🥩 Carnivore Meatballs (Zero-Carb • Keto • Carnivore)
Juicy inside, browned outside, and perfect for meal prep or dipping.
⏱ Time
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Prep: 10 minutes
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Cook: 15–20 minutes
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Total: ~30 minutes
🍽 Makes
16–20 meatballs
🧂 Ingredients (100% Carnivore)
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
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1 large egg
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¼ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese (optional but recommended)
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½ tsp salt (to taste)
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½ tsp garlic powder (optional — omit for strict carnivore)
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1 tbsp beef tallow or butter (for cooking)
✔ No breadcrumbs
✔ No flour
✔ No fillers
🔥 Instructions
1. Mix
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In a bowl, gently combine ground beef, egg, cheese, salt, and garlic powder.
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Mix just until combined — don’t overwork.
2. Shape
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Roll into 1½–2 inch balls.
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Lightly oil hands if needed.
3. Cook
Skillet method (best browning):
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Heat tallow or butter over medium heat.
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Brown meatballs on all sides (8–10 minutes total).
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Cover and cook 5 more minutes until internal temp hits 160°F (71°C).
Oven method:
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Preheat to 400°F (205°C).
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Bake on lined tray for 15–18 minutes.
4. Rest & serve
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Rest 3–5 minutes before eating.
🧈 Serving Ideas (Carnivore-Friendly)
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Dip in melted butter
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Serve with fried eggs
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Add bone broth reduction
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Eat cold (they’re still great)
❓ Q & A (Carnivore Meatballs Edition)
Q: Do I really need the egg?
A:
No, but it helps bind and keeps them juicy.
Without egg → denser, more steak-like texture.
Q: Can I make them dairy-free?
A:
Yes.
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Omit cheese
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Add 1 tbsp beef gelatin or extra egg yolk for moisture
Q: Why are my meatballs dry?
A:
Common reasons:
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Beef too lean (use 80/20 or 75/25)
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Overcooking
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Overmixing
Q: Can I use ground lamb or pork?
A:
Absolutely.
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Lamb = rich and juicy
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Pork = softer texture
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Mix meats for extra flavor
Q: Can I air fry these?
A:
Yes.
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375°F (190°C)
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10–12 minutes
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Shake halfway
Q: Can I meal prep or freeze them?
A:
Yes.
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Fridge: 4–5 days
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Freezer (cooked): up to 2 months
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Freezer (raw): up to 3 months
Q: How do I keep them from falling apart?
A:
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Use egg or cheese
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Chill meatballs 10 minutes before cooking
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Don’t flip too early
Q: Are these truly zero-carb?
A:
Yes (cheese contributes trace carbs but effectively zero per serving).
Q: Can I make them crispy?
A:
Yes 😈
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Finish uncovered in oven
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Or sear harder in cast iron with tallow
