This Carnivore Pizza is a protein-packed delight that skips the carbs but packs in the flavor! Ground pork and beef form the perfect meaty crust, enhanced by a generous mix of Colby Jack and Monterey Jack cheeses for a creamy, savory bite in every slice. Italian seasonings elevate the taste, making each bite feel indulgent yet perfectly aligned with keto or carnivore lifestyles. Perfect for any weeknight, this easy recipe can be prepped in minutes and satisfies all your pizza cravings without the added carbs. Customize it with pepperoni or your favorite carnivore-friendly toppings, and enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and effortlessly delicious!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup Colby Jack cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for strict carnivore)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional for strict carnivore)
- Topping: 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, grated
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch casserole dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, black pepper, salt, Italian seasoning, xanthan gum, Colby Jack, and Monterey Jack cheeses. If using, add garlic powder and onion powder.
- Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is thoroughly cooked.
- Carefully remove from the oven, drain any excess oil, and sprinkle with Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese.
- Optionally, add pepperoni slices before returning to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 275 kcal | Servings: 4
Background of the Carnivore Pizza
The Carnivore Pizza is a spin on traditional pizza that caters to the growing popularity of the carnivore diet, a lifestyle centered on animal-based products and excluding most carbs, plant-based foods, and grains. Rooted in the paleo and primal lifestyle trends, the carnivore diet aims to eliminate common allergens and provide a straightforward, high-protein, low-carb way to eat. While the concept of pizza has been around for centuries, this recipe reimagines it by removing carb-heavy crusts in favor of a satisfying, protein-rich base made from ground meats.
The carnivore diet has gained traction recently as people have explored various low-carb lifestyles like keto and paleo. With the Carnivore Pizza, keto and carnivore enthusiasts have a chance to enjoy the flavor and comfort of pizza without compromising their dietary principles. This pizza is ideal for anyone wanting to savor the essence of pizza in a meat-centric, cheese-laden form.
Health Benefits of the Carnivore Pizza
The Carnivore Pizza is a nutrient-dense dish filled with health benefits. Here’s what makes it a powerhouse:
- High in Protein: With a base made from ground beef and pork, this pizza packs a punch of protein, which supports muscle growth, tissue repair, and hormone production. High protein meals are also more satiating, which can help with appetite control and weight management.
- Keto-Friendly Fats: The combination of cheeses in this recipe (Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, and Mozzarella) provides fats that are essential for anyone following a ketogenic diet. These fats aid in reaching ketosis, where the body burns fat as its primary fuel source. The recipe is also very low in carbohydrates, aligning well with the keto goal of staying under certain carb limits.
- Supports Blood Sugar Regulation: A high-fat, low-carb meal like Carnivore Pizza has minimal impact on blood sugar levels, helping to avoid insulin spikes and supporting stable energy throughout the day.
- Ideal for Weight Loss and Satiety: The fats and protein in this pizza make it highly satisfying. Fat-rich and protein-dense meals delay gastric emptying, keeping you fuller for longer. This can be beneficial for those aiming for calorie control without feeling deprived.
- Minimizes Anti-Nutrients and Allergens: With no grains, gluten, or vegetable oils, this pizza minimizes common anti-nutrients and allergens found in standard pizzas. Anti-nutrients in some plants, like lectins and oxalates, can interfere with nutrient absorption and may cause sensitivities in some people. By focusing on animal products, this pizza sidesteps these issues entirely.
Why Carnivore Pizza Stands Out
The Carnivore Pizza is not only simple to make but offers a versatile, satisfying meal option that’s also customizable for different tastes within the keto and carnivore community. Here are some reasons why this recipe shines:
- Minimalist Ingredients: The recipe relies on a handful of ingredients easily found in any grocery store, making it accessible and straightforward. Unlike many low-carb alternatives that require specialty flours or obscure ingredients, Carnivore Pizza uses familiar items like ground meat, cheese, and basic seasonings.
- Ease of Preparation: This pizza can be prepared and cooked within 40 minutes, making it a viable choice for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. With a few simple steps—combining ingredients, spreading in a pan, baking, and topping with cheese—anyone can make it with ease.
