Carnivore Ricotta Meatballs recipe—all animal‑based ingredients, zero fillers, and tons of flavor. Perfect for meal prep, week‑night dinners, or a party appetizer. 🥩🧀
🥩🧀 Carnivore Ricotta Meatballs
Prep Time | 10 min |
Cook Time | 20 min |
Total | 30 min |
Yield | 18–20 meatballs (4 servings) |
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) 80/20 ground beef
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½ lb (225 g) ground pork or Italian sausage (sugar‑free)
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¾ cup whole‑milk ricotta cheese
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1 large egg
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½ cup grated Parmesan (optional but tasty)
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1 tsp mineral‑rich salt (Redmond, Celtic, etc.)
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½ tsp ground black pepper
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1 tbsp beef tallow, ghee, or butter (for the pan)
Strict carnivore? Skip pepper and Parmesan.
Extra binding: Add ¼ cup finely crushed pork rinds.
Instructions
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Mix the Meatball Dough
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In a bowl combine beef, pork, ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
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Mix gently with your hands until just combined—over‑mixing makes them dense.
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Shape
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Roll into golf‑ball‑sized meatballs (about 1 ½ in / 4 cm). You should get 18–20.
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Cook (choose one method)
Cast‑iron / skillet:-
Heat tallow over medium‑high. Brown meatballs 2 min per side, then lower heat, cover, and cook 6‑8 min more until 160 °F/71 °C inside.
Oven‑bake: -
Pre‑heat to 400 °F (200 °C). Place meatballs on a parchment‑lined sheet; bake 15–18 min until browned and cooked through.
Air fryer: -
380 °F (195 °C) for 10–12 min, shaking once halfway.
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Finish & Serve
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Let rest 3 min to retain juices.
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Serve plain, with melted butter, or spoon over whipped ricotta for extra creaminess.
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Macro Snapshot* (per ¼ recipe, w/ Parmesan)
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Calories: ~520
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Protein: ~42 g
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Fat: ~39 g
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Carbs: 1 g
*Values vary with exact meats/cheese.
Tips & Variations
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Cheesy center: Hide a ½‑inch cube of mozzarella inside each meatball before cooking.
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Higher fat: Use 70/30 beef or add diced pancetta.
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Freezer‑friendly: Flash‑freeze cooked meatballs on a tray, then bag; reheat at 350 °F for 12 min.
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Saucy option (not strict carnivore): Simmer finished meatballs in warmed heavy cream + Parmesan for a decadent Alfredo vibe.
Enjoy these pillowy, protein‑packed meatballs—carnivore comfort food at its best!