Step 1: Make the Pie Crust
The almond flour crust is low-carb and simple to make. It’s sturdy enough to hold the meaty filling, yet delicate and buttery, providing the perfect base.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or a deep-dish baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The almond flour acts as the base for the crust, and the Parmesan adds richness and flavor.
- Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the melted butter and egg, and stir until well combined. The mixture should come together as a dough, but it should be slightly crumbly.
- Press the dough into the pie dish: Use your hands or the back of a spoon to press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie dish, forming a crust. Make sure it’s compact and even all around.
- Bake the crust: Place the pie crust in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and firm to the touch. Remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon and Beef Filling
- Cook the bacon: In a large frying pan over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan, crumble it into small pieces, and set it aside.
- Cook the ground beef and onions: In the same pan, use the bacon fat (or add a bit of olive oil if necessary) to cook the chopped onions over medium heat. Sauté the onions for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pan with the onions. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
- Mix in the bacon and seasonings: Once the beef is cooked, add the crumbled bacon to the pan. Stir in the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Mix everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if necessary.
Step 3: Assemble the Carnivore Bacon Cheeseburger Pie
- Fill the pie crust: Spoon the beef and bacon mixture into the pre-baked pie crust. Spread it out evenly with a spoon, pressing gently to ensure the filling is compact and level.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pie. This will melt into the filling during baking, creating a delicious cheesy layer on top.
- Bake the pie: Place the assembled pie in the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pie is heated through.
- Optional topping: If you want an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle a bit more shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking. This will create a gooey, melted cheese topping that adds an indulgent finish to the dish.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Cool slightly: Let the pie rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This will allow the filling to set a little, making it easier to slice.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Slice and serve: Slice the pie into generous wedges and serve hot. This dish is rich and filling, so a little goes a long way.
Serving Suggestions:
While this Carnivore Bacon Cheeseburger Pie is a hearty dish on its own, you can serve it alongside some low-carb sides to round out the meal:
- Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with a squeeze of lemon
- A side of garlic butter zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice
- Crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for some refreshing contrast
Tips for Success:
- Bacon choice: Using thick-cut bacon enhances the flavor and texture, but any bacon will work. Just make sure it’s crispy to add a great crunch.
- Ground beef options: If you prefer a leaner beef option, you can use ground turkey or chicken, but the recipe shines with fatty beef for a richer taste.
- Spice it up: Add some heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the beef filling.
Conclusion:
This Carnivore Bacon Cheeseburger Pie is an absolute crowd-pleaser, whether you’re following a keto or carnivore diet or simply looking for a hearty, delicious meal. With its meaty filling, rich flavor, and cheesy topping, it captures all the indulgent elements of a cheeseburger but without the bun. The almond flour crust keeps it low-carb while providing the perfect base for the savory filling. Serve it as a main dish for your next family dinner or special occasion, and prepare for compliments all around!