Mock Bacon Filets

My wife loves filet mignon. On occasion I will grab an entire beef tenderloin and cut it into filets. But, let’s face it, filets aren’t the cheapest cut of meat. Not even close. That’s when it’s time to make these mock bacon filets. Mushroom-stuffed patties wrapped in bacon, topped with more mushrooms and a wonderful sauce. The sauce really is amazing. And they’re incredibly easy to make.

Mock Bacon Filets

Surprisingly Awesome

These mock bacon filets are almost meatloaf-like. That’s a good thing since I’m a meatloaf-aholic. I have to say that the sauce is very, very good. So good in fact that we decided (after our first bite) to use it to glaze our next meatloaf. The sauce really compliments the dish perfectly. So perfectly that you won’t miss not having real filets. I could eat way, way too many of these.

I love to cook these filets in a cast iron skillet. It just makes life easier and better. Since this dish starts on the stove and finishes in the oven, it’s simpler to use a single pan for both steps. The recipe does make 4 large patties, so a larger skillet is a must.

Sometimes I got the piggy route and make bacon-wrapped pork medallions instead!

Mock Bacon Filets
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5 from 1 vote

Mock Bacon Filets

Let’s face it, filets aren’t the cheapest cut of meat. That’s when it’s time to make these mock bacon filets. Mushroom-stuffed patties wrapped in bacon, topped with more mushrooms and a wonderful sauce. And they’re incredibly easy to make.
Course American
Cuisine Main
Keyword beef, filets
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 747kcal

Ingredients

For the patties

For the sauce

Instructions

For the patties

  • Preheat your oven to 350 F.
  • Place the bacon on a foil-lined bacon sheet and place into the oven to partially cook the bacon while assembling the patties. You do not want the bacon to get crispy, just slightly done. Remove and let cool.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bell pepper, onion, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, basil, salt and pepper.
  • Form the meat into 8 equally-sized patties.
  • Melt the butter in a medium skillet.
  • Add the mushrooms and saute until soft.
  • Spoon a small amount (do not use them all) of the mushrooms into the center of 4 of the patties.
  • Cover with the other patties and pinch along the edges to seal.
  • Wrap patties with the bacon and secure with toothpicks. Transfer to a shallow pan.
  • Pour sauce over patties and bake for 45 minutes.
  • Garnish with remaining mushrooms and serve.

For the sauce

  • Combine all ingredients.

Nutrition

Calories: 747kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 54g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 178mg | Sodium: 1588mg | Potassium: 1573mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 1343IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno-Stuffed Olives

I’ve found the replacement for eating popcorn while watching a movie. No more of that. Grilled bacon-wrapped jalapeno-stuffed olives are much, much better. Yeah, there’s definitely a spicy kick to them. And a little smokiness from the bacon. A bit salty. Just give me a bowl of these little bites and a little cool ranch or blue cheese dressing (gotta cool off!) and I’m happy!

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno-Stuffed Olives

Really Great With Any Stuffed Olives

You don’t have to go the spicy route when you make grilled bacon-wrapped jalapeno-stuffed olives if you don’t want to. Any stuffed olives will work just fine for this recipe. Try Gouda-stuffed olives, they’re fantastic too! Just make sure you get big olives, big enough to wrap the bacon around. Those lil ole pimento-stuffed olives that are barely bigger than peanuts just won’t do. And since you’ve got the grill going, might as well add a few bacon-wrapped meatballs!

I recommend that you use a grill basket when making this dish. It makes cooking easier and you don’t have to worry about anything falling through the grates. And cleanup is easier too!

Also try my grilled bacon and cheese stuffed mushrooms.

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno-Stuffed Olives
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5 from 1 vote

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno-Stuffed Olives

I’ve found the replacement for eating popcorn while watching a movie. No more of that. Grilled bacon-wrapped jalapeno-stuffed olives are much, much better. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, olives
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 15 bites
Calories 36kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 15 jalapeno-stuffed green olives
  • 5 slices bacon thin-sliced, cut into thirds
  • Your favorite seasoning
  • Ranch dressing or blue cheese, for serving

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for indirect cooking.
  • Wrap each olive in a piece of bacon. I didn’t need a toothpick to secure the bacon, but you might.
  • Sprinkle your rub out on a plate and roll the bacon-wrapped olives in it to coat.
  • Grill 20-30 minutes or until the bacon is cooked.
  • Serve with cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 36kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 111mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Bacon-Wrapped Mexican Potatoes

Boy, crispy bacon… spicy Mexican chorizo sausage… cheese… I could actually just have these bacon-wrapped Mexican potatoes for dinner. By themselves. Nothing else. Just give me a platter of them and check on me in 15 minutes to see if I need more. Well, not ‘if’. Go ahead and bring me some more. They’re like grilled potato skins taken to a whole new level. There is so much flavor packed into every bite. What a happy day it was when I first made them!

