Carnivore Creamy Meatballs (Skillet OR Oven-Baked)

Alright, these carnivore creamy meatballs? They’re rich, tender, and smothered in a buttery, savory cream sauce that’s low-carb and totally satisfying. No veggies, no fillers—just pure, meaty goodness.

I made them when I was cutting back on carbs and needed something comforting but still in line with the carnivore way of eating. Mixed up some ground beef and pork, added egg and cheese for binding, and let them simmer in a simple cream sauce. They turned out juicy, flavorful, and full of that cozy, homemade feel.

You can serve them on their own or over cauliflower mash if you’re not strict carnivore. Either way, they’re filling, protein-packed, and seriously crave-worthy. If you’re looking for an easy, keto-friendly meal that doesn’t hold back on flavor—these meatballs are it.

Let’s get cooking—you’re gonna want to keep this one on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Satisfying: With a smooth, creamy sauce and juicy meatballs, this is as close to comfort food as it gets—without the carbs.
• Zero-Carb Friendly: Made with only animal-based ingredients like meat, eggs, cheese, and butter. Perfect for carnivore or keto diets.
• Flexible Cooking Options: You can sear the meatballs in a skillet or bake them in the oven. Either way, they come out juicy and golden.
• Easy Prep, No Filler: No breadcrumbs, flour, or starches needed. Pork rinds add just enough texture to hold the meatballs together.
• Great for Meal Prep: These meatballs store and reheat well, making them ideal for weekly meal plans or leftover lunches.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 50 minutes from start to finish

Servings:
This recipe yields around 20 meatballs, which serves 4 to 5 people as a main course.

Difficulty Level:
This is an easy-to-make recipe that requires only basic mixing, shaping, and simmering skills. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced meal prepper, you’ll find the steps approachable.

Flavor Profile:

• Mildly seasoned with garlic and cheese
• Rich from the cream and butter sauce
• Slightly nutty and savory from parmesan and pork

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the meatball ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: To portion the spices, cheeses, and cream correctly.
• Cast Iron or Nonstick Skillet (12-inch): For browning meatballs and cooking the sauce.
• Baking Sheet with Parchment (optional): If you prefer to bake the meatballs.
• Tongs or a Heatproof Spatula: To turn the meatballs without breaking them.
• Whisk or Wooden Spoon: For stirring the cream sauce.

Ingredients for Carnivore Creamy Meatballs

This recipe uses simple, whole-food ingredients—all animal-based and pantry-friendly. Here’s what you need for both the meatballs and the sauce:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef: Choose 80/20 for the best balance of fat and flavor. Lean beef may dry out too quickly.
• ½ lb ground pork: Adds moisture and a soft bite to balance the beef.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the mixture and adds richness.
• ½ cup ricotta cheese: Gives the meatballs a creamy interior and a light texture.
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds salty, savory flavor and helps with structure.
• ½ cup pork rind crumbs: These replace breadcrumbs. Crush pork rinds finely or use pre-ground ones.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For mild, warm flavor that blends well into the meat.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional): Skip if you’re strict carnivore. Adds herby notes.
• ¾ teaspoon salt: Adjust based on the saltiness of your cheeses.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Balances the richness of the meat.

For the Cream Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream: The base of your sauce—thick, rich, and completely carb-free.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds body to the sauce and helps with browning.
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or garlic powder): Sautéed just briefly to infuse the cream.
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: Thickens and enriches the sauce naturally.
• Pinch of paprika (optional): Adds color and a subtle smoky flavor.
• Fresh basil (optional): For garnish and a pop of color—skip for strict carnivore.

Variations for Carnivore Creamy Meatballs

• Swap Ricotta for Cream Cheese: For an even denser texture and slight tang.
• No Pork Rinds: If needed, replace with extra grated parmesan, though the texture will be softer.
• Add Heat: Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or hot paprika to the cream sauce.
• Oven-Baked Version: If you prefer less mess, bake meatballs at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, then simmer in sauce.

How to Make Carnivore Creamy Meatballs – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ lb ground pork
• 1 egg
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan
• ½ cup pork rind crumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (if using)
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

How to Mix:
Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to gently mix everything together. Do not overmix—it can make the meatballs tough. Stop as soon as all ingredients are evenly combined.

