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Bunless Steakhouse Burger Recipe with Bacon Jam

bunless steakhouse burger - featured image

A flavorful paleo-friendly bunless steakhouse burger topped with rich, smoky-sweet bacon jam. Perfect for a quick, hearty meal without the bun.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend, preferably grass-fed)
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp coconut sugar
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh lettuce leaves (Romaine or butter lettuce)
  • Tomato slices
  • Pickles or avocado slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Bacon Jam (about 40 minutes): Chop bacon into small pieces and cook in skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Add sliced onions to the bacon fat and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown (around 25-30 minutes).
  4. Add minced garlic, cook another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Stir in apple cider vinegar, coconut sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  6. Return bacon to the pan and mix well. Cook another 5 minutes until thickened and jam-like.
  7. Transfer to a jar or bowl and let cool. Bacon jam can be made a day ahead.
  8. Prepare the Burger Patties (about 10 minutes prep + 8 minutes cooking): In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, sea salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chopped parsley.
  9. Gently mix with your hands until just combined — don’t overwork.
  10. Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into round patties about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick.
  11. Heat a clean cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add patties and cook 4 minutes per side for medium doneness.
  12. Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking to keep juices locked in.
  13. Assemble the Burgers (5 minutes): Lay fresh lettuce leaves on your plate as a base.
  14. Place cooked burger patties on top.
  15. Spoon generous amounts of bacon jam over each patty.
  16. Add tomato slices and optional pickles or avocado slices.
  17. Serve immediately with your favorite side salad or roasted veggies.

Notes

If bacon jam is too thick after cooling, warm it slightly before serving to restore spreadable texture. Don’t rush caramelizing onions to avoid bitterness. Avoid pressing patties while cooking to keep them juicy. Bacon jam can be made a day ahead and tastes better after resting overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: paleo burger, bunless burger, steakhouse burger, bacon jam, low-carb, keto, gluten-free, easy dinner