🍔 Carnivore Italian Pizza Burgers
A juicy, cheesy, high-protein meal that combines the bold flavors of pizza and the satisfaction of a burger — all while staying low-carb and carnivore-friendly! Perfect for anyone following a keto, paleo, or carnivore diet.
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4 burgers
🥩 Ingredients
-
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
-
½ tsp salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
½ tsp garlic powder
-
½ tsp onion powder
-
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
-
4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
-
8 slices pepperoni
-
¼ cup sugar-free pizza sauce (optional for keto-friendly)
-
1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking)
-
Fresh basil or oregano (for garnish)
(Carnivore strict version: omit pizza sauce and herbs.)
👩🍳 Instructions
-
Preheat skillet or grill to medium-high heat.
-
Mix the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
-
Form into 4 burger patties, slightly larger than your bun substitute (or no bun if fully carnivore).
-
Cook burgers in a hot skillet or grill for 4–5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
-
Top each patty with a spoonful of pizza sauce (if using), 2 slices of pepperoni, and a slice of mozzarella.
-
Cover the pan for about 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts.
-
Serve hot, topped with basil or oregano if desired.
🍽️ Serving Options
-
Serve as-is for a strict carnivore meal.
-
Or use grilled portobello mushrooms or cheese “buns” for a keto-friendly version.
-
Add a side of zucchini fries, cauliflower mash, or grilled asparagus.
💬 Q&A Section
Q1: Can I make this 100% carnivore?
✅ Yes — just skip the pizza sauce and herbs. Use only meat, cheese, and pepperoni.
Q2: Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
✅ You can, but beef gives the best flavor and fat balance. If using lean meat, add a bit of butter or ghee.
Q3: Can I make these in an air fryer?
✅ Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Then top with cheese and pepperoni, and air fry for 1–2 more minutes to melt.
Q4: What cheese works best?
🧀 Mozzarella for that pizza stretch, or provolone for a smoky Italian flavor.
Q5: Can I prep these ahead?
✅ Yes! Shape patties and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months before cooking.
Q6: Are these keto-friendly too?
🔥 Absolutely. Just use sugar-free pizza sauce or skip it completely for 0 carbs.
