Today I’m sharing a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite for anyone following a carnivore diet: carnivore calzones. These meat-packed pockets are a satisfying twist on the classic Italian dish, but without any of the plant-based or carb ingredients.
If you’ve been sticking to a carnivore diet, you know that finding variety in your meals can sometimes be a challenge. That’s where these calzones come in. They’re a great way to mix things up.
What makes these calzones special is their simplicity. We’re using ground beef as the “dough,” and filling it with pepperoni and mozzarella. A sprinkle of BBQ spice rub adds just the right amount of flavor without straying from carnivore principles.
This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy techniques or equipment. In just a few steps, you’ll have a hearty, protein-rich meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a filling snack. Let’s get cooking!
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to make – These carnivore calzones are straightforward to prepare. If you’re short on time or not confident in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you.
Protein-packed – With ground beef as the main ingredient, these calzones are an excellent source of high-quality protein and fat, helping you meet your nutritional needs on a carnivore diet.
Great for meal prep – You can make these calzones in advance and reheat them throughout the week for quick and easy meals.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 2 pounds of Ground Beef (lean)
- 1 Egg (large)
- 4.5 oz Pepperoni
- Mozzarella String Cheese
- 1 tablespoon BBQ Spice Rub (use this rub – amazon link)
- 1/4 cup Pork Rind Breadcrumbs (use these pork rinds– amazon link)
- Optional: shredded Mozzarella to add on top
Recipe makes 3 calzones.
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👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
Combine the ground beef, pork rind crumbs, half of the BBQ rub, and the egg. Mix well and divide the meat mixture into 3 equal parts.
Step 2
Place one portion on a sheet of parchment paper. Fold in half and press. You should get a thin rectangle (about 1/3 inch in thickness. You don’t want it thinner or thicker than that).
Step 3
In the center of this rectangle, place a layer of pepperoni and the mozzarella sticks. Fold the meat over the filling to form a tube (use the parchment paper). Then seal the calzone by pressing the sides. Repeat for all the calzones.
Step 4
Wrap each calzone in parchment paper and chill in the fridge for 1 hour.
Step 5
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 300°F.
Step 6
Remove the calzones from the parchment paper and place them on a lined baking sheet. Season with the remaining rub and bake in the oven for about 50 minutes. Optional: add shredded mozzarella on top. Enjoy!
💡Tips
1. Experiment with Cheese Options
While the recipe calls for mozzarella string cheese, don’t be afraid to experiment with other types of cheese that melt well.
Hard cheeses like aged cheddar or Parmesan can add a nice sharp flavor, while softer cheeses like Brie or Camembert can create a creamy, indulgent filling. You could even try a mix of cheeses.
2. Cheese Topping
For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding shredded cheese (I recommend Mozzarella) to the top of your calzones during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. This technique, often called “cheese crust” can take your carnivore calzones to the next level.
You’ll Love These Recipes Too
Make sure to check out these amazing carnivore recipes too:
Carnivore Calzone
- 2 pounds of Ground Beef lean
- 1 Egg large
- 4.5 oz Pepperoni
- Mozzarella String Cheese
- 1 tablespoon BBQ Spice Rub (use this rub - amazon link)
- 1/4 cup Pork Rind Breadcrumbs (use these pork rinds- amazon link)
- Optional: shredded Mozzarella to add on top
- Combine the ground beef, pork rind crumbs, half of the BBQ rub, and the egg. Mix well and divide the meat mixture into 3 equal parts.
- Place one portion on a sheet of parchment paper. Fold in half and press. You should get a thin rectangle (about 1/3 inch in thickness. You don’t want it thinner or thicker than that).
- In the center of this rectangle, place a layer of pepperoni and the mozzarella sticks. Fold the meat over the filling to form a tube (use the parchment paper). Then seal the calzone by pressing the sides. Repeat for all the calzones.
- Wrap each calzone in parchment paper and chill in the fridge for 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 300°F.
- Remove the calzones from the parchment paper and place them on a lined baking sheet. Season with the remaining rub and bake in the oven for about 50 minutes. Optional: add shredded mozzarella on top. Enjoy!
These look fabulous! Going to try next week. I’ve been carnivore for over a year now and always looking for new recipes to mix it up. Thank you!!