sweetness, brush with sugar-free syrup. Refrigerate in a sealed bag for 3-5 days, flipping daily.
3. Smoke or Bake:
   • Smoker Method: Smoke at 200°F for 4-5 hours until internal temp reaches 150°F.
   • Oven Method: Bake at 300°F for 2 hours on a wire rack (place a pan underneath to catch drips).
4. Slice & Cook: Chill overnight for easier slicing, then pan-fry until crispy.

Pro Tip: Store homemade beef bacon in the freezer for up to 3 months! A 2-lb batch costs roughly 12−12−15, beating store prices (which average 5−5−8 for 8 oz).

Low-Carb Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Now, let’s put that beef bacon to work! This 30-minute casserole is a keto-friendly twist on a bacon cheeseburger—no bun needed.

Why This Recipe Works

• 30-Minute Meal: Faster than ordering takeout.
• Family-Friendly: Picky eaters won’t guess it’s low-carb.
• Meal Prep Hero: Tastes even better as leftovers.
• Customizable: Swap in turkey bacon, dairy-free cheese, or add mushrooms for extra veggies.

Ingredients

(Serves 6)

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
• 10 slices beef bacon (halal-certified or homemade; find it at Walmart or halal markets)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or 4 oz cream cheese for extra richness)
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup sugar-free pickle relish (or diced pickles)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: Diced tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, or a drizzle of sriracha mayo.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Beef Bacon:
   • Chop beef bacon into bite-sized pieces.
   • Cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (6-8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In the same skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain 90% of the fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy (save a bit for flavor!).
3. Mix the Base:
   • Stir in heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper. For a carnivore bacon cheeseburger casserole, skip the cream and add an extra 1/2 lb of beef.
4. Assemble & Bake:
   • Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish.
   • Top with remaining cheese and crispy beef bacon.
   • Broil on high for 3-5 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with pickle relish, diced tomatoes, or avocado. Pair with a side of bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole (for non-keto guests) or roasted veggies.

What to Serve With Your Casserole

• Low-Carb Sides: Try roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in garlic butter, zucchini noodles with pesto, or a simple spinach salad with avocado and olive oil.
• For Kids: Add a side of baked sweet potato fries (they’ll never know it’s a keto meal!).
• Drinks: Pair with unsweetened iced tea or a crisp seltzer with lime.

Beef Bacon FAQs: Answering Your Questions

1. Is beef bacon halal?
Yes! halal if processed according to Islamic guidelines. Always check for certification on the packaging. Brands like Midamar Halal and Tariq Halal Meats offer certified options.

2. Where can I buy beef bacon?
Find it at Walmart (check the specialty meats section), halal grocery stores, or online retailers like Amazon. Prices range from 4−4−8 per pack.

3. Beef bacon vs pork bacon: What’s the difference?

• Flavor: Beef bacon is meatier; pork bacon is fattier and sweeter.
• Nutrition: Beef bacon has more protein (10g per slice vs 3g in pork) and less saturated fat.
• Dietary Needs: Beef bacon halal and keto-friendly.

4. Is beef bacon any good?
Absolutely! Reddit threads like r/ketorecipes rave about its crispy texture and smoky taste. One user called it “the MVP of my carnivore diet.”

5. Why isn’t beef bacon more popular?
Pork bacon dominates Western markets, but beef bacon is rising fast in keto, halal, and paleo communities. Limited awareness and availability are the main hurdles—but Walmart’s recent stock expansion is changing that!

Tips for Perfecting Your Casserole

• Make It Spicy: Add 1 tsp chili powder or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Double the Batch: Freeze a second casserole for busy nights.
• Avoid Sogginess: Pat cooked beef dry and drain bacon grease thoroughly.
• Carnivore Version: Skip the cream and cheese for a meat-only feast.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

• Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well in the fridge (3 days) or freezer (3 months).
• Customizable: Use turkey bacon, dairy-free cheese, or add mushrooms.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for potlucks, game days, or family dinners.

Final Thoughts

Beef bacon isn’t just a pork alternative—it’s a flavor powerhouse that deserves a spot in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it from scratch (for 12−12−15) or using store-bought, this Low-Carb Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is proof that eating healthy doesn’t mean skipping comfort food.

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