Carnivore Pizza Burgers

YIELD: 4 Large Burgers
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
COOK TIME: 20 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes
DIFFICULTY: Easy
INTENSITY: Low to Moderate (Primarily involves mixing, shaping, and pan-frying. No advanced techniques required.)

Ingredients
1.5 lbs (680g) 80/20 Ground Beef

4 oz (115g) Pepperoni, finely chopped (reserve 16 whole slices for topping)

1 cup (4 oz / 115g) shredded Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese

1/4 cup (1 oz / 28g) finely grated Parmesan Cheese

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Dried Oregano

1/2 tsp Onion Powder (optional, for those on a strict carnivore diet)

1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a kick)

1 tsp Sea Salt

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

2 tbsp Bacon Fat, Tallow, or Avocado Oil (for cooking)

4 slices Provolone Cheese (or more mozzarella, for topping)

For Serving (Optional & Non-Carnivore): Sugar-free pizza sauce for dipping, butter lettuce “buns,” or a side of creamy garlic sauce.

Equipment
Large Mixing Bowl

Skillet (cast iron preferred) or Griddle

Spatula

Internal Meat Thermometer (highly recommended)

Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Burger Mixture
In your large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped pepperoni, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper (if using).

Pro-Tip: Using your hands is the most effective tool here. Mix the ingredients gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough.

Step 2: Form the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a thick, uniform patty, about 1-inch thick. Use your thumb to make a slight indentation in the center of each patty. This “dimple” helps the burger cook evenly and prevents it from puffing up into a ball in the center.

Why this works: The cheese and pepperoni mixed into the patty mean it’s more delicate than a standard beef patty. The dimple is a crucial step for an even sear and perfect shape.

Step 3: Cook the Burgers
Heat your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the bacon fat, tallow, or oil, allowing it to heat until it shimmers.

Carefully place the patties in the hot skillet, ensuring they are not crowded. You may need to cook in two batches.

Cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side, without moving them, until a deep brown crust forms.

Flip the burgers and immediately reduce the heat to medium. Cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side.

Step 4: Add the Toppings and Melt
When there are about 2 minutes of cook time left, place one slice of Provolone cheese on top of each burger patty.

Arrange 4 whole pepperoni slices on top of the melting Provolone.

To melt the cheese perfectly, you can add a teaspoon of water to the hot skillet and immediately cover it with a lid. The steam will create a perfect environment for the cheese to become beautifully melted and gooey in about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Check for Doneness and Rest
The most accurate way to check for doneness is with an internal meat thermometer.

For Medium: 145-150°F (63-65°C)

For Medium-Well: 155-160°F (68-71°C)

For Well-Done: 165°F (74°C)

Once your burgers have reached your desired temperature, remove them from the skillet and let them rest on a clean plate for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger.

Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve your Carnivore Pizza Burgers hot off the skillet. They are a complete meal on their own, but if you’d like, you can serve them with a side of warmed, sugar-free pizza sauce for dipping.

Nutrition Information
(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Serving Size: 1 Burger Patty (without optional sauces)
Servings: 4

Nutrient Amount
Calories ~ 780 kcal
Total Fat ~ 62g
Saturated Fat ~ 28g
Cholesterol ~ 195mg
Sodium ~ 1650mg
Total Carbohydrates ~ 2g
Dietary Fiber ~ 0.5g
Sugars ~ 0.5g
Protein ~ 52g
Key Nutritional Highlights:

High in Protein: At 52g per serving, this meal is excellent for muscle repair and satiety.

Zero Net Carbs: With only 2g of total carbs and minimal fiber, this is a virtually zero-carb meal, ideal for ketosis.

Rich in Fats: The high fat content provides a sustained energy source and helps keep you feeling full for hours.

No Added Sugars: By avoiding traditional pizza sauce and buns, this recipe is free from hidden sugars.

Chef’s Notes & Variations
Cheese Swap: Feel free to experiment with different melting cheeses. Sharp Cheddar, Gouda, or Fontina would all be delicious alternatives to Provolone.

Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.

Cooking Method: While pan-frying gives a fantastic crust, these can also be cooked on an outdoor grill over medium-direct heat. Just ensure your grill grates are well-oiled and clean, as the cheesy patties can be sticky.

Storing Leftovers: Allow cooked burgers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid overcooking.

For a Strict Carnivore Diet: Omit the optional onion powder, black pepper, and dried oregano. The recipe will still be incredibly flavorful from the pepperoni, cheeses, and salt.

We hope you enjoy this hearty, satisfying recipe as much as we do. It’s proof that living a low-carb or carnivore lifestyle doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or fun. Happy cooking