Carnivore Cheeseburger Pizza Pie

This recipe is perfect for those following a carnivore or keto diet, for a spectacularly satisfying weekend feast, or for anyone who believes a meal isn’t complete without a serious dose of meat and cheese. Forget the takeout menu; this homemade, from-scratch pie is a show-stopper that delivers on every front—flavor, texture, and pure indulgence.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Course: Main Course

• Cuisine: American, Fusion

• Diet: Gluten-Free, Keto, Low-Carb, Carnivore

• Servings: 6

• Cooking Intensity: Medium – Requires a few steps but is straightforward for most home cooks.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9-inch Springform Pan or Deep Pie Dish (essential for the “pie” shape)

• Large Mixing Bowl

• Skillet

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

• Mixing Spoons

• Paper Towels

Ingredients

For the Meat Crust:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) Ground Beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor and moisture)

• 1 large Egg

• 1/2 cup (50g) finely grated Parmesan Cheese

• 1 tsp Garlic Powder

• 1 tsp Onion Powder (omit for strict carnivore)

• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (omit for strict carnivore)

• 1 tsp Sea Salt

• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (omit for strict carnivore)

For the Cheeseburger Topping:

• 1 tbsp Avocado Oil or Butter

• 1/2 lb (225g) Ground Beef

• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt

• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (omit for strict carnivore)

• 6 slices American Cheese (or Cheddar for a sharper flavor)

• 1/4 cup Sugar-Free Dill Pickles, sliced (omit for strict carnivore)

• 1/4 cup Yellow Onion, finely diced (omit for strict carnivore)

• 1/2 cup shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

• Optional for serving (not strict carnivore): Sugar-free ketchup, mustard, shredded lettuce, additional pickles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, lightly grease the bottom and sides of your 9-inch springform pan with a little butter or oil. This ensures your meaty crust releases cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Create the Meat Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1.5 lbs of ground beef, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together thoroughly. Don’t be afraid to get in there—the egg and Parmesan are the binders that will hold your crust together.

Once combined, transfer the meat mixture into the prepared springform pan. Using your fingers and the back of a spoon, press the meat firmly and evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the pan, creating a thick “crust” with a well in the center. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.

Pro Tip: Dip your fingers in a little water to prevent the meat from sticking to them as you press it into the pan.

Step 3: Pre-Bake the Crust

Place the meat crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. As it bakes, the crust will firm up and release some of its fat. This step is crucial for creating a stable base that can hold the toppings without becoming soggy.

After 15 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven. You will notice the crust has shrunk slightly from the sides and the bottom has pools of rendered fat. Carefully tilt the pan over a heat-safe bowl and pour off the excess rendered fat. Set the par-baked crust aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheeseburger Topping

While the crust is baking, heat the avocado oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1/2 lb of ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and no longer pink. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.

Step 5: Assemble the Pizza Pie

It’s time to build your masterpiece! Layer the ingredients onto the par-baked crust in the following order:

1. Cheese Base: Place the slices of American cheese evenly over the bottom of the warm crust. They will start to melt almost immediately, creating a glorious, gooey barrier.

2. Cooked Beef: Sprinkle the drained, cooked ground beef evenly over the cheese layer.

3. Pickles & Onions: Scatter the pickle slices and diced onions (if using) over the beef.

4. Cheese Blanket: In a small bowl, mix the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses together. Sprinkle this cheese blend generously over the entire pie, covering all the other ingredients.

Step 6: Final Bake and Rest

Return the assembled pie to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to develop gorgeous golden-brown spots.

Once done, carefully remove the pie from the oven. This is the most important step: let it rest! Allow the Carnivore Cheeseburger Pizza Pie to sit in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before attempting to slice. This allows the fats to settle and the structure to firm up, ensuring you get clean slices instead of a delicious but messy puddle.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

After resting, carefully run a knife around the edge of the crust to loosen it, then unclasp and remove the springform ring. Transfer the pie to a cutting board, slice into wedges, and serve immediately.

Drizzle with sugar-free ketchup and mustard, or add a side of shredded lettuce for that full “cheeseburger” experience.

Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 720 kcal

• Total Fat: 56g

• Saturated Fat: 26g

• Cholesterol: 230mg

• Sodium: 1250mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 2g

• Fiber: 0g

• Sugar: 1g (from natural ingredients; zero if omitting onions/pickles)

• Protein: 50g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use and any modifications you make (especially regarding the optional ingredients). For strict carnivore, the carb count will be near zero.