Bacon-Wrapped Mexican Potatoes

Chorizo Adds Lots of Flavor

I love the spicy kick from chorizo in these bacon-wrapped Mexican potatoes. But, if you don’t, you can easily change these potatoes up to be a little more mellow by making them Italian-style. Substitute crumbled cooked mild Italian sausage for the chorizo, mozzarella for the queso fresco, and sour cream for the crema. Excellent! You’ll want to make a big batch and serve them as appetizers at your next party!

I recommend that you use a grill basket when making this dish. It makes cooking easier and you don’t have to worry about anything falling through the grates. And cleanup is easier too!

Also try my grilled volcano potatoes.

This recipe was inspired by a recipe from Aida Mollenkamp.

Bacon-Wrapped Mexican Potatoes
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4 from 1 vote

Bacon-Wrapped Mexican Potatoes

Boy, crispy bacon… spicy Mexican chorizo sausage… cheese… I could actually just have these bacon-wrapped Mexican potatoes for dinner. By themselves. Nothing else.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, potatoes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 20 potatoes
Calories 214kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 425 F.
  • Brush potatoes with oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast until tender, 20-30 minutes. Remove and let cool.
  • Fire up your grill for indirect cooking (you can also make these in the oven, so keep your oven going if you’re going to cook these indoors).
  • Meanwhile, crumble the chorizo into a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until browned. Remove from heat. Note: You want to get the chorizo fairly well crumbled. If you are having trouble doing so, just let the cooked chorizo cool a bit then pulss a few times in a food processor.
  • Cut just enough of the bottom of each potato so that they can stand up straight. Then cut just enough off the top so you can scoop them out. Take a small mellon baller or spoon and spoon out the insides.
  • In a bowl combine the chorizo and cheese and spoon into each potato.
  • Wrap a halved piece of bacon around each potato and secure with a toothpick.
  • Place on the grill over indirect heat and cook until the bacon starts to crisp, about 20 minutes, or bake in the oven at 425 F.
  • Serve topped with a small dollop of Mexican crema or cream cheese and garnish with green onions or cilantro.

Nutrition

Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 207mg | Potassium: 799mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 101IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Sausage-Stuffed Peppers on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

Sure, I’ve made bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers. A lot of times. And I love them. But not everyone loves a little kick in their appetizers like I do, so that’s when these sausage-stuffed peppers on the Char-Broil Big Easy take the stage. The peppers get a nice little char on them. They have a little sweetness to them. The sausages bring a wonderful smokiness, and they kind of ‘pop’ when you bite into them. That’s a bit unexpected. The cream cheese? Well, it’s creamy. All wrapped in bacon goodness with a sprinkle of rub.

Sausage-Stuffed Peppers on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Use Your Favorite Rub Or Seasoning

I used the rub for my root beer can chicken on these sausage-stuffed peppers on the Char-Broil Big Easy. The rub has a little smoky flavor to it, along with a bit of garlic and just a very, very small hint of spiciness. Not enough to offend those that prefer mellower snacks. You can use your favorite rub or seasoning. I recommend something that has a little smokiness to it to give these that done-on-the-grill flavor.

Also try my Southwestern-stuffed peppers made on the Big Easy.

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Sausage-Stuffed Peppers on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Sausage-Stuffed Peppers on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Not everyone loves a little kick in their appetizers like I do, so that’s when these sausage-stuffed peppers take the stage. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Big Easy, Char-Broil, peppers, sausage, stuffed
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 20 appetizers
Calories 56kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Cut the peppers in half lengthwise and remove any seeds and membranes.
  • Divide the cream cheese between the peppers.
  • Add the sausages and press down slightly to fit snuggly inside the peppers.
  • Wrap the peppers with the bacon and sprinkle with the rub.
  • Place into the Big Easy basket and bunk bed basket and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon starts to crisp and the peppers have softened.
  • Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

You’ll need a Bunk Bed basket to cook 20 peppers at once.

Nutrition

Calories: 56kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 101mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 94IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I really should’ve listened to my inner voice. You know the one. The one that says “You should make a double batch of these bacon-wrapped shrimp on the Char-Broil Big Easy“. But I didn’t listen. I fired up my cooker and made just one batch. One little ole batch. I knew as soon as the bacon started cooking that I was in a for a treat. In almost no time I was enjoying hot, tender, moist shrimp wrapped in tasty bacon, seasoned with my favorite Fire-Eater rub, dipped in a cool remoulade sauce. You can’t beat it.

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Eat ‘Em Like Popcorn

Darn near anything wrapped in bacon is good. Bacon-wrapped shrimp and cooked on the Char-Broil Big Easy is crazy good. Try my bacon-wrapped appetizer sausages. Or bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts. And of course, bacon-wrapped tater tots.

Stainless steel oyster shells are great for cooking shrimp on the Big Easy. Try my BBQ shrimp, you’ll love them!

