Carnivore Empanadas Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dough:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup almond flour (optional, for texture; if strictly carnivore, use more cheese instead of almond flour)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:

• In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed, but leave a little for flavor.
• Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the sour cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheese. Mix everything until well combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Once the mixture is creamy and smooth, stir in the cooked bacon. Set the filling aside to cool slightly.

2. Make the Dough:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese and cream cheese. Microwave for about 30 seconds, stir, and then microwave for another 30 seconds, until both cheeses are melted and combined into a dough-like consistency.
• Once melted, add the egg, almond flour (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder (optional). Stir until everything is well mixed and a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more almond flour or shredded cheese until it’s manageable.

3. Assemble the Empanadas:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Divide the dough into small balls (about 6-8 pieces, depending on the size you want). Roll each ball into a flat circle on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat. You can use a rolling pin or press it with your hands.
• Spoon a generous amount of the beef and bacon filling onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal the empanada. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a more secure seal.

4. Bake the Empanadas:

• Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the dough is golden and crispy.

5. Serve:

• Once baked, allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. These carnivore empanadas are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in the fridge and reheated.

Tips for Sucess:

• If you’re not following a strict carnivore diet, you can add a small amount of almond flour to the dough for texture. However, if you want to keep it 100% carnivore, you can substitute more shredded cheese instead.
• You can add different carnivore-friendly seasonings like smoked paprika or a bit of hot sauce to the beef filling if you want to enhance the flavor.

Enjoy these Carnivore Empanadas as a delicious snack, lunch, or dinner! They’re rich in protein and fat, keeping you full and satisfied while sticking to your carnivore diet.