What Is Beef Bacon and How Does It Compare to Regular Pork Bacon?

Most people love pork bacon without giving it a second thought. But if you haven't tried beef bacon yet, you're missing out on a seriously good alternative, one that's meatier, smokier, and just as satisfying as the version you grew up with.

Here's a complete guide to beef bacon: what it is, how it's made, how it compares to pork bacon, and when you should choose one over the other.

What Is Beef Bacon?

Beef bacon is made by curing and smoking beef, typically from the beef belly or brisket plate, the same way pork bacon is made from pork belly. The result is a rich, savory, smoky strip of meat that looks and acts much like traditional bacon but carries a deeper, more intensely beefy flavor.

At Frank's Butcher Shop, our beef bacon (cured & smoked beef plate) is made from Wyoming-raised beef, cured and smoked to bring out the natural richness of the cut. It's a product you won't find at a typical grocery store, and once you try it, regular bacon starts to feel a little ordinary.

How Is Beef Bacon Made?

The process mirrors traditional bacon production closely. A lean-to-fat cut of beef (usually from the plate or navel section) is rubbed or brined in a cure that contains salt, sugar, and spices. It's then cold-smoked or hot-smoked to develop flavor and color. The result is sliced into strips, just like pork bacon, ready to fry, grill, or bake.

The key difference is the fat ratio. Pork belly has a much higher fat content than beef, so beef bacon tends to be leaner. That means it cooks a bit differently and doesn't shrink as dramatically in the pan.

Beef Bacon vs. Pork Bacon: A Head-to-Head Comparison

When it comes to flavor, pork bacon has a lighter, sweeter, and more familiar taste. Its high fat content gives it that characteristic crispiness and melt-in-your-mouth quality. 

Beef bacon, on the other hand, tastes bolder and meatier. It has a more savory, umami-forward profile that stands up well on its own.

In terms of texture, pork bacon crisps up more easily because of the higher fat content. Beef bacon has a firmer, chewier bite, more like a slice of cured meat than a crispy chip. That's not a weakness; it's just a different eating experience.

From a nutrition standpoint, beef bacon is generally leaner. If you're watching fat intake but still want the salty, smoky, cured meat experience, beef bacon is worth exploring.

How to Cook Beef Bacon?

Beef bacon cooks much the same as pork bacon, with a few small adjustments. Because it's leaner, it can dry out faster, so keep the heat at medium rather than high. Cook it in a skillet for 3–4 minutes per side until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. You can also bake it in the oven at 375°F for 15–18 minutes on a rack-lined sheet pan.

Beef bacon works beautifully in BLT sandwiches, breakfast plates, burgers, pasta carbonara, or beef filet mignon wrapped in bacon for an over-the-top combination of flavor. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is beef bacon healthier than pork bacon? 

A: Beef bacon is generally leaner than pork bacon, which means it has less fat per serving. However, both are cured meats and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Q: Does beef bacon taste like pork bacon? 

A: They share the same salty, smoky, savory profile, but beef bacon has a deeper, meatier flavor. Pork bacon tends to be slightly sweeter and crisps up more easily due to its higher fat content.

Q: Can I use beef bacon anywhere I'd use pork bacon? 

A: Yes ,beef bacon works in any recipe that calls for regular bacon. It's excellent in BLTs, breakfast plates, burgers, wrapped around steaks, or crumbled over salads and pastas.

Q: How do I keep beef bacon from drying out while cooking? 

A: Cook over medium heat rather than high, and keep an eye on it since it's leaner than pork bacon and can overcook quickly. Baking on a rack in the oven at 375°F is another reliable method.

Q: Where can I buy beef bacon? 

A: Frank's Butcher Shop offers beef bacon (cured & smoked beef plate) made from Wyoming-raised beef, available to order online and shipped directly to your door.

When Should You Choose Beef Bacon?

Choose beef bacon when you want a richer, meatier flavor that can hold its own alongside bold ingredients. It's also a great option if you avoid pork for dietary or religious reasons. 

And if you've simply been eating pork bacon your whole life, beef bacon is a genuinely exciting change, a new flavor profile from the same breakfast ritual you already love.

If you're building a full breakfast spread, at Frank's Butcher Shop we offer pork bacon, sausage links, and breakfast bundles that pair perfectly alongside beef bacon.