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Carnivore Pizza Burger

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  • Cuisine: American, Keto, Carnivore

  • Dietary Info: Gluten-Free, Zero-Carb, Keto-Friendly, Low-Carb, High-Fat

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

  • Servings: 1 very hearty serving (or 2 smaller servings)

Intensities

This recipe is easy to follow but requires a bit of active attention at the stove.

  • Ease of Cooking: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium)
    Making two patties and assembling the burger is simple, but managing the sear on the patties and melting the cheese to perfection requires a bit of focus.

  • Flavor Intensity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High)
    This is a bold, umami-packed flavor bomb. The rich beef, salty pepperoni, and creamy mozzarella create a deeply satisfying and intense carnivore experience.

Ingredients

  • For the Burger “Crust”:

    • 340g – 450g (12oz – 1lb) Ground Beef (80/20 is ideal for juiciness and flavor)

    • 1/2 tsp Salt

    • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (optional, omit for strict carnivore)

    • 1 tbsp Butter, Tallow, or Bacon Grease (for frying)

  • For the Pizza Topping:

    • 1/4 cup Low-Carb Marinara or Pizza Sauce (make sure it’s sugar-free; Rao’s is a popular choice. For strict carnivore, use a meat sauce or omit.)

    • 1 cup Shredded Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese

    • 6-8 slices Pepperoni (or more, to your liking)

    • Pinch of Dried Oregano (optional, for garnish)

  • For Serving (Optional but Recommended):

    • Sliced Pickles (for a side)

    • Mayonnaise mixed with a little hot sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

1. Prep the Patties:
Begin by taking your ground beef out of the refrigerator. Divide the meat into two equal portions. Gently form each portion into a ball, then flatten them into patties. You want them to be slightly wider than your hand and about 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick. They will shrink slightly as they cook. Creating a slight dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb will help them cook flat and not bulge in the middle. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the “Crust”:
Place a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chosen cooking fat (butter, tallow, or bacon grease) and let it get hot and shimmering. Carefully place both patties in the skillet. Do not overcrowd; they should have a little space. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving them. This allows a beautiful, dark crust to form. Flip the patties and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side.

3. Create the Burger Base:
Once flipped, place the two slices of pepperoni on top of one of the patties. Immediately top the pepperoni with about half of your shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the second patty directly on top of the cheese, creating a burger “sandwich.” If you’re comfortable, you can try to flip the whole stack so the second patty is now on the bottom, but it’s easier to simply place it on top and let the heat from the skillet continue to cook it from below.

4. The Pizza Finish:
Now for the fun part. Carefully spoon your sugar-free marinara sauce over the top patty. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. Sprinkle with a pinch of dried oregano if you’re using it.

5. Melt and Serve:
To ensure the cheese melts perfectly, you have two options. If your skillet is oven-safe, you can place the entire skillet under a preheated broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching it very closely so it doesn’t burn. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of water to the skillet (away from the burger) and quickly cover it with a tight-fitting lid. The steam will help melt the cheese in about a minute. Once the cheese is bubbly and the pepperoni is slightly crisped at the edges, use a large spatula to carefully transfer your magnificent Carnivore Pizza Burger to a plate.

Chef’s Tips

  • Don’t Overwork the Meat: When forming your patties, handle the ground beef as little as possible. Overworking it can result in a dense, tough burger. You want it tender.

  • Fat is Flavor: Using an 80/20 ground beef blend is crucial here. The fat renders as it cooks, basting the meat and keeping it incredibly juicy. Don’t use lean ground beef.

  • Make it Truly Carnivore: To adhere strictly to a carnivore diet, you have two great options. First, simply omit the tomato-based marinara sauce. The combination of beef, cheese, and pepperoni is still phenomenal. Second, make a “meat sauce” by browning some ground beef or finely chopped beef with salt and a little water to create a rich, meaty topping instead of the marinara.

Nutrition Information

*(Nutrition is estimated for the full recipe using 1lb of 80/20 ground beef, full-fat mozzarella, standard pepperoni, and a 1/4 cup of sugar-free marinara sauce. Values may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.)*

  • Calories: ~1280 kcal

  • Fat: ~96g

  • Saturated Fat: ~44g

  • Carbohydrates: ~4g (Net Carbs)

  • Fiber: ~1g

  • Sugar: ~2g

  • Protein: ~92g

  • Sodium: ~2100mg

Enjoy your ultimate carnivore indulgence! Let us know how you liked it in the comments below.

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