If you’re following a carnivore diet, finding meal ideas that are both easy to make and satisfying can sometimes be a challenge. This carnivore casserole is the answer—packed with flavorful meats, creamy cheeses, and nutritious fats, it’s an all-in-one meal that delivers on taste and convenience.
This casserole is simple to put together and uses only animal-based ingredients, making it the perfect comfort food for those adhering strictly to a meat-based lifestyle. It’s great for meal prepping, feeding the family, or just enjoying a filling dish that’s low in carbs and high in protein. Ready to dive into a carnivore-friendly dish that’s rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Carnivore Casserole
- Pure Carnivore Ingredients: This casserole includes only animal-based ingredients, with a focus on meat, cheese, and cream.
- High in Protein and Fats: Perfect for those following a carnivore or keto lifestyle, this casserole is packed with essential fats and proteins to keep you satiated.
- Easy Meal Prep: It’s ideal for preparing ahead of time—just pop it in the fridge, and you have a quick, reheatable meal throughout the week.
Ingredients for Carnivore Casserole Recipe
- 1 pound ground beef (or mix with ground pork or lamb for extra flavor)
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (sugar-free if possible)
- 8 ounces bacon (diced)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, depending on the strictness of your diet)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Carnivore Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or beef tallow to ensure nothing sticks.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Meat
Using the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the ground beef and breakfast sausage. Cook over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon until it is fully browned, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if desired, but leaving some in will add extra richness to the dish.
Step 4: Combine with Cream Cheese
Once the meat is browned, reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until it’s completely melted and well mixed with the meat. The cream cheese helps bind the ingredients and makes the casserole rich and creamy.
Step 5: Add Heavy Cream and Bacon
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and mix well. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly. Then, stir in the cooked bacon pieces and mix until everything is evenly combined.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the meat mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheese, making sure it covers the entire surface. The cheese will form a delicious golden crust during baking.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown. You can turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes if you want a more golden, crispy top, but watch it carefully to avoid burning.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the dish set a bit and makes it easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions for Carnivore Casserole
This carnivore casserole is hearty and filling all on its own, but you can make it even better by pairing it with other carnivore-friendly sides:
- Crispy Pork Rinds: Serve alongside pork rinds for an extra crunch.
- Carnivore Dipping Sauce: Pair with a dipping sauce like melted ghee or garlic butter for added flavor.
- Soft Scrambled Eggs: Add some soft scrambled eggs on the side for a complete breakfast-style meal.
Tips for Making the Perfect Carnivore Casserole
- Mix Up the Meats: Feel free to use a mix of meats for added flavor. Combining ground beef, pork, and sausage can make the casserole taste richer and more complex.
- Don’t Drain All the Fat: Keeping some of the rendered fat adds more flavor and keeps the casserole moist and satisfying.
- Adjust Seasoning: Depending on your preference and the type of sausage used, you may want to add extra salt or black pepper. Always taste as you go.
Variations for Carnivore Casserole
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole: Replace the ground beef and sausage with shredded chicken. Add ranch seasoning (make sure it’s carnivore-compliant) for a classic chicken bacon ranch flavor.
- Lamb and Feta Casserole: Use ground lamb instead of beef, and top the casserole with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
- Cheeseburger Casserole: Keep it simple with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and add a small amount of sugar-free mustard for a cheeseburger-inspired flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to bake, simply pop it into the oven, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How should I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I freeze this casserole? Absolutely. You can freeze the casserole after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until fully heated.
Can I use other types of cheese? Yes! This casserole is very versatile, and you can use whatever cheese you like. Cheddar, mozzarella, Gouda, or even Monterey Jack all work well. Choose your favorite cheese for a flavor you enjoy.
Is this casserole keto-friendly as well? Yes, this carnivore casserole is also keto-friendly, as it’s low in carbs and high in fats and protein. If you prefer a little more flavor variety, you could add keto-friendly herbs or spices.
Conclusion
This carnivore casserole is the ultimate comfort food for those on a meat-based diet. It’s packed with savory meats, creamy cheeses, and just the right amount of fat to make it a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you’re preparing it for family dinner, using it for weekly meal prep, or just craving something warm and filling, this casserole has got you covered.
The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the ease of preparation makes this recipe one you’ll turn to again and again. With just a handful of animal-based ingredients, you can enjoy a rich, comforting casserole that’s perfect for keeping you satisfied on your carnivore journey.