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I really should’ve listened to my inner voice. You know the one. The one that says “You should make a double batch of these bacon-wrapped shrimp.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, Big Easy, Char-Broil, shirmp
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 110kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • 4 bacon 1 slice for every 3 shrimp
  • 12 shrimp shelled and deveined (I was able to cook 12 24-30 count shrimp at a time in the bottom of the Big Easy basket)
  • Your favorite seasoning I used our Fire-Eater Rub
  • Remoulade sauce for dipping (try our spicy Creole remoulade)

Instructions

  • Stick the bacon into the freezer for 15 minutes to make it easier to slice.
  • Fire up your Big Easy.
  • Slice the bacon into thirds and wrap around the shrimp.
  • Sprinkle the shrimp with the seasoning and place into the Big Easy basket.
  • Cook in the Big Easy for 20 minutes for large shrimp. Do not overcook or the shrimp will get tough.
  • Remove and let cool for 10 minutes to help crisp up the bacon.
  • Serve with remoulade sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 286mg | Potassium: 58mg | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Bacon-Wrapped Lit’l Smokies on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Note: This recipe was developed using the Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer. If you are cooking using the Char-Broil Smoker-Roaster Grill you should cook with the lid open and the temperature set to High. You might also need to adjust the cooking time.

Bacon-wrapped Lit’l Smokies on the Char-Broil Big Easy have been on my radar for a few weeks now. I was just waiting for a nice day to fire up and make a big ole batch of them. That nice day came, and boy, was it ever a glorious day (food-wise and weather-wise!). I can’t even begin to tell you just how great these little bites are. They are the perfect appetizers. Crunchy, yummy bacon. Fire-eater rub (or whatever rub or seasoning you prefer). And of course, little sausages. You cannot stop eating them.

Bacon-Wrapped Litl Smokies on the Char-Broil Big Easy

Eat ‘Em Like Popcorn

I served these little morsels with warmed spicy BBQ sauce for dipping. A nice creamy mustard dipping sauce would be great too. Or Sriracha. Or just pop them in your mouth and enjoy!

Anything wrapped in bacon is going to taste great, like these bacon-wrapped lit’l smokies on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Check out my bacon-wrapped tater tots, also made on the Char-Broil Big Easy. Or some bacon-wrapped shrimp!

Love your Big Easy as much I love mine? Check out my Big Easy Add-Ons page and my free Big Easy eCookbook!

Bacon-Wrapped Lit'l Smokies on the Char-Broil Big Easy
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5 from 1 vote

Bacon-Wrapped Lit’l Smokies on the Char-Broil Big Easy

I served these little morsels with warmed spicy BBQ sauce for dipping. A nice creamy mustard dipping sauce would be great too. Or Sriracha. Or just pop them in your mouth and enjoy!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon, Big Easy, Char-Broil, cocktail, sausage
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 45 Lit’l Smokies
Calories 72kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the bacon into the freezer for 30 minutes.
  • Slice the bacon into thirds and sprinkle with the rub.
  • Place a cocktail sausage at the end of each piece of bacon and roll up.
  • Place seam-side down into the Big Easy basket.
  • Fire up your Big Easy and insert the basket full of smokies.
  • Cook for around 20 minutes or until the bacon starts to crisp (it will crisp up more as it cools, so do not over-cook it). The top pieces may get done before the bottom. If that happens, simply remove the bunk bed basket and continue cooking the sausages on the lower level.
  • Let cool slightly before serving.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Note: To cook an entire package of cocktail sausages at once in your Big Easy you’ll need the Bunk Bed basket.
.

Nutrition

Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 169mg | Potassium: 37mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Olives

Whenever you’re cooking outdoors on the grill, there’s always room leftover to put treats. Like these insanely good grilled bacon-wrapped stuffed olives. They’re easy to cook, and disappear in minutes. I often refer to these as ‘cooks treats’, since I get to be the first person to sample them. And often I sample too many. But the nice thing is that I’m the only person that knows.

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Olives

Eat ‘Em Like Popcorn

These are the world’s easiest snacks. I used jalapeno-stuffed olives, but you can use garlic-stuffed or whatever you like, even Gouda-stuffed ones. Or heck, they don’t even have to be stuffed! These little morsels come out salty and briny, with a nice kick from the rub (I used a sweet rub with a little kick to it).

Never let that empty grill space go to waste. If you have a fire going, might as well use it. It doesn’t have to be for anything fancy. These little treats are a great example of that.

Also try my spicy roasted olives and my grilled bacon-wrapped jalapeno-stuffed olives..

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Olives
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5 from 1 vote

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Olives

Whenever you’re cooking outdoors on the grill, there’s always room leftover to put treats, like these insanely good grilled bacon-wrapped stuffed olives. They’re easy to cook, and disappear in minutes. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword grilled, olives
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 12 olives
Calories 36kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Fire up your grill for indirect cooking.
  • Roll small pieces of bacon around the olives and secure with toothpicks.
  • Lightly dust the wrapped olives with the rub.
  • Grill over indirect heat, flipping once or twice, until the bacon is cooked and crispy, 20-30 minutes.
  • Let cool slightly before devouring.

Nutrition

Calories: 36kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 111mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.