A New Way to Bacon: Introducing Niman Ranch Grass-Fed Beef Bacon

By Chef Andrew Hunter, Executive Chef, Niman Ranch

Bacon has always held a special place in the kitchen. It’s familiar, craveable and – let’s be honest – hard to improve upon. But every once in a while, an ingredient comes along that opens up an entirely new way of thinking about a classic kitchen staple.

That’s exactly what excites me about the new Niman Ranch Grass-Fed Beef Bacon.

This is not just a twist on a classic – it’s a truly unique, novel product that brings a whole new dimension to the bacon experience. Crafted from the beef navel (the beef equivalent of pork belly), this cut delivers the richness and balance you want from bacon, and with a deeper, more complex flavor that only great beef can provide.

What is Beef Bacon?

At its core, beef bacon is exactly what it sounds like: bacon made from beef instead of pork. The same cut – but the difference goes far beyond the animal.

Our beef bacon starts with 100% grass-fed, grass-finished cattle raised by our network of independent family ranchers. The navel cut has beautiful marbling, which allows us to create that signature bacon experience – tender bites and just the right amount of indulgence – while showcasing the bold, savory character of beef.

It’s dry-rubbed, pit-smoked and sliced just like traditional bacon. It looks familiar in the pan, but the flavor tells a new story.

How It Compares to Pork Bacon If you love traditional pork bacon, you’re going to recognize some of the same qualities here: aroma, sizzle and satisfying meaty bite. But beef bacon brings its own personality to the table. Flavor: Beef bacon has a deeper, steakhouse-like flavor. It is rich, slightly smoky and more robust than pork. It’s a natural fit for anyone who loves the taste of a great cut of beef. Texture: You still get that balance of flavor and texture, but the bite is a bit heartier, with a satisfying chew that reflects the cut. Cooking: One important note – beef bacon tends to render faster than pork bacon. That means you’ll want to keep a closer eye on it in the pan or oven to hit that perfect level of sizzle without overcooking.

A New Kind of Versatility

Of course, it’s fantastic at breakfast paired with eggs but what really excites me is how versatile beef bacon is beyond the morning meal.

Think of it as a bridge between bacon and steak.

Use it to:

• Add a smoky, savory elevation to salads
• Wrap around vegetables or dates for an appetizer
• Layer onto a burger for an extra punch of beef flavor and texture
• Elevate sandwiches, pastas or grain bowls

It’s an easy way to bring something unexpected – and delicious – to dishes you already love.

Here’s a great recipe for the classic dish Bucatini all’Amatriciana featuring our Grass-Fed Beef Bacon

Bucatini all’Amatriciana

Purposeful Protein, Raised Right

What makes this product even more meaningful is how it’s produced.

The cattle are raised humanely, with no antibiotics or added hormones, and are 100% grass-fed and grass-finished.

These practices aren’t just values on paper – they directly impact the quality and flavor of the meat. When animals are raised with care the result is beef that simply tastes better.

That’s the foundation of this beef bacon: thoughtful sourcing, sustainable agriculture and a commitment to doing things the right way.

A Fresh Take on a Classic

We’re living in a time when people are thinking more intentionally about the protein they choose – looking for options that are both delicious and aligned with their values.

This beef bacon delivers on both.

It’s familiar, yet new, bringing together the comfort of bacon with the boldness of beef. And it opens the door to new flavors, new dishes and new ways to cook at home.

I can’t wait for you to try it – and to see how you make it your own!

Tag us in your new beef bacon dishes: @NimanRanch and #raisedwithcare

Chef Andrew Hunter