Carnivore Meatball Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef, pork, or lamb, depending on your preference)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, depending on your level of dairy tolerance)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp beef tallow or butter (for binding)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional, depending on your dietary restrictions)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (optional, but adds richness and a creamy texture)
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, optional for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup beef broth or water (if needed to adjust consistency)
• 1 tbsp butter (to grease the casserole dish)
• Fresh herbs like parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish (9×9 or similar) with butter.
2. Make the Meatballs:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat with the grated Parmesan cheese (if using), egg, beef tallow or butter, garlic powder (optional), salt, and pepper.
   • Mix everything together until the ingredients are fully combined. If the mixture is too wet or sticky, add more ground beef or a small amount of pork rind crumbs (if allowed) to bind.
   • Roll the mixture into meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them in a single layer in a baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. While the meatballs bake, prepare the casserole sauce.
3. Prepare the Casserole Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the heavy cream and cream cheese (if using). Stir to combine and melt the cream cheese into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
   • If the sauce is too thick, add the beef broth or water, stirring until you reach a pourable consistency.
   • Add salt and pepper to taste. If you like a richer flavor, you can add additional cheese at this point and stir until it melts into the sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Once the meatballs are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and arrange them in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
   • Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the meatballs, making sure each meatball is covered with a nice amount of sauce.
   • Sprinkle the top with some extra grated cheese (optional) for added richness and flavor.
5. Bake the Casserole:
   • Place the casserole in the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, and the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness (optional).

Tips:

• Meat Choice: You can customize the meatballs with your preferred ground meat. Ground beef is the most common choice, but you could also mix in pork or lamb for a different flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can make the meatballs without the cheese and use a non-dairy cream substitute (like coconut cream) in the casserole sauce.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat it in the oven before serving.

This Carnivore Meatball Casserole is rich, satisfying, and packed with protein and fat—making it the perfect dish for anyone following a carnivore lifestyle.