2. Shape the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20 meatballs.

Tip: Lightly oil your hands or use a small cookie scoop to keep them uniform and prevent sticking.

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3. Brown the Meatballs (Skillet or Oven Method)

Stovetop Directions:

1. Heat a large cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil or a small amount of butter.
2. Add meatballs in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan). Brown on all sides for about 6–8 minutes total, turning gently.
3. Once browned, remove meatballs to a plate. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet—just golden on the outside.

Oven-Baking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until browned and just cooked through.

4. Make the Cream Sauce

Once the meatballs are browned and set aside, make the sauce in the same skillet (wipe out excess fat if needed):

1. Lower the heat to medium.
2. Add 2 tablespoons butter and let it melt.
3. Stir in 1 teaspoon minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir to combine.
5. Add ¼ cup parmesan cheese and a pinch of paprika (optional).
6. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–6 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.

5. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the cream sauce. Gently spoon sauce over the top and cover.

Simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes, or until meatballs are fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C).

The sauce will thicken slightly more as the meatballs cook and release their juices.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once done, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil (optional) and serve hot.

How to Serve Carnivore Creamy Meatballs

These meatballs are rich and filling on their own, but you can enjoy them in various ways:

• Solo: Eat them as-is for a high-fat, low-carb meal.
• With Eggs: Serve over scrambled or poached eggs for breakfast.
• With Broth: Add to a light beef broth for a comforting soup-style dish.
• Over Pureed Cauliflower (Non-Carnivore): For keto eaters who allow it, this is a creamy, soft base.

Storing Carnivore Creamy Meatballs

Proper storage helps preserve the flavor and texture of the meatballs and sauce.

Refrigerator:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to avoid overcooking the sauce.

Freezer:

• You can freeze both raw and cooked meatballs.
• Raw: Freeze shaped raw meatballs on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag and store up to 2 months.
• Cooked: Freeze cooked meatballs in a container with the sauce. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overmix the Meat: Gentle mixing keeps the meatballs tender. Overworking the mixture can make them dense.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: It helps create evenly sized meatballs, which cook more uniformly.
• Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling the sauce—low, steady heat will keep it smooth and creamy.
• Adjust Seasoning After Cooking: Taste the sauce at the end and adjust salt if needed.
• Use a Thermometer: To ensure the meatballs are fully cooked (160°F internal temperature), especially if you’ve browned but not baked them.

Nutrition

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbohydrates
5 Meatballs + Sauce	~520 kcal	~35g	~40g	<1g

Nutrition estimates based on common ingredients. Values may vary.

Carnivore Creamy Meatballs FAQs

Can I use only ground beef?

Yes. You can use just ground beef if preferred, though the mix of pork and beef gives a better texture and richer flavor. If using only beef, consider using 80/20 ground for more moisture.

What can I use instead of pork rinds?

If you don’t have pork rinds or prefer not to use them, try using more grated parmesan or omit entirely. Just note: the meatballs may turn out softer and slightly looser in structure.

Is ricotta cheese allowed on a strict carnivore diet?

It depends. Some versions of the carnivore diet allow for dairy like cheese and cream. If you follow a strict meat-only approach, substitute ricotta with extra ground meat or cream cheese, or omit it entirely.

Can I make this dairy-free?

This recipe is rich in dairy, and replacing it will drastically change the dish. A true dairy-free version isn’t recommended under a carnivore framework, which often includes cheese and cream as staples.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Alternatively, slice one meatball open—it should be cooked through with no pink center.

Will the sauce thicken more after cooling?

Yes. The cream and cheese will continue to thicken as it cools. If reheating later, stir in a splash of cream or butter to loosen it again.

Conclusion

Carnivore Creamy Meatballs offer all the comfort of a hearty, sauce-covered meat dish without the carbs, grains, or fillers. With a simple blend of meat, cheese, eggs, and cream, this recipe is perfect for anyone following a carnivore or low-carb diet, and it’s easy enough for weeknights.

Whether pan-seared or oven-baked, these meatballs come together quickly and deliver satisfying flavor in every bite. Best of all, they reheat beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep or leftovers.