Carnivore Dinner Bacon and Ground Beef Skillet
This simple yet delicious carnivore dinner combines the rich, savory flavors of crispy bacon and juicy ground beef. Both ingredients are packed with protein and fats, making it a satisfying and fulfilling meal for anyone following a carnivore diet. Whether you’re a carnivore veteran or just looking to try a meat-heavy meal, this bacon and ground beef skillet will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for extra flavor, but you can use leaner cuts if preferred)
- 6 slices bacon (choose your favorite, whether thick-cut or regular)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Onion powder (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon: Start by placing the bacon slices into a cold, large skillet. This ensures even rendering of the fat. Set the skillet over medium heat. As the pan heats up, the bacon will begin to release its fat and crisp up. Cook the bacon until it’s golden and crispy, turning occasionally to prevent burning. This should take about 8-10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon.
- Remove and Drain: Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess grease. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the skillet—this will be used to cook the ground beef and give it an amazing flavor.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Turn the heat up to medium-high. Add the ground beef to the skillet with the bacon fat. Use a spatula to break it apart into small crumbles. Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. If you’d like to add any spices to the beef, this is the perfect time. Season it with salt, pepper, and optional garlic or onion powder. Red pepper flakes are also a great addition if you enjoy a little heat.
- Crisp the Bacon: While the ground beef is cooking, crumble the cooked bacon into bite-sized pieces. You can either add the bacon pieces directly into the skillet with the beef to infuse the flavors, or you can save them as a topping to sprinkle over the finished dish.
- Combine and Serve: Once the beef is cooked and browned, stir in the crumbled bacon. If you like, add a tablespoon of butter to enrich the flavors and create a richer texture. Allow everything to cook together for another 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the dish with some fresh parsley or chives if you desire a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips and Variations:
- Additional Meat Options: You can easily add more variety by incorporating other meats into the skillet. Try adding sausage or ground pork for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Lover? If dairy is part of your carnivore diet, consider adding a handful of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) to the skillet once the beef is fully cooked, letting it melt and create a creamy texture.
- Low and Slow Option: For a more tender result, you can cook the beef over low heat for a longer period, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the bacon fat more deeply.
- Sides: Though strictly carnivore meals typically don’t include vegetables, some people may enjoy pairing this with a simple egg dish like scrambled or fried eggs for extra protein and richness.
This bacon and ground beef skillet is perfect for a hearty, satisfying carnivore meal. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and packs a punch with its protein and fats, making it ideal for those following a low-carb, high-protein diet. Enjoy!