Let me share with you one of the most satisfying dishes you can make on the carnivore diet – bacon wrapped cheddar meatballs.
When I first created this recipe, I wanted something that would make ground beef more exciting without breaking any carnivore diet rules. These meatballs turned out to be exactly what I was looking for.
The concept is simple but brilliant – take a perfectly seasoned meatball, hide some cheddar cheese inside, and wrap the whole thing in bacon.
When you bake them, something magical happens. The bacon gets crispy, the cheese melts, and the meat stays perfectly juicy.
These meatballs have become a regular part of my carnivore meal rotation, and for good reason. They’re filling, satisfying, and feel like a treat even though they’re completely carnivore friendly.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to make: Just mix, stuff, wrap, and bake. It’s a great recipe for busy days when you want something tasty but have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Protein Packed: If you’re looking for a meal that’s high in protein, this is it. The ground beef provides a good amount of protein, and the cheese adds even more.
This makes the meatballs very filling, which is great if you’re trying to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
Cheese Surprise: Every meatball has a delicious cheddar surprise in the middle. When you cut into them, the melted cheese slowly oozes out, creating that perfect “cheese pull” moment.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground Beef
- 1 Egg (whisked)
- Cheddar Cubes
- Bacon Strips
- Your Favorite Seasonings (I recommend using this seasoning – amazon link). Use just salt and pepper for strict carnivore.
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👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe to make the best carnivore bacon wrapped cheddar stuffed meatballs:
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, and seasonings. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 2
Divide the mixture into 10 portions and form each into a meatball, inserting a cube of cheddar cheese into the center of each.
Step 3
Wrap each cheese-stuffed meatball with a slice of bacon.
Step 4
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 5
Place the bacon-wrapped meatballs on a baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes. Then, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and broil for an additional 5-10 minutes, flipping once, until the bacon is crispy.
💡Tips
1. Bacon Wrapping
Wrapping the meatballs in bacon might seem straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, choose bacon that’s not too thick – regular sliced bacon works best. If the bacon is too thick, it might not crisp up properly in the oven.
Before wrapping, stretch the bacon slice slightly. This helps it stick to itself better and reduces shrinkage during cooking.
Start wrapping at one end of the meatball and work your way around, slightly overlapping each turn. Tuck the end of the bacon underneath the meatball or secure it with a toothpick if needed.
2. Choose the Right Ground Beef
For the best results, use ground beef with a fat content of around 80/20 or 85/15. This means 80-85% lean meat and 15-20% fat. This balance gives you meatballs that are juicy and flavorful, not dry or tough.
If you can, try to get freshly ground beef from your local butcher. It often has a better texture than pre packaged ground beef. Also, make sure the beef is cold when you start working with it.
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FAQ
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
To keep the cheese from leaking, completely seal the meat around the cheese cube. Any small gap or thin spot will let the cheese escape.
Make sure the cheese cube is centered in the meatball and that you have an even thickness of meat all around it.
Also, starting with cold cheese cubes helps – they melt more slowly, giving the meat time to cook and seal.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
No, you don’t need to grease the baking sheet. The bacon will release enough fat during cooking to prevent sticking.However, lining the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper makes cleanup much easier.
Carnivore Bacon Wrapped Cheddar Meatballs
Print RecipeIngredients
- 2 pounds Ground Beef
- 1 Egg whisked
- Cheddar Cubes
- Bacon Strips
- Your Favorite Seasonings (I recommend using this seasoning – amazon link). Use just salt and pepper for strict carnivore.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, and seasonings. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Divide the mixture into 10 portions and form each into a meatball, inserting a cube of cheddar cheese into the center of each.
- Wrap each cheese-stuffed meatball with a slice of bacon.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the bacon-wrapped meatballs on a baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes. Then, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and broil for an additional 5-10 minutes, flipping once, until the bacon is crispy.