- Flavorful Yet Customizable: The base recipe is delicious, but it can also be adapted by adding toppings such as pepperoni, additional cheese varieties, or even bacon for extra texture and flavor. Some may also choose to experiment with spice levels by adding more black pepper, garlic powder, or cayenne.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: The Carnivore Pizza can be made in larger batches, cut into portions, and stored in the fridge or freezer. It’s ideal for meal prepping, allowing followers of keto or carnivore diets to have quick meals ready throughout the week.
How to Enjoy Carnivore Pizza Beyond the Recipe
This recipe is versatile enough to enjoy in different forms. Here are some ways to enjoy Carnivore Pizza in various settings:
- Serve with a Side Salad (for non-carnivore followers): If you’re not strictly adhering to the carnivore diet, a fresh green salad on the side can add a refreshing balance to the rich, cheesy pizza.
- Layer with Toppings: For those who want to get creative, additional meats like pepperoni or sausage can be layered on top before the final bake.
- Use as Meal Prep for Quick Lunches: Make a large batch of Carnivore Pizza and portion it for quick, high-protein lunches during the week.
- Top with Avocado or Guacamole: While not strictly carnivore, avocado is a great keto-friendly topping that can add creaminess and a unique flavor to your pizza.
Carnivore Pizza vs. Traditional Low-Carb Pizzas
Unlike typical low-carb or keto pizzas that often rely on cauliflower crusts or almond flour bases, the Carnivore Pizza base is entirely meat-based. This results in a denser, more satisfying bite that’s distinctly savory. Traditional keto pizza crusts may include added fiber from cauliflower or almond flour, which can be less satiating for those accustomed to high-protein diets. The Carnivore Pizza, in contrast, offers a true carnivore experience without filler ingredients, making it ideal for anyone looking to maximize their intake of animal-based nutrients.
Tips for Perfecting Carnivore Pizza
To achieve the best results with your Carnivore Pizza, consider these helpful tips:
- Drain the Fat: After the initial bake, remove excess fat from the baking dish. This keeps the pizza’s texture balanced and prevents it from becoming too greasy.
- Choose Quality Meats: The taste of the pizza largely depends on the quality of the meat. Opt for grass-fed beef or high-quality pork whenever possible to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: While pre-grated cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. For best results, grate your cheese fresh from the block.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Italian seasoning and black pepper provide classic pizza flavors, but don’t hesitate to try additional spices, such as smoked paprika or red pepper flakes, for a unique twist.
Nutritional Value and Dietary Considerations
The Carnivore Pizza is not only a protein-rich option but also a low-calorie meal considering its density and nutritional profile. Each slice offers a balance of fats and proteins, supporting muscle maintenance, energy, and satiety. The calorie count of around 275 per serving makes it manageable even for those counting calories, while the absence of carbs ensures it won’t disrupt ketosis.
For those adhering to the strictest form of carnivore, simply omit the garlic powder, onion powder, or any plant-based spices to stay within the confines of a purely animal-based diet. This pizza’s flexibility to accommodate stricter or more lenient interpretations of carnivory is one of its greatest assets.
Conclusion
The Carnivore Pizza is a revelation for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle who doesn’t want to give up the comfort and flavor of pizza. It’s easy to make, versatile, and packed with protein and fats, helping to keep you full and fueled for hours. Whether you’re a strict carnivore, a keto enthusiast, or simply looking for a low-carb alternative to traditional pizza, this recipe offers something deliciously satisfying for every taste.
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Carnivore Pizza
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
This Carnivore Pizza is a protein-packed delight that skips the carbs but packs in the flavor! Ground pork and beef form the perfect meaty crust, enhanced by a generous mix of Colby Jack and Monterey Jack cheeses for a creamy, savory bite in every slice. Italian seasonings elevate the taste, making each bite feel indulgent yet perfectly aligned with keto or carnivore lifestyles. Perfect for any weeknight, this easy recipe can be prepped in minutes and satisfies all your pizza cravings without the added carbs. Customize it with pepperoni or your favorite carnivore-friendly toppings, and enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and effortlessly delicious!
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup Colby Jack cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for strict carnivore)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional for strict carnivore)
- Topping: 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch casserole dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, black pepper, salt, Italian seasoning, xanthan gum, Colby Jack, and Monterey Jack cheeses. If using, add garlic powder and onion powder.
- Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is thoroughly cooked.
- Carefully remove from the oven, drain any excess oil, and sprinkle with Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese.
- Optionally, add pepperoni slices before returning to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes