Who says Thanksgiving has to mean carb overload? Not in my kitchen! Last year, I decided to ditch the stuffing and mashed potatoes for a pure protein-packed celebration – and wow, did we feast like kings. This healthy carnivore Thanksgiving recