Today we’re going to make carnivore cheese meatballs. If you’ve been searching for a protein rich meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, this recipe is exactly what you need.
What makes these meatballs special is the surprise inside – a perfectly melted piece of mozzarella cheese that creates an amazing stretchy center when you cut into them.
The combination of well seasoned ground beef and cheese creates a rich, filling meal that works great for lunch or dinner.
If you’re following a strict carnivore diet, you can make these with just meat, cheese, and salt. But if you’re more flexible, adding a few simple seasonings can enhance the flavor even more.
These meatballs are also great for meal prep since you can make a batch and store them in the fridge for several days. They reheat well.
Whether you’re new to the carnivore diet or have been following it for a while, these meatballs are sure to become a regular part of your meal rotation.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Satisfying: These meatballs are filling and satisfying. After eating them, you’ll feel full and content.
This can be helpful if you’re trying to eat less overall or if you just want a meal that will keep you going for a while. They’re hearty without being too heavy.
Only 3 Core Ingredients: This recipe only needs ground beef, mozzarella cheese, and salt. That’s it! This makes shopping incredibly simple and keeps things strictly carnivore friendly.
Protein Packed: These meatballs are full of protein. Protein is important for keeping your muscles healthy and helping you feel full after eating. If you’re trying to eat more protein, these meatballs are a tasty way to do it.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground Beef
- 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt (use this smoked salt – amazon link)
- Optional: Coriander, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder (omit for strict carnivore)
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👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe and make the best carnivore meatballs:
Step 1
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
Mix the meat and salt (add the other seasonings too if using) in a bowl.
Step 3
Slice the cheese into 8 cubes and divide the meat into 8 portions.
Step 4
Form a ball from each portion and make a well in the center. Insert the mozzarella cheese inside and press the meat around until it covers it completely. You can add a bit of shredded cheese on top of each meatball as well.
Step 5
Bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the meatballs to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
💡Tips
1. Don’t Overwork The Meat
When you’re mixing the ground beef with the salt and any other seasonings, try not to mix it too much.
Overmixing can make your meatballs tough. Use your hands to mix everything together, but stop as soon as all the ingredients are evenly distributed. It’s okay if it’s not perfectly smooth.
2. Let Them Rest Before Serving
I suggested letting the meatballs cool for 10 minutes before serving, and this is an important step.
During this resting time, the juices in the meat redistribute, making the meatballs juicier and more flavorful when you eat them.
It also allows the cheese to set a little bit, so it doesn’t all run out when you cut into the meatball.
Use this resting time to prepare any sides you want to serve with the meatballs. If you’re not eating them right away, you can let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
They should keep well for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to eat them.
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FAQ
1. How do I know when they’re done?
The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut one open at the 20-minute mark – the meat should be brown all the way through with no pink spots.
The cheese should be completely melted inside. Remember that they’ll continue cooking slightly during the 10 minute rest period.
2. What if my cheese leaks out during baking?
Don’t worry – this happens sometimes and the meatballs will still taste great! To prevent leakage, make sure you’re sealing the meat around the cheese really well with no gaps or thin spots.
If cheese does leak, let the meatballs cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet – the cheese will firm up .
Carnivore Cheese Meatballs
Print RecipeIngredients
- 2 pounds Ground Beef
- 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt (use this smoked salt – amazon link)
- Optional: Coriander 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder (omit for strict carnivore)
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the meat and salt (add the other seasonings too if using) in a bowl.
- Slice the cheese into 8 cubes and divide the meat into 8 portions.
- Form a ball from each portion and make a well in the center. Insert the mozzarella cheese inside and press the meat around until it covers it completely. You can add a bit of shredded cheese on top of each meatball as well.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow the meatballs to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!