Carnivore Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Meatballs Recipe
These carnivore bacon-wrapped cheddar meatballs are a flavorful, high-protein dish that blends the savory taste of beef, the richness of cheddar cheese, and the smoky goodness of crispy bacon. Perfect for anyone following a carnivore or keto diet, these meatballs are simple to make and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works best for flavor and texture)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- For Wrapping:
- 12 slices of bacon (or more, depending on how thick you wrap them)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your meatballs cook evenly and the bacon gets crispy.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, egg, heavy cream (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined. The cheese will provide a rich, melty center for the meatballs, and the seasonings will give them a delicious, savory flavor.
- Shape the Meatballs: Take about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball, making sure it’s compact. You should end up with around 12-14 meatballs, depending on the size you prefer. Try to make them uniform in size for even cooking.
- Wrap with Bacon: Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each meatball. You can either fully wrap the bacon around each ball, or you can do a simple “spiral” wrapping where the bacon slightly overlaps itself, leaving a little bit of the meatball exposed. If you want extra crispiness, you can cut the bacon slices in half, depending on how tightly you want to wrap them.
- Place on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. Place the wrapped meatballs on the sheet, ensuring that there’s a little space between each one for the heat to circulate. If you used a wire rack, the bacon grease will drip down, leaving you with crispier bacon.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them around the 20-minute mark to check the bacon’s crispiness. If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, you can place the meatballs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, but be sure to watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F for beef), remove the meatballs from the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set. You can serve them as an appetizer, a main dish, or even as part of a larger carnivore meal plan.
Tips:
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Bacon Choice: Thicker bacon tends to wrap better and crisps up more evenly.
- Freezing: These meatballs freeze well. You can make a big batch and store them in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat them in the oven to preserve their crispiness.
These bacon-wrapped cheddar meatballs are perfect for meal prep, parties, or just a satisfying dinner. With the combination of beef, cheese, and bacon, each bite is a rich, savory explosion that will leave you full and satisfied. Enjoy!