Marinated Bacon & Beef Skewers

My delightfully savory, perfectly juicy Marinated Bacon and Beef Skewers are the easy dinner you need in your repertoire. With just 10 basic ingredients, you can stretch a single steak into a meal for several adults. If that’s not budget-friendly, I don’t know what is!

Maybe it’s just me, but I love eating things on sticks. Whether it’s an appetizer like my charcuterie skewers, the main event like these bacon and beef skewers or my bang bang chicken skewers, or even dessert like my brown sugar boba ice cream bars, being able to consume a meal with neither plate, nor fork, nor knife is so fun. Plus, there’s no dishes!

Aside from the low-maintenance cleanup that skewers bring to dinnertime, they’re also a snap to make. Cut up your ingredients, maybe give them a soak in a marinade, thread them onto sticks, and cook them to perfection. Since everything is already bite-sized, any cooking that needs to be done is as speedy as the set-up.

These beef and bacon skewers are the perfect example. Cubes of sirloin steak are marinated in a punchy soy-lemon-garlic sauce before being layered onto wooden sticks with salty bacon and earthy-sweet bell peppers and thrown on the grill. All in, you’re looking at just 25 minutes of active prep work for a meal the whole family will love!

Jump to:

• What do they taste like?
• Why You’ll Love This Easy Dinner Recipe
• Ingredients Needed
• Substitutions
• How To Make Marinated Bacon & Beef Skewers
• Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments
• Storage Directions
• Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Success Tips
• Bell Pepper, Bacon & Beef Steak Skewers Nutrition
• Pricing Info
• FAQs
• Other Grilling Recipes
• Recipe

What do they taste like?

These grilled beef skewers are smoky, savory, and packed with flavor. The sirloin is marinated until tender in a zesty mix of soy sauce, Worcestershire, lemon juice, and garlic, which gives each bite a bold, umami-rich punch with just the right balance of acidity and depth. As they grill, the bacon crisps up beautifully, basting the beef and bell peppers in its smoky, salty fat. 

The result is a crave-worthy contrast of textures—juicy steak, crisp-edged bacon, and tender-crisp bell peppers—each skewer delivering a perfectly charred, meaty bite with pops of brightness and richness in every mouthful. They’re bold, satisfying, and just a little indulgent, making them perfect for grilling season!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Dinner Recipe

• Satisfyingly Spendthrift – I came up with this beef bacon skewers recipe on a night that I had our family of 4 to feed, but only had a single steak, a half pack of bacon, a lone bell pepper, and no energy to make it to the store. Tommy and I each got 2, the kids each got one, and we all got a side of brown rice. Miraculously, it was enough to leave us all sated and satisfied!
• Low-Effort – Aside from whisking the marinade and cubing the beef and pepper, there’s almost no prep work involved. And using the grill means cleanup is equally easy!
• Pretty & Prep-able – Bacon beef skewers look nice on a plate—the colorful peppers interspersed with charbroiled meat and an elegantly curving “S” of bacon makes a simple meal look stunning. They’re also easy to make and assemble ahead of time for an easy weeknight dinner or portable potluck contribution.

Ingredients Needed

As promised, you don’t need much to make fantastic marinated beef skewers. Here’s what to grab:

• Avocado Oil – My go-to neutral oil for high-heat cooking thanks to a fantastic mix of heart-healthy fats and a high smoke-point.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – I find the low-sodium stuff plenty salty, especially when paired with another umami bomb like Worcestershire.
• Worcestershire Sauce – This fermented liquid condiment is packed to the brim with savory, salty, umami flavors that pair perfectly with red meat.
• Lemon Juice – A touch of brightness and acidity helps cut through the double meat richness. Use fresh lemon juice for the best results.
• Garlic Powder, Black Pepper & Salt – A simple seasoning blend is all you need. Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor.
• Sirloin Steak – An inexpensive, lean, and flavorful cut that’s great for grilling. Use grass-fed beef if possible to reap the greatest health benefits.
• Bacon – Just one strip per skewer is enough to add bold, smoky flavor and plenty of richness to supplement the steak.
• Green Bell Pepper – Every meal needs some veggies! Green bell peppers are some of the most inexpensive, are fantastic for high-heat cooking, and add just the right amount of sweetness to counter the salty, savory meat.

Substitutions

• Avocado Oil – Any neutral oil will work here. Canola is my favorite budget-friendly alternative!
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce – You can use regular soy sauce or Tamari, but cut back on the added salt if you do. Alternatively, use coconut aminos for a paleo-friendly alternative.
• Worcestershire Sauce – There are a ton of good Worcestershire sauce substitutes that are probably lurking in your pantry. Try other umami-boosters like miso paste, Maggi seasoning, marmite, or fish sauce.
• Lemon Juice – Feel free to swap in lime juice for a fun twist, or use another acid like apple cider vinegar.
• Garlic Powder – If you only have garlic flakes, use twice as much. Alternatively, use fresh garlic—1 clove per ¼ teaspoon of powder.
• Sirloin Steak – New York strip steak, ribeye, or flank steak would all be great alternatives, but they can be a bit pricier. To keep costs down, top round steak, chuck steak, or tri-tip are all good choices, but you’ll want to let them marinate for a full 12-24 hours to ensure they stay juicy.
• Bacon – Don’t do pork? Swap in turkey bacon or beef bacon instead.
• Green Bell Pepper – You can use any color of bell pepper, though yellow, orange, and red peppers are typically sweeter than green. Alternatively, use a spicier option like poblano peppers instead.

How To Make Marinated Bacon & Beef Skewers

Step 1: Make marinade for beef skewers. In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire, lemon juice, garlic, and any other marinade ingredients until well blended.

