Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds Cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 4 slices thick-cut beef bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus salt to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Render the turkey bacon fat. Place the diced turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy. Remove the turkey bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving 1 tablespoon of the rendered turkey bacon fat in the skillet.
- Step 2: Sauté the mushrooms. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the unsalted butter and the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until the mushrooms have released their moisture and started to deeply brown.
- Step 3: Add aromatics and seasoning. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika to the pan. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Create the sauce. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and thickened slightly, clinging to the mushrooms.
- Step 5: Finish and serve. Stir the reserved crispy beef bacon pieces back into the skillet. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before transferring the Cowboy Mushrooms to a serving dish immediately.
Notes
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days; note that the mushrooms will become slightly softer, absorbing more of the rich sauce as they rest.
- For best texture, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat rather than the microwave, adding a splash of extra beef broth if the sauce seems too tight after refrigeration.
- Use these flavorful mushrooms as a hearty topping for your favorite smash burgers, or spoon them straight over creamy polenta or grits for a truly satisfying meal.
- Ensure your pan is very hot and resist stirring constantly during the mushroom browning phase (Step 2); this patience allows the mushrooms to achieve that deep, nutty, caramelized flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American