Carnivore Cottage Cheese & Meat Bake
This Carnivore Cottage Cheese & Meat Bake is a protein-packed, filling meal that aligns with the carnivore diet’s strict guidelines. By focusing on animal-based ingredients, this dish is high in protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense foods like eggs, cottage cheese, and meats. This recipe can be made as a savory breakfast or lunch and can be customized to your preferences by choosing your favorite animal-based proteins. Here’s how to make a hearty and satisfying carnivore-friendly bake.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese (Choose full-fat for higher fat content, which is preferred on the carnivore diet)
- 8 large eggs (A great source of protein and fat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste (optional, but adds flavor)
- 4 servings of cheese (e.g., cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese you prefer, grated or cubed)
- 1-2 cups cooked ground beef, bacon, or breakfast sausage (Choose any or all of these for added protein)
- Butter or animal fat for greasing the pan
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish or casserole dish with butter, bacon fat, or any animal fat of your choice. This will prevent the bake from sticking to the pan and add extra richness to the dish.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, crack all 8 eggs. Whisk them until the yolks and whites are fully blended.
- Add the cottage cheese to the eggs. Stir the mixture until well combined.
- Season the egg and cottage cheese mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (optional). The garlic powder adds a nice savory note but can be omitted if you want to stick to just meat and dairy.
- Incorporate the Meat:
- Next, cook your chosen animal-based protein. You can use ground beef, bacon, or breakfast sausage—whichever you prefer or have on hand.
- If using ground beef, brown the meat in a skillet until it’s fully cooked and crumbled. If you’re using bacon, cook it until crispy, then chop it into small pieces. For breakfast sausage, crumble and cook it in a skillet until browned and fully cooked.
- Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess fat if desired (though keeping some fat will enhance the flavor and make the dish more satisfying).
- Stir the cooked meat into the egg and cottage cheese mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Add Cheese:
- Once your meat is mixed into the egg and cottage cheese base, add the grated or cubed cheese to the dish. This will melt and create a creamy, cheesy texture throughout the bake.
- Bake the Dish:
- Pour the entire mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set, and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. You can check the doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center—if it comes out clean, the bake is ready.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. Then, slice it into 4 servings. Each serving will be packed with protein from the eggs, cottage cheese, and meat, giving you a filling and nutritious meal.
- Enjoy as-is or pair with a side of extra meats like more bacon or sausage if you’re looking to increase your protein intake further.
Tips for Customization:
- Meat Options: You can use any combination of ground beef, bacon, sausage, or even leftover steak or chicken. The key is using animal-based proteins.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.
- Increase Fat: For a higher fat content, add extra cheese or drizzle melted butter over the top of the bake before serving.
- Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
This carnivore bake provides approximately:
- Protein: 35-40g per serving, depending on the choice of meat
- Fat: 25-30g per serving
- Carbs: 5-7g per serving (mostly from the cottage cheese)
By focusing on high-protein and high-fat ingredients, this bake will keep you full and energized throughout the day while staying true to the carnivore diet.
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