17 Carnivore Diet Recipes That Ensure Long-Term Commitment

Does an all-meat diet sound extreme? You are not alone in thinking so. However, for the thousands who have adopted the carnivore lifestyle, it represents a fundamental change in their nutrition strategy. By systematically eliminating all plant-based foods and focusing exclusively on animal products, this zero-carb methodology provides a surprisingly direct pathway to fueling the body. The secret to adherence lies in creating satisfying, flavorful meals that make sticking to this meat-centric approach easy and enjoyable.

Key Principles of the Carnivore Diet:

• The diet strictly includes only animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and occasionally limited dairy.

• Variety is essential for success—rotating between diverse cuts and protein sources is key to preventing diet fatigue.

• Simple seasonings like salt and a minimal use of herbs can create delicious carnivore meals without compromising the diet's integrity.

• Utilizing a carnivore diet meal delivery service can be highly beneficial when time constraints limit your meal preparation efforts.

Defining the Carnivore Diet

The carnivore diet is straightforward at its foundation: consume only animal products, excluding all plant matter. Frequently referred to as the "all-meat diet" or "zero-carb diet," its focus is on meat, fish, eggs, and specific dairy items if tolerated.

This animal-based eating plan has grown in popularity among individuals targeting weight loss, reduced inflammation, and a simplified food environment. Advocates often report benefits such as enhanced mental clarity, better energy stability, and improved digestive health. It is worth noting, however, that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans¹ suggest that 45% to 65% of daily calories should be derived from carbohydrates, a macronutrient category this diet completely eliminates.

If you are looking for guidance on structuring your daily carnivore meals, our carnivore diet meal plan provides specific suggestions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

What Foods Are Permitted on a Carnivore Diet?

While restrictive, the carnivore diet offers plenty of culinary versatility within its animal-only parameters.

Beef, Poultry, and Pork: These form the foundation of the diet, with beef being particularly valued for its high nutrient density and satiating fat content. Recommended selections include:

• Ribeye steak: Highly prized for its significant marbling and fat.

• Ground beef: Economical and versatile for various preparations.

• Chicken thighs: A richer source of fat compared to leaner breast meat.

• Pork belly: Offers deep flavor and satisfying healthy fats.

Since this is a zero-carb diet, fat is the primary energy source (fuel). Therefore, fattier, richer cuts are often prioritized for sustained energy and prolonged fullness.

Fish, Seafood, and Eggs: These options introduce important variety and essential nutrients:

• Salmon: Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.

• Sardines: Convenient and extremely nutrient-dense.

• Eggs: Highly versatile and packed with vital micronutrients.

• Shrimp: Low in fat but provides a high amount of protein.

Eggs are especially valuable for providing nutrients that might otherwise be scarce in a muscle-meat-only approach.

Fats, Broths, and Seasonings: These additions complete the recipes by providing flavor and necessary nutrition:

• Animal fats: Tallow, lard, duck fat, and butter (if dairy consumption is tolerated).

• Bone broth: Supplies collagen and essential minerals.

• Seasonings: Salt remains the main seasoning, with minimal inclusion of other spices by some practitioners.

Expert Advice: While the most stringent carnivore practitioners limit themselves strictly to salt, many find that minor amounts of other herbs and spices do not provoke negative physical reactions and significantly enhance the enjoyment of meals.

17 Engaging Carnivore Diet Recipes

1. Grilled Herb-Marinated Hanger Steak

Simple preparation, maximum taste. This steak demonstrates that minimal ingredients can yield an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound hanger steak

• 1 tablespoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions:

• Combine salt and herbs in a small bowl.

• Rub the mixture over the steak and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

• Preheat your grill to high heat.

• Grill the steak for 4–5 minutes per side until it reaches medium-rare.

• Allow the steak to rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.

For a version perfected by a culinary expert, try the Grilled Herb-Marinated Hanger Steak from Chef Ruben Garcia.

2. Blackened Rib Eye

This technique creates a flavorful, perfectly caramelized crust, sealing the juices inside the steak.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz ribeye steak

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

• Mix the salt and pepper in a bowl.

• Firmly press the seasoning mixture onto both faces of the steak.

• Heat a cast-iron skillet until it is smoking hot.

• Sear the steak for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness.

• Add butter during the final minute of cooking and baste the steak repeatedly.

• Rest the steak for 5 minutes before serving.

Experience Chef Chris Ratel's Blackened Rib Eye for a sophisticated twist on this classic preparation.

3. Ground Beef Stroganoff

This cost-effective and comforting recipe showcases how flavorful ground beef can be, even on a budget.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef with a balanced fat content

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)

Directions:

• Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat.

• Add ground beef and salt, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.

• Once browned, remove any excess liquid if preferred.

• Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining butter and cream (if using).

• Simmer briefly for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

• Serve immediately, adding extra butter for garnish if desired.

For a similar flavor profile, you might enjoy Chef Maia Bengochea's A La Criolla Grilled Flank Steak.

Ready to receive chef-prepared carnivore meals delivered directly to your door? Discover our carnivore diet meal delivery service.

4. Crispy Chicken Thighs

Featuring golden skin and tender, juicy meat, these chicken thighs are a satisfying inclusion on the carnivore menu.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• 1 tablespoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons duck fat or tallow

Directions:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F.

• Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.

• Season generously with salt and pepper.

• Heat the fat in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

• Place thighs skin-side down and cook until the skin is golden and crispy (about 5 minutes).

• Flip the thighs and move the skillet into the oven.

• Bake for 15–18 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For a chef-inspired version, consider the Braised Cajun Chicken by Taste of the South.

5. Pan-Seared Pork Belly

Seared to optimal perfection, this recipe highlights the profound, savory richness that makes pork belly a highly favored carnivore dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pork belly, skin removed

• 1 tablespoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon tallow or lard

Directions:

• Cut the pork belly into 1-inch thick slices.

• Season all sides with salt and pepper.

• Heat the fat in a heavy skillet over medium heat.

• Add the pork belly and cook until golden brown on all sides (approximately 3–4 minutes per side).

• Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for another 5 minutes to fully render the fat.

Try Chef Ruben Garcia's Low Carb Sweet and Sour Pork for an elevated version of this meat.

6. Mediterranean Baked Cod

Delicately baked to emphasize its natural flavor, this cod introduces a refined source of variety to your carnivore meal plan.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cod fillets

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.

• Place the cod in a suitable baking dish.

• Season with salt, adding thyme if you choose to use it.

• Top the cod with the butter, cut into small pieces.

• Bake for 12–15 minutes until the fish easily flakes with a fork.

Chef Roberto Vergara offers his Mediterranean Baked Cod for those who prefer a professionally prepared version.

7. Slow-Cooked Beef Brisket

When prepared low and slow, this cut becomes incredibly tender, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Ingredients:

• 3–4 pound beef brisket

• 2 tablespoons sea salt

• 1 tablespoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons tallow or beef fat

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 275°F.

• Season the brisket generously with salt and pepper.

• Heat the fat in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

• Sear the brisket on all sides until well browned (about 3 minutes per side).

• Cover the Dutch oven and transfer it to the oven.

• Cook for 3–4 hours until the brisket is easily pulled apart with a fork.

For a chef's authentic take, try My Mom's Brisket by Chef Chris Ratel.

Searching for additional high-protein meal ideas? Our high-protein meal prep guide includes recipes and ideas for both plant- and meat-based diets.

8. Beef Jerky

This beef jerky is a carnivore-approved, satisfying snack, perfect for fuel when you are active or on the go.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds lean beef (such as eye of round or top round)

• 2 tablespoons sea salt

Directions:

• Slice the beef into 1/8-inch thick strips, cutting against the grain.

• Season the strips with salt, ensuring consistent coverage.

• Arrange the strips on dehydrator trays without any overlapping.

• Dehydrate at 160°F for 4–6 hours until the jerky is flexible but snaps easily.

• Store in an airtight container for a maximum of 2 weeks.

9. Scrambled Eggs with Bone Marrow

A silky, fatty, and highly protein-dense combination, this egg and marrow dish is considered a staple for many on the carnivore diet.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons bone marrow (extracted from roasted beef bones)

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 tablespoon butter

Directions:

• Extract the marrow from the roasted beef bones.

• Whisk the eggs together with the salt in a bowl.

• Melt the butter in a non-stick skillet over low to medium-low heat.

• Add the eggs and begin cooking, stirring frequently.

• When the eggs are approximately halfway set, fold in the bone marrow.

• Continue cooking until the eggs are firm but still soft.

10. Carnivore Egg Pudding

This creamy, comforting, custard-style dessert offers a delicate, satisfying finish to any meal on the carnivore plan.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.

• Blend all ingredients thoroughly until smooth.

• Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.

• Bake for 30–35 minutes until the pudding is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

• Cool slightly before enjoying warm.

11. Rack of Lamb with Herb Butter

A minimalist preparation that truly showcases the quality of the meat, resulting in pure, elevated simplicity.

Ingredients:

• 1 rack of lamb (8 ribs)

• 1 tablespoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.

• Season the rack of lamb heavily with salt and pepper.

• Combine the softened butter with rosemary, if using.

• Sear the rack in a hot skillet on all sides to create a crust.

• Transfer to the oven and roast for 15–20 minutes for medium-rare.

• Top with the herb butter immediately while the meat rests.

For an excellent, ready-made rack of lamb option, consider Chef John DeLucie's Rack of Lamb & Red Wine Sauce.

12. Butter-Basted New York Strip

This simple technique uses the richness of high-quality butter to intensify the steak's natural beef flavor.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz NY strip steak

• 1 tablespoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 4 tablespoons butter

Directions:

• Season the steak with salt and pepper.

• Heat a cast-iron skillet until it is extremely hot.

• Add the steak and cook for 4 minutes on the first side.

• Flip the steak and add the butter to the pan.

• Tilt the pan and use a spoon to continuously baste the melted butter over the steak for 3–4 minutes.

• Rest the steak for 5 minutes before slicing.

For an elevated dining experience, try Chef John DeLucie's Grilled NY Strip.

13. Bone Broth

Deeply satisfying and packed with nutrients, this bone broth is ideal for sipping on its own or as a flavorful base in other carnivore recipes.

Ingredients:

• 2–3 pounds beef bones (including marrow, knuckle, and joint bones)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

• 1 tablespoon sea salt

• Water to fully cover the bones

Directions:

• Roast the bones at 450°F for 30 minutes until they are browned.

• Transfer the roasted bones to a large stockpot.

• Add the vinegar (if using), salt, and enough water to cover the bones by 1 inch.

• Bring the pot to a full boil, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest possible simmer.

• Simmer uncovered for 12–24 hours, regularly skimming any impurities from the top.

14. Carnivore Meatballs

These simple meatballs are excellent for meal preparation and can be served hot or enjoyed cold as a quick protein snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1/2 pound ground pork

• 2 eggs

• 1 tablespoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.

• Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, gently mixing with your hands.

• Form the mixture into 2–inch meatballs.

• Arrange the meatballs evenly on a baking sheet.

• Bake for 15–20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

For a simpler option, explore Chef Tracey Bloom's Meatball Supreme Bake.

15. Carnivore Breakfast Bowl

This robust morning meal combines multiple animal protein sources to provide sustained energy for the day.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz ground beef

• 2 eggs

• 1 tablespoon tallow or butter

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 ounce cheese (optional)

Directions:

• Heat the fat in a skillet over medium heat.

• Add the ground beef and salt, breaking the meat up as it cooks.

• When the beef is nearly finished, create two clear spaces (wells) in the meat.

• Crack the eggs into the wells and cook to your preferred level of doneness.

• Top with cheese if you are including dairy, and serve immediately in a bowl.

16. Grilled Salmon with Herb Butter

This dish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, adding necessary healthy fats to the carnivore diet.

Ingredients:

• 6 oz salmon fillet, skin on

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon dried dill or parsley (optional)

Directions:

• Season the salmon with salt.

• Mix the softened butter with the herbs, if using.

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

• Place the salmon skin-side down and grill for 4–6 minutes.

• Carefully flip the fish and grill for an additional 2–3 minutes.

• Top immediately with the herb butter after removing it from the grill.

If you are thinking of adding more seafood to your meat-focused regimen, our Pescatarian meal delivery service provides chef-crafted seafood meals that complement a carnivore diet.

17. Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork

This tender, rich, fall-apart pork is easily adapted for use in a variety of carnivore-friendly meals throughout the week.

Ingredients:

• 3–4 pound pork shoulder

• 2 tablespoons sea salt

• 1 tablespoon black pepper

• 1 cup water

Directions:

• Generously season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.

• Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker along with the water.

• Cook on the low setting for 8–10 hours until the meat is easily shredded.

• Remove the meat from the cooker and shred it using two forks.

• If you desire more moisture, return the shredded pork to the remaining cooking liquid.

Carnivore Diet Commitment Strategies

1. Prioritizing Variety in Meats and Cuts

To ensure long-term success, preventing boredom with the all-meat diet is critical. Regular rotation through different animal proteins and cuts maintains engagement.

Key advantages of variety:

• Nutritional Diversity: Different meat cuts offer slightly varied nutrient profiles.

• Flavor Exploration: Prevents monotony by introducing new tastes.

• Cooking Flexibility: Various cuts are best suited to different cooking techniques.

Integrate less common cuts like oxtail, cheeks, or shanks alongside your regular steaks and ground beef.

2. Meal Preparation and Budget Management

The carnivore diet can be economical if planned efficiently.

Budget-friendly advice:

• Bulk Buying: Purchase meat in large quantities when on sale and use your freezer for storage.

• Economical Cuts: Cuts like ground beef, chuck roast, and chicken thighs offer excellent value for money.

• Batch Cooking: Prepare several meals in advance to save time and ensure you always have appropriate food readily available.

3. Obtaining Essential Minerals Through Water Quality

Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial on a carnivore diet, particularly due to the initial loss of water weight.

Hydration tips:

• Mineral Water: Can naturally assist in replacing lost electrolytes.

• Salt Supplementation: Adding a small pinch of sea salt to drinking water helps to maintain necessary electrolyte balance.

• Consistency: Focus on drinking water frequently throughout the day instead of consuming large amounts at once.

Final Thoughts: Don't Compromise on Time or Flavor

The carnivore diet does not have to feel like an endless repetition of the same few meals. These 17 enticing recipes allow you to explore a surprising depth of rich, satisfying flavors while maintaining strict adherence to your animal-based nutrition plan.

The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final result—affecting flavor, nutrition, and your feeling of satiety. When time is limited, pre-made, chef-crafted, carnivore-friendly meals are an excellent solution, providing a delicious option with no preparation required.

Remember, there is no single best way for everyone. Adaptation requires time, and the most lasting results come from listening to your body and customizing your approach. We are here to support your journey and make it significantly more enjoyable.

Prefer to skip the prep? Explore our weekly menu and select your meals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I have coffee on a carnivore diet?

Coffee exists in a gray area on the carnivore diet; purists avoid it entirely, while others include it. Although it is not an animal product, many carnivore dieters find that black coffee does not cause adverse reactions and can be consumed without negatively impacting their results.

What are the potential drawbacks of a carnivore diet?

Potential disadvantages include initial adjustment symptoms (like headaches and fatigue), social challenges when dining out, and potential nutrient deficiencies without careful planning. According to Harvard Health², the diet may not be safe for individuals with specific pre-existing conditions, including kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Nutritional concerns can often be addressed by consuming high-quality animal foods that include organ meats.

How do I incorporate organ meats into my carnivore diet?

Start by trying small amounts of milder organ meats, such as heart, before progressing to liver or kidney. Grinding organ meats and mixing them with regular ground beef at a ratio of 1:4 can help mask stronger flavors while still delivering substantial nutritional benefits.

Is the carnivore diet suitable for athletes and active individuals?

The carnivore diet can support athletic performance once the body has fully adapted to utilizing fat as its primary energy source. Many athletes report benefits like better recovery, stable energy levels, and reduced inflammation, though an adaptation phase of four to eight weeks is common.

More Meaty Ideas to Explore

Looking for more variety? The carnivore diet extends beyond these recipes. These resources offer a deeper look into what, when, why, and how to make the diet effortless: