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Carnivore Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Cooking Intensity: Easy

Description:
Craving pizza but committed to your carnivore lifestyle? This Carnivore Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is your ultimate solution. By using a simple “meat-crust” of ground beef and eggs, and layering it with creamy, tangy cheese and generous amounts of pepperoni, this dish replicates the soul-satisfying essence of a pepperoni pizza without a single grain, vegetable, or sugar. It’s rich, deeply flavorful, and incredibly satiating—a perfect family-friendly dinner that proves the carnivore diet is anything but boring.

Ingredients:

  • For the Meat Crust:

    • 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for optimal fat and flavor)

    • 2 large eggs

    • 1 tsp garlic powder (optional, for those who include dairy-based seasonings)

    • 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)

    • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

    • ½ tsp black pepper (optional)

  • For the Layering & Topping:

    • 8 oz (225g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature

    • ½ cup heavy whipping cream

    • 1 ½ cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

    • 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese

    • 6 oz (170g) sugar-free pepperoni slices, divided

    • ½ cup (120ml) sugar-free pizza sauce or marinara sauce (optional, for a “crustless pizza” experience. Omit for strict carnivore).

Equipment:

  • 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish

  • Large mixing bowl

  • Hand mixer or whisk

  • Skillet (for browning beef, if preferred)

  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, take the cream cheese out of its packaging and place it in a medium bowl to soften further.

2. Create the Meat Crust Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper (if using). Use your hands to mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated. This mixture is your “dough.”
Press the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of your ungreased 9×13 inch baking dish, forming a solid, uniform crust layer.

3. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Layer:
To the bowl with the softened cream cheese, add the heavy whipping cream. Using a hand mixer or a vigorous whisk, beat the mixture until it is completely smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. This is your rich “sauce” layer.
Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the entire surface of the raw meat crust with a spatula.

4. Add the Optional Sauce (If Using):
If you are including pizza sauce for a more traditional flavor, gently spoon it over the cream cheese layer. Use the back of the spoon to spread it into a thin, even layer.

5. First Cheese & Pepperoni Layer:
Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella and all of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Now, take half of your pepperoni slices (3 oz) and distribute them in a single layer over the cheese.

6. Bake:
Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. The meat crust will cook through, and the cheeses will be melted and bubbly.

7. Final Topping & Finish:
Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Top with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese and the rest of the pepperoni slices. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the top layer of cheese is perfectly melted and the pepperoni on top has just begun to crisp at the edges.

8. Rest & Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to cut into clean portions. Serve hot, scooped directly onto plates.

Chef’s Notes & Tips:

  • Meat Variations: Ground Italian sausage (check for sugar-free) can be used in place of half the beef for a more complex, herby flavor.

  • Cheese Swaps: Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like provolone, gouda, or a pre-shredded “pizza blend.”

  • For Strict Carnivores: Omit the optional seasonings, black pepper, and pizza sauce. The cream, cheeses, and pepperoni provide immense flavor on their own.

  • Texture Preference: For a firmer, more browned meat crust, you can quickly pan-sear the ground beef mixture before pressing it into the dish, though this adds an extra step.

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a covered dish in the oven.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):

  • Calories: ~780 kcal

  • Total Fat: 65g

  • Saturated Fat: 30g

  • Protein: 45g

  • Total Carbohydrates: 3g

  • Dietary Fiber: 0g

  • Net Carbs: 3g (Note: Carbs come from dairy and any optional sauce/seasonings. For strict zero-carb, omit optional ingredients.)

  • Sugars: 2g

  • Cholesterol: 240mg

  • Sodium: 1450mg (Varies greatly with pepperoni and cheese brands; choose lower-sodium options if needed.)

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