Step 2: Marinate. Toss the sirloin cubes in the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate—give them at least an hour to soak up the flavor, or let them sit overnight for even more depth.

Step 3: Assemble. Get your grill hot and ready. Meanwhile, thread the marinated beef, chunks of bell pepper, and slices of bacon (weaving the bacon between pieces) onto skewers. Don’t toss the marinade—you’ll use it for basting.

Step 4: Grill skewers. Brush your grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Lay the skewers on the grill and give them a good basting with the reserved marinade. Close the lid and let them cook for a few minutes to start building that char.

Step 5: Flip. Turn the skewers over and baste one more time, then toss any leftover marinade. Grill for a few more minutes with the lid closed. Flip once more to finish cooking—about 10 to 12 minutes total should do it. Transfer to a clean plate, loosely cover with foil, and let them rest so the juices redistribute before digging in. Enjoy!

Optional Variations & Dietary Adjustments

• Swap Meats. Swap the sirloin for boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. For a leaner red meat option, use pork tenderloin cubes. The marinade works just as well, but you may need to adjust the grilling time depending on the cut.
• Gluten-Free. Use tamari, coconut aminos, or a certified gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce, and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
• Spicy Kick. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade for a bit of heat.
• Extra Veggies. Give your skewers more color by amping up the roughage. I think mushrooms, zucchini, and red onion would all be excellent additions! 

Storage Directions

• Refrigeration – Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. For best results, remove the skewers from the sticks before storing to save space and make reheating easier.
• Freezing – Remove the skewers and freeze the pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Note that the peppers may get a little soggy after defrosting.
• Reheating – Reheat in a 350ºF oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through. Add a splash of water or cover loosely with foil to help prevent drying out. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, though the bacon won’t stay crisp.

Serving Suggestions

These beef and bacon skewers are hearty enough to be the star of any meal, but they also play well with a variety of sides. Here are a few tasty ideas to round out your plate:

• Grilled Veggies – Keep the grill going and toss on some zucchini, corn on the cob, or asparagus for an easy, veggie-packed side. Or, if you’re cooking indoors, try some easy roasted frozen veggies instead.
• Whole Grain or Rice Pilaf – Serve the skewers over brown rice, quinoa, or a lemony couscous for a nutritious carb that soaks up the flavorful juices.
• Potato Salad or Roasted Potatoes – Classic potato sides are always a hit with grilled meats. Try a tangy vinegar-based potato salad, Dutch oven roasted potatoes, or crispy sweet potato wedges.
• Fresh Green Salad – A light, crunchy salad with a fresh lemon vinaigrette or hot honey vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance to the richness of the skewers.
• Dipping Sauces – Offer a side of chimichurri sauce, tangy mango sauce, or spicy cilantro garlic sauce for dipping, especially if you’re serving these at a party or cookout.
• Tapas Style – Pair them with grilled flatbread, tzatziki, olives, and grilled veggies for a beefy twist on my chicken shawarma wraps!

Recipe Success Tips

• Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness – Give the beef at least one hour in the marinade to absorb all that savory, zesty goodness. For best results, marinate overnight—especially if you’re using a leaner cut like sirloin—but don’t let it soak for too long. Over-marinating in an acidic mixture can cause the meat to get mushy.
• Cut Ingredients to Even Size – Try to keep the beef and peppers in evenly sized chunks, about 1½ inches each. This ensures everything cooks at the same rate and you don’t end up with overcooked veggies or underdone meat.
• Use the Right Skewers – If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Alternatively, use reusable metal skewers—they’re grill-friendly, eco-friendly, and there’s no soaking required! 
• Thread Ingredients Strategically – Weave the bacon between pieces of beef and bell pepper so it crisps up and bastes the meat as it cooks. Don’t crowd the skewers too tightly. It’s important to leave a little space so the heat can circulate and cook everything evenly.
• Oil the Grill Grates – Brushing the grates with oil before cooking helps prevent sticking and gives you those nice grill marks. 
• Don’t Skip Resting Time – After grilling, let the skewers rest under foil for 5–10 minutes. This gives the juices time to redistribute and keeps the beef nice and juicy.

Bell Pepper, Bacon & Beef Steak Skewers Nutrition

These beef and bacon skewers offer a satisfying balance of protein and flavor in a relatively light package. With 20 grams of protein per serving, they’re a great option for supporting muscle repair and keeping you full—especially important if you’re pairing them with lighter sides like salads or grilled vegetables. 

The 10 grams of fat helps enhance satiety and flavor, while the carbs remain minimal at just 3 grams per serving. The sodium is a bit on the higher side at 542 mg, largely due to the soy sauce, Worcestershire, and bacon. If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider using a low-sodium soy sauce or reducing the amount of added salt in the marinade. 

Overall, these skewers make a nutrient-dense main dish that feels indulgent but aligns well with a balanced, whole-foods approach—especially when paired with fiber-rich veggies or whole grains on the side. Enjoy every bite!

Total nutritional content per serving is:

• Calories: 184 calories
• Carbohydrates: 3 grams
• Protein: 20 grams
• Total Fat: 10 grams
• Sodium: 542 mg
• Fiber: 0 grams

*This nutritional information is an estimate and calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.

Pricing Info

This is what I personally paid to make this recipe:

• 2 tbsp avocado oil: $0.37
• 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce: $0.11
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: $0.27
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: $0.02
• 1 tsp garlic powder: $0.03
• ½ tsp black pepper: $0.01
• ¼ tsp salt: $0.01
• 1 lbs sirloin steak: $6.78
• 6 slices bacon: $1.66
• 1 green bell pepper: $0.45

The total comes out to be around $9.71 or roughly $1.62 per skewer!

FAQs

Other Grilling Recipes

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Recipe

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xoxo Megan