CARNIVORE CHEESY SANDWICH

*Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 8-10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes*
Skill Level: Easy | Intensity: Low | Serves: 1

Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate indulgence for anyone following a strict carnivore diet or simply craving a decadent, low-carb meal. The Carnivore Cheesy Sandwich is a brilliant reimagining of the classic comfort food, using only animal-based ingredients. Forget the bread—here, perfectly cooked ground beef patties act as your savory, hearty “buns,” encasing a molten core of rich, creamy cheese. It’s quick, satisfying, and proof that simplicity can be spectacular.

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Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for optimal juiciness)

• 2 oz (55g) sharp cheddar cheese, sliced into 2 thick slabs (or cheese of choice: gouda, havarti, or pepper jack for a kick)

• 1 tbsp (15g) salted butter

• Pinch of coarse sea salt (optional)

Optional for “Carnivore-ISH” version:

• 1 large egg, fried in butter

• 2 slices of crispy bacon

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Equipment

• Medium skillet or cast-iron pan

• Spatula

• Kitchen scale (for accuracy)

• Plate

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Instructions

1. Form the “Buns”

Divide the ground beef into two equal 4 oz (115g) portions. Gently form each portion into a round patty, slightly wider than the slice of cheese and about ½-inch thick. Press your thumb lightly into the center of each patty to create a shallow dimple—this helps them cook evenly and prevent puffing. Season lightly with salt if desired (many find the cheese and beef provide sufficient saltiness).

Pro Tip: For perfectly uniform patties, use a burger press or the bottom of a small, flat-bottomed glass.

2. Cook the Beef Patties

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and swirl to coat the pan. Once the butter is melted and foaming, carefully add the beef patties. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom.

Cooking Intensity: Medium-High for searing, then Medium for melting.

3. Flip and Add Cheese

Flip the patties using a sturdy spatula. Immediately place one slab of cheese on top of one patty. This will be your bottom “bun.” Leave the other patty plain—this is your top “bun.”

Reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes for medium doneness, or until your desired level of doneness is reached. In the last minute, you can cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt thoroughly and evenly.

4. Assemble the Sandwich

Once cooked, quickly transfer the cheesy-bottom patty to your plate, cheese-side up. Using the spatula, carefully place the plain top patty directly on top, creating your meat-and-cheese stack. Let it rest for 1 minute—this allows the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set slightly, making it less messy to eat.

5. Optional Upgrades

• The “Carnivore Supreme”: Add a fried egg and two strips of crispy bacon on top of the melting cheese before placing the top patty.

• The “Dippable Delight”: Whip up a quick side sauce by mixing softened butter with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve your Carnivore Cheesy Sandwich immediately while hot and oozy. It’s a complete, satisfying meal on its own. For a truly indulgent experience, pair it with a side of crispy pork rinds or a cup of rich bone broth for dipping.

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Nutritional Information

*Per Serving (Sandwich only, made with 80/20 beef and cheddar):*

• Calories: ~720 kcal

• Protein: 48 g

• Fat: 58 g

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  *Saturated Fat:* 27 g

• Carbohydrates: 0 g

• Fiber: 0 g

• Sugars: 0 g

• Sodium: ~480 mg (varies with cheese and salting)

Important Note: This recipe is intentionally designed for very low-carb, high-fat, and high-protein dietary approaches like Carnivore and Ketogenic diets. The nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific fat content of your beef and the type of cheese used.

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Recipe Notes & Storage

• Customization is Key: The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Use ground chicken, turkey, pork, or lamb. Experiment with different cheeses like creamy brie, tangy blue, or smoky gouda.

• Don’t Overhandle the Meat: Work the ground beef as little as possible when forming patties to keep the final texture tender and juicy, not dense.

• Storage: This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store cooked, unassembled patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet before assembling.

• No Sugar or Additives: Always check your cheese labels to ensure no unwanted carbs or non-carnivore additives like potato starch are included, especially in pre-shredded cheeses.

Enjoy your delicious, grain-free, and utterly satisfying Carnivore Cheesy Sandwich—where every bite is a celebration of meat and cheese in perfect harmony!