For those embracing a carnivore lifestyle or simply seeking a protein-packed, straightforward recipe, these carnivore-style meatballs are a surefire hit. They deliver a burst of flavor, are wonderfully juicy, and require only a handful of ingredients that align with the carnivore dietary approach. This recipe reimagines the classic cheeseburger, transforming it into delectable meatballs with a molten cheese center and a hint of smoky bacon.
Why Carnivore Meatballs?
Meatballs, in general, are a great source of protein and healthy fats. Whether you follow a low carb, keto, or carnivore diet, meatballs are a fantastic way to add flavor to your meals. These small, delicious balls are not only delicious, but they have zero carbs! Made without breadcrumbs, these meatballs maintain an amazing texture and remain juicy throughout the cooking process. These meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be made with a variety of meats and seasonings to suit any preference.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
The concept for these cheesy core meatballs emerged unexpectedly. The initial idea was simple: combine chopped bacon and shredded cheese with ground beef, shape the mixture into balls, and cook. However, a sudden inspiration led to encasing a cube of cheese within the meatball, creating a molten, cheesy core.
Ingredients
This dish consists of 3 main ingredients plus seasonings. With just four scrumptiously simple and common ingredients, you can conjure up a feast fit for a king (or a hungry blogger) that’ll fuel your inner beast for hours on end.
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Ground beef
- Chopped bacon
- Sea salt
Some carnivore followers make this dish with only ground beef and salt. But others argue that cheese must be included as it’s rich in fat and calories.
Read also: Juicy Keto Meatballs
For those following a keto diet, the following ingredients can be added:
- Eggs
- Crushed pork rinds
- Heavy cream
- Sour cream
- Seasonings such as sea salt, black pepper, and dried parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here are the instructions on how to make these delicious carnivore meatballs with cheese and no breadcrumbs.
- Prep the Cheese: Cut the sharp cheddar into 1-inch (2.5cm) cubes and place them in the freezer until they're completely frozen. This will help ensure the cheese maintains its shape and doesn't melt too quickly when cooking the meatballs.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped bacon, and the sea salt. If you are going for a Keto version, combine ground beef, eggs, crushed pork rinds, heavy cream or sour cream, and seasonings.
- Mix the Ingredients: Mix the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep your meatballs tender. Mix meat and salt in a bowl or combine all ingredients for the keto option. Combine really well. I like to use my hands and really get it mixed together.
- Form the Meatballs: Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a frozen cheese cube in the center and gently wrap the meat around the cheese, forming it into a ball. Ensure the cheese is completely encased with no parts poking out to prevent cheese leakage. Form 2 to 3-ounce balls in the palm of your hand. Scoop the meatball mixture with a 2 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop and shape into a ball. Repeat this process until all of the meatballs are ready to go.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they're not touching, so they cook evenly. Arrange in a glass baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked and juices run. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs and the bacon are browned and cooked through. I use a 9×13-inch (23×33-cm) glass dish. If you have something smaller, pack the balls in snuggly. It’s fine if the meatballs touch slightly while cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the meatballs rest for a couple of minutes before serving. The cheese inside will be molten and hot, so be careful! Allow the meatballs about 5-10 minutes to rest after they come out of the oven. Serve these meaty, cheesy delights hot and bask in the glory of your culinary creation.
Tips for Perfect Meatballs
- Freeze the Cheese: Ensure the cheese cubes are thoroughly frozen to prevent them from melting too quickly during cooking.
- Don't Overmix: Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture to keep your meatballs tender.
- Seal the Cheese: Ensure the cheese is completely encased with no cracks for escape.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: You can always use a thermometer if you're unsure if the carnivore meatballs are fully cooked.
- Chill the meatball mixture: I like this trick if you're having trouble forming the meatballs. Since these are keto-friendly meatballs, they don't use breadcrumbs as a binder.
Variations
Creating carnivore diet variations of the Carnivore Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs with a Cheesy Core means eliminating any non-animal-based ingredients and focusing solely on animal products. The sky is the limit when it comes to spices. Make them spicy, mild, and everything in between. Meatballs are one of those dishes that is very forgiving with spices.
- Pork Rind Meatballs: Instead of using any fillers like breadcrumbs, use crushed pork rinds to help bind the meatballs together.
- Mixed Meat Meatballs: Combine different types of ground meat, such as beef, pork, lamb, chicken, or even game meats for a varied flavor profile. You can even get away with 2:1 of ground beef to ground pork. They both work nicely.
- Liver-Infused Meatballs: For added nutrients, finely chop or grind beef or chicken liver and mix it into your ground beef before forming the meatballs. Beef Heart Meatballs - Classic meatballs go up a notch by adding beef heart.
- Cheese Variety Core: Experiment with different types of cheese for the core, such as blue cheese, gouda, or mozzarella, to find the flavor that best suits your palate. Cheese: Parmesan is classic, but any hard cheese (like Romano or Asiago) works. Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs - All you need are 3 main ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time!
- Egg Yolk Core: For a surprise twist, place a hard-boiled egg yolk inside each meatball.
- Bone Marrow Core: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using small pieces of frozen bone marrow as the core of your meatballs.
Remember that on a strict carnivore diet, you would avoid using any spices or seasonings that are plant-based, sticking to salt and animal-based ingredients exclusively.
Serving Suggestions
Stick to your meaty guns and pair these meatballs with more meat or animal-based side dishes! Think bacon-wrapped chicken livers, carnivore egg salad, a side of pork rinds, or even a simple plate of prosciutto. If you’re feeling extra carnivorous, why not go for a meatball-on-meatball action and serve them atop a juicy burger patty?
Read also: Provolone Meatball Ravioli
I like to top mine with chives as well as the occasional cheese sauce. I will even use a no sugar tomato sauce on rare occasions. These are the nights that I am going for keto vs carnivore. I love roasted cabbage steaks as a hearty side veggie side dish.
Freezing and Reheating Instructions
You betcha! These meaty marvels freeze better than a snowman in January. Cook them up, let them cool, then pop them in the freezer in an airtight container or zip-lock bag.
- Freezing: Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Arrange the meatballs on a cookie sheet after baking and freeze. Then remove and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat them in the oven or air fryer. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Common Questions
- Can I freeze carnivore meatballs? Yes! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
- Can I make these in the air fryer? Definitely. Cook at 375°F for about 12-14 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Do I need breadcrumbs? Not at all! The eggs and cheese do all the binding. These are 100% breadcrumb-free and still hold together beautifully.
- Can I use breadcrumbs? You can if you'd like. However, I don't recommend it-especially if you are on the carnivore diet. They aren't low-carb! This recipe focuses on making a delicious meatball without breadcrumbs.
- Why are my meatballs dry? If you overcook these meatballs, they will become very dry and tough. You must also ensure that they have enough moisture. Sometimes I like to add in 1-2 additional egg yolks for extra moisture and to help with binding.
- Can I use leaner meat? Sure, but I'd recommend adding in extra fat, such as chopped raw bacon, to compensate for it and keep the meatballs from drying out.
Other Carnivore Recipes to Try
If you like meatballs, try out these carnivore recipes for Carnivore Bread, Carnivore Chili, and Carnivore Burger.
- Carnivore Meatball Soup - A family favorite dinner in just one pot and ready in less than 40 minutes!
- Carnivore Chicken Meatballs - These meatballs are from everyday ingredients and have no breadcrumbs.
- Carnivore Scotch Eggs - A delicious option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
- Carnivore Casserole - Make this for breakfast or dinner any day of the week.
- Hidden Liver Muffins - The best way to add liver to your diet without any unusual taste, texture, or appearance.
- Carnivore Breakfast Muffins - Zero-fiber carnivore breakfast muffins are made entirely from animal-based ingredients. This easy dairy-free breakfast idea is great for meal prep.
- Carnivore Stroganoff - A hearty dinner or lunch that’s ready in less than 30 minutes!
Read also: Meatball Sauce for Keto Diet