Keto Carnivore Recipes for an Animal-Based Diet

These keto carnivore recipes are animal-based and low-carb meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and snacks. If you want to lose weight, nutrient-dense animal foods have a place in your meal plan! This page of keto carnivore menu ideas will show you how to enjoy all the best recipes from red meat to dairy products, bone broth to organ meats, and more.

animal based recipes

What is a Carnivore Keto Diet?

A carnivore keto diet goes by many names. Some people also use the terms “ketovore” and “carni-curious”. Overall, the reference is to animal-based nutrition instead of plant-based nutrition.

Typically, keto carnivore macros are moderate to high protein, moderate to high fat, and low to very low carbs. Fat, rather than glucose, is used for fuel and, in combination with carbohydrate restriction, puts the body into a state of ketosis.

Primarily inspired by the health benefits of a carnivore diet, a keto carnivore keto diet allows a low to moderate amount of select plant foods like culinary herbs, aromatics, and low-carb vegetables or fruits.

Since there aren’t technical well defined “dos” and “don’ts” of this diet, it’s very adaptable to individual personal preferences. Focus on eating animal protein and fats, then add in plant-based ingredients you enjoy and do well with.

A keto carnivore diet promotes animal-based nutrition from meat-based meals with sparing use of low-carb vegetables and herbs. Vegetables are never the majority of the meal but do add flavor and variety.

Strict carnivore diet recipes are great if you’re interested in eating only meat, but not everyone is able (or desires) to stick to a restrictive diet long-term.

Keto carnivore diet recipes are a nice middle-ground for those who are slowly narrowing down their food choices and those who have already eaten zero-carb for a while and want to reintroduce plant foods again.

Watch the video below for Tristan’s explanation on the difference between keto and carnivore, plus the pros and cons of each and how to get benefits from both.

Common Carnivore Keto Meal Ingredients

  • Beef: steak, ribs, chuck roast, organ meat 
  • Chicken: breast, thighs, wings, organ meat
  • Dairy foods: butter, cheese, heavy cream
  • Eggs
  • Herbs: rosemary, cilantro, parsley, oregano

All carnivore keto foods will be the same as what to eat on a carnivore diet plus, a unique selection of other ingredients that you digest, tolerate and enjoy.

The lists below give some ideas for what to eat and what to avoid. Then, browse through our collection of recipes below and see the ingredients in action!

Keto Carnivore Food List

  • Zucchini
  • Cauliflower
  • Green cabbage
  • Pumpkin
  • Cucumber
  • Avocado
  • Berries
  • Olives
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Herbs
  • Black pepper
  • Herbal tea

Foods to Avoid in a Keto Carnivore Meal Plan

In general, those on a keto diet should avoid:

  • Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds
  • Grain: wheat, rice, oats, bran, buckwheat, rye
  • Starches: pasta, corn starch, white bread
  • Tubers: white potato, sweet potato, yam
  • Legumes: lentils, soybeans, chickpeas, peanuts, peas, any bean
  • Sugar: processed white or brown sugar, maple, honey, coconut sugar
  • High carb fruits: pineapple, banana, plantain, mango, melon, apple, pear, peach, apricot, grapes

For a more carnivorous approach, omit the following anti-nutrients as well.

Not everyone has the same sensitivity to these compounds as others. It’s important to know your body and do what is best for you!

Carnivore Keto Diet Recipes FAQ

If you’re new to low-carb meal prep or don’t have much experience with high protein recipes, you might be asking these common queries. Let me help!

How to do carnivore keto?

Start by identifying your goals. Why do you want to start a new diet? Then make a road map to get there by researching recipes, cooking tips, and shopping options. Finally, jot down a meal plan and go shopping! Look for support and stick to it. You’ll soon see positive feedback that will encourage you to continue moving forward.

What is the difference between keto and carnivore?

Both diets will tell you to eat meat and saturated fats. Both diets naturally restrict carbohydrates by emphasizing protein and fat. The main difference is that all plant foods are eliminated on carnivore, while keto allows a variety of plant-based ingredients like nuts, seeds, low-carb vegetables, low-sugar fruits, and many culinary herbs and spices.

Is carnivore diet keto?

Usually, a strict carnivore diet is also a ketogenic diet because it limits carbs, forcing the metabolic switch from glucose to fat for fuel. However, a minority of people source enough carbs from milk and honey to prevent ketosis (the fat-burning state).

Keto Carnivore Desserts

Carnivore-friendly desserts are just the thing you need when you want something sweet without fiber. These animal-based treats will help you stay on track with your goals while still giving you something to enjoy without sugar or carbs.

1
Slices of carnivore cake in a glass dish.
Carnivore Cake Recipe
Make carnivore cake with just 3 essential ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time! This is an excellent cake idea with variations for keto carnivore, carnivore carbs, and strict carnivore cooking styles.
Get Recipe
2
Egg pudding in a cup served with a spoon.
Egg Pudding Recipe
Egg pudding is a zero-fiber sweet treat you can make in a flash! All you need are three main ingredients.
Get Recipe
3
A cup of no churn keto ice cream with a spoon.
No-Churn Keto Ice Cream
Dump ingredients in a jar and shake well! You don't need an ice cream machine in order to make this creamy dessert.
Get Recipe
4
Two glasses of keto eggnog.
Keto Eggnog Recipe
Spike your glass with bourbon or keep it alcohol-free, however you prefer. This classic cocktail is a pleasurable treat that tastes like French toast in a cup.
Get Recipe
5
A slice of keto gelatin being help up with a wooden spoon.
Keto Gelatin
As a healthy jello alternative, this gut-healing treat is tasty and nourishing all at the same time.
Get Recipe
6
No bake custard in a white cup.
No Bake Keto Custard
Get the same great flavor and silky smooth texture as traditional custard but spend less time making it!
Get Recipe
7
A bowl full of peppermint keto custard.
Peppermint Keto Custard with Gelatin
Inspired by a friend’s grasshopper pie recipe, I wanted to recreate something without the crust. This is what we get!
Get Recipe
8
A child holding a dish full of no-bake eggnog cheesecake.
No Bake Eggnog Cheesecake Pudding
Soft, creamy, and delightful, this pudding is a healthy sugar-free dessert with grass-fed gelatin! YUM.
Get Recipe
9
A piece of keto gooey butter cake on a white plate with a fork on the side.
Keto Gooey Butter Cake (Gluten-Free)
Keto Gooey Butter Cake has a low-carb and gluten-free cake batter crust, topped with a creamy, light, and airy topping, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a fantastic sugar-free treat that everyone will love!
Get Recipe

Low-Carb Chicken Dinners

Chicken can fit on any budget. Breast, thighs, and wings are a plain base ready to pair with any variety of fresh or dry herbs, spices, and low-carb vegetables.

10
Close-up of a creamy chicken and cheese dish topped with crispy bacon and parsley in a slow cooker, with a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken (Cheesy Ranch Chicken)
Creamy and ultra-cheesy, this Ranch seasoned chicken is easy to make and great for any day that ends in y.
Get Recipe
11
Keto chicken francese in a pan.
Keto Chicken Francese
Pan-fry chicken breasts in a low-carb, gluten-free breading and serve it hot in a lemon garlic cream sauce garnished with parsley. It’s versatile, cooks in less than 30 minutes, and always tastes good.
Get Recipe
12
Chicken legs in creamy paprika sauce wooden background.
Keto Chicken Paprikash
This keto chicken recipe is a savory one-pot or pan low-carb chicken dinner with juicy chicken legs simmered in a creamy paprika sauce. With directions for cooking on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot or slow cooker, you can choose the best cooking method.
Get Recipe
13
A bowl of keto chicken noodle soup served with bread on a tray.
Keto Chicken Noodle Soup (Slow-Cooker)
Get better quick with this classic chicken soup recipe. Slow cooked chicken flakes apart after slowly simmering in a nutritious broth.
Get Recipe
14
Keto baked chicken wings with herb coating on a plate.
Herbed Chicken Wings
Yummy finger food at it’s finest, this recipe is super easy to make. Once you get the method down, you can customize it with any of your favorite herbs and spices.
Get Recipe

Low-Carb Beef Dinners

You can’t go wrong with ground beef, chuck roast, and other cuts in beef for dinner. The best carnivore keto recipes all start with a piece of meat and build up from there. From one-pan skillet meals to baked casseroles, slow cooked stews, and more, each meal is more delicious than the last.

15
A glass dish of philly cheesesteak casserole with a wooden spatula.
Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole with Hamburger
This keto cheesesteak recipe brings loads of flavor to the table in a quick and easy dinner meal, ready in 30 minutes or less.
Get Recipe
16
Beef shank slow cooker in a white and brown bowl.
Beef Shank Slow Cooker Recipe
Cook this beef shank slow cooker recipe and serve tender meat with soft buttery marrow over cauliflower mash or with a side salad.
Get Recipe
17
Keto Ground Beef Stir Fry in a pan on a grey surface.
Keto Ground Beef Stir Fry
Toss some veggies in a quick sauce then stir-fry with ground beef until done.
Get Recipe
18
Sliced steak on a black slate board with herbs and a fork and knife.
Keto Flank Steak Marinade – 3 Ways!
Each marinade takes only 10 minutes of prep time, followed by marinating in the refrigerator, then grilling to tender perfection.
Get Recipe
19
Braised beef heart served in a white and brown bowl with a wooden fork.
Braised Beef Heart Recipe (Slow Cook)
Using a Dutch oven and simmering the meat in a mustard broth sauce is the best way to slow cook beef heart. This one-pot meal is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.
Get Recipe
20
Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs - by Primal Edge Health.
Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs
All you need are 3 main ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time! Serve the carnivore version or adapt with an easy keto modification.
Get Recipe
21
A fork lifting a cheesy slice of meat pie from a plate.
Easy Cheeseburger Pie
Make this any night of the week for a meal your whole family can celebrate together! It’s quick, plus you probably have all the ingredients on hand right now.
Get Recipe
22
A bowl of stir-fried minced meat with chopped green onions and cabbage.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Flavorful and quick, what else could you ask for in a recipe? Ground beef and cabbage go so well together, this is sure to be a new favorite.
Get Recipe
23
Keto beef stew in a white pot.
Keto Beef Stew
Prep beef stew in the slow cooker and let it do the heavy lifty for you while you sit back and relax while dinner cooks itself.
Get Recipe
24
A skillet of cheesy meat with bell peppers, garnished with herbs on a marble surface.
Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet
Wow your mouth with a spicy Mexican skillet topped with melted cheese. This is the perfect quick weeknight meal.
Get Recipe
25
Keto post roast recipe on a white dish on a marble surface.
Slow Cooker Keto Pot Roast
Slow cooking is the best way to cook pot roast. It's an easy hands-free dish that you don't have to worry about over or undercooking.
Get Recipe
26
A bowl of keto cheeseburger skillet.
Keto Cheeseburger Skillet
Love burgers but want to skip the bun? Make this cheeseburger skillet instead!
Get Recipe
27
Organ meat stew in a white bowl.
Slow Cooked Organ Meat Stew
Looking for a way to eat more organ meats? This is a great recipe for that! Kidney and heart are so tender, I know you will enjoy every bite!
Get Recipe
28
Keto beef stroganoff in a brown bowl.
Keto Beef Stroganoff
Who can say no to a dish of fork-tender meat simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce? I know I can't.
Get Recipe
29
Keto egg roll in a bowl.
Ground Beef Keto Egg Roll in a Bowl
Also called, Crackslaw, this savory Asian meal is delicious and quick!
Get Recipe
30
Philly cheesesteak in a pan.
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
You'll be amazing by how easy, yet, incredibly good this one-pan philly cheesesteak skillet is.
Get Recipe
31
A bowl of keto shepherd's pie on a grey surface.
Keto Shepherd’s Pie (Crock Pot)
Turn to this cold-weather comfort food when the fall and winter months come around. It's a low-carb meal with saucy beef, herbs, and cheesey cauliflower.
Get Recipe
32
A serving of korean ground beef on a plate.
Korean Ground Beef
Bulk prep this recipe and it will last all week long. Turn up the spice with Korean ground beef!
Get Recipe
33
quick and easy pemmican
Quick and Easy Pemmican Meal
Grab a piece of pemmican and serve steamed broccoli with avocado on the side. This meal is easy and very satisfying.
Get Recipe
34
cabbage noodles with beef ft image
Cabbage Noodles with Ground Beef (Hidden Liver!)
Looking to eat more liver? Hiding it in ground beef makes it almost impossible to know it’s there. Mix this up for lunch or dinner and enjoy all the benefits of nose-to-trail.
Get Recipe
35
A plate with carne asada and rice, served alongside fresh avocado.
15 minute Carne Asada with Cauliflower Rice
Do you have 15 minutes to cook some meat? Let me walk you through a quick step-by-step so you can get dinner on the table fast.
Get Recipe
36
beef heart keto meatza feat image copy
Beef Heart Meatza
Hide ground beef heart in with ground beef, mix in flavorful spices and sautéed mushrooms then bake it all together in a coconut flour crust with cheese covering the top. What a great way to add hidden organ meats to your diet.
Get Recipe
37
Three burger patties on a plate.
Easy Keto Burgers with Hidden Beef Heart
Dress up boring burgers with an onion pan sauce. Ready in 5 minutes, this simple technique takes your burger meal to the next level.
Get Recipe
38
bunless burger feat image
Bunless Burger Recipe with Beef Heart Patties
Beef heart is an extra nutritious choice that tastes almost identical to a normal burger patty. Skip the bun and wrap your burger in lettuce instead. Add the sauce and enjoy!
Get Recipe

Keto Carnivore Meals

These savory meal ideas are great for any entree. If there is anything left over, you can eat it for breakfast the next day! Find your favorite recipes and double batch them. Then divide your portions and store in the refrigerator to eat in the next few days or in the freezer for the following week.

39
A fork lifting a cheesy bite of broccoli and chicken casserole from a plate.
Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Your whole family will love this casserole because it’s a drool-worthy combination of cheesy chicken, broccoli, and bacon. And, only 6 ingredients!
Get Recipe
40
Skillet with creamy cabbage and sliced sausage dish, garnished with parsley, wooden spoon inside.
Keto Cabbage and Sausage Alfredo
This recipe is a quick 30-minute dinner that smothers cabbage noodles and Italian sausage with creamy Alfredo sauce. This skillet meal is incredibly delicious yet completely low-carb, gluten-free, and family-friendly.
Get Recipe
41
Four blackened pork chops with grill marks in a cast iron skillet.
Blackened Pork Chops
Perfectly crispy on the outside while tender and juicy on the inside. With only pork chops and a dry rub of flavorful spices and herbs, you can have dinner on the table in under 15 minutes.
Get Recipe
42
A black pot containing breakfast sausage and cabbage.
Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet
A personal favorite of mine, this skillet meal is quick to make and budget-friendly.
Get Recipe
43
A bowl of egg drop soup, garnished with green onions.
Low-Carb Egg Drop Soup
My favorite meal to make when I need something to put on the table fast. Our children like to help too because dropping the eggs in is so much fun.
Get Recipe
44
Two bowls of soup garnished with herbs on a textured surface.
Keto Miso Soup
Swap tofu for cooked chicken breast, and you’ll have a delicious, easy to make lunch or side soup with keto macros. You’ll love this simple low-carb Asian recipe with a rich and nourishing flavor.
Get Recipe
45
shrimp scampi feat image
20 Minute Shrimp Scampi
A quick and easy meal that is perfect for a summer lunch or light dinner. It’s a family-friendly dish that comes together in a matter of minutes.
Get Recipe
46
quick and easy salmon and summer squash
Canned Salmon with Garam Masala Summer Squash
Canned fish makes meal prep a breeze. All you need to do is sauté the squash with a few flavorful spices, then the meal is ready!
Get Recipe
47
tuna zoodles featured image
Tuna Zoodles with Lemon, Dill and Pine Nuts
Lemon and dill quickly dress up a plain can of tuna fish. Serve over a bed of zucchini noodles and enjoy a nice keto meal.
Get Recipe
48
Quick and easy lamb gyros on plate.
Ketogenic Lamb Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Yummy and quick, you'll love the savory meat mixed with a light and tangy sauce.
Get Recipe
49
tuna melt keto quesadilla on white plate
Tuna Melt Keto Quesadilla
If you love cheesy quesadilla's, you'll love this recipe! Adding avocado takes it over the top and makes every mouthful super creamy.
Get Recipe
50
avocado tuna melt one blue plate
Avocado Tuna Melt
Crisp keto bread sandwiches and delicious protein-rich filling. Tuna melts are great for lunch or casual dinner.
Get Recipe

Carnivore Snacks with Keto Add-ins

Choose one of these savory snack recipes when you want something small in between meals.

51
Cheese curds on white plate with bite out of one on a plate.
Gluten-Free Keto Cheese Curds
These cheese curds make an excellent low-carb snack or appetizer to share. Learn how to make them two ways: pan-fry on the stovetop or by a no-fuss baking method in the oven.
Get Recipe
52
Bowl of creamy crack dip served with celery sticks on a wooden platter.
Easy Keto Crack Dip
Loaded with delicious Ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheesy flavors, this dip comes together in 5 minutes. It’s a savory crowd-pleasing appetizer that can be served cold or warm.
Get Recipe
53
Pickled hard boiled eggs in a jar on a wooden surface.
EASY Pickled Eggs
These are great to make-ahead and keep in the fridge until you're ready to eat. The flavor only improves only time.
Get Recipe
54
Plate of crisps served with a side of tomato dipping sauce.
Easy Keto Pickle Chips
A tangy pickle tucked inside a crispy, cheesy exterior, this fun party food can be eaten as-is or with your favorite dip.
Get Recipe
55
Meat muffins hidden liver on a cooling wire rack.
Hidden Liver Meat Muffins
Mix hidden liver in these savory muffins or make them just with ground beef. Either way, they are delicious and nutrient-dense with little to no fiber!
Get Recipe
56
Two jars filled with classic beef liver pate.
Classic Beef Liver Pate
A traditional recipe with worldwide fame, this ultra-creamy spread is as decadent as it is good for you. You’ll finally find a way to enjoy liver and never be able to say no.
Get Recipe
57
Chicken liver on a wooden bowl and some pieces on a wooden board.
Keto Chicken Liver Pate (with Carnivore Option)
Chicken livers have a more mild flavor than ruminant livers so this is a great recipe for beginners.
Get Recipe
58
A dairy-free liver pate served in a white bowl with a sprig of rosemary.
Dairy Free Liver Pate with Ox Liver
I'm big on liver pate and want everyone to enjoy it with me. If you eat dairy-free, this pate is for you! It’s full of flavor and still just as creamy but doesn’t use cream or butter.
Get Recipe
59
4 containers of bone broth.
Beef Bone Broth
Make bone broth at home! Once you learn exactly how to make this nourishing food, I’m sure it will be a staple in your home for years to come.
Get Recipe
60
A single serving of slow cooker beef bone broth.
Slow Cooker Beef Bone Broth Recipe (Crock Pot Option)
Bone is one of the best reasons to get out your slow cooker! Gather your ingredients, dump them in, flick on the switch, and walk away until your broth is ready.
Get Recipe
61
tuna cucumber bites featured image
Spicy Low Carb Tuna Salad Cucumber Bites
Top cucumber slices with a spicy tuna dip. This is a nice snack, appetizer, or full lunch meal.
Get Recipe

Keto Carnivore Breakfast Recipes

Start your day off with a solid breakfast of fatty animal protein seasoned lightly with herbs and a small amount of low-carb vegetables. The ketogenic states thrives with moderate protein and high fat meals. Nourish your brain and body with nutrient-dense foods and enjoy long-lasting energy all day long!

62
keto breakfast casserole ft image
Carnivore Keto Breakfast Casserole
This is delicious make-ahead meal with sausage, egg, and cheese. Make it for the family or serve to guests for a special brunch!
Get Recipe
63
English muffin chaffle on upside down plate.
2 Ingredient English Muffins
This low-carb animal based recipe is a win for satisfying those cravings at breakfast. With no yeast, or rising time required, these are great for keto and carnivore diets!
Get Recipe
64
A keto omelette with tomatoes and spinach on a white plate.
How to Make a Keto Omelette (the Easy Way!)
Everyone should know how to make an omelette. Brush up your skills by reading this post and put the tips into action! Plus, I share some mouth watering ideas you don't want to miss.
Get Recipe
65
A cup of tea on a saucer with a spoon, resting on a grey napkin.
Tibetan Butter Tea Recipe (Keto Tea)
Butter tea is a popular Tibetan drink with four simple ingredients: brewed black tea, half-and-half, butter, and salt. It’s a hot, savory tea enjoyed with breakfast or as an afternoon treat.
Get Recipe
66
Carnivore muffins in a baking tray.
Carnivore Breakfast Muffins (with 5 Keto Variations)
Take a peek at the five keto variations here and find your favorite! These muffins are an easy dairy-free breakfast idea for meal prep and packing in lunches.
Get Recipe
67
Mexican omelette on a brown plate on a wooden board.
Low-Carb Mexican Omelette
Make this Mexican-inspired egg dish in 10 minutes or less any day of the week.
Get Recipe
68
Breakfast lasagna being served at the table.
Low-Carb Breakfast Lasagna
Nightshade-free and low-oxalate ingredients fill this animal-based lasagna. Swap noodles for broad thin strips of zucchini and chow down on this family-favorite.
Get Recipe
69
Spanish omelette one a white plate over a wooden board.
Spanish Omelette with Cauliflower
Swap potato for cauliflower in this Spanish omelette so you can enjoy it on a low-carb keto diet anytime you like. The recipe only calls for 5 ingredients and makes leftovers that taste even better the next day!
Get Recipe
70
A full serving of baked omelette in a glass dish.
High-Protein Low-Carb Baked Omelette
Try an egg bake instead of fried or scrambled eggs for breakfast. Mix in cheese and meat for the ultimate high-protein combination.
Get Recipe

More Animal-Based Meals

More Nutrient-Dense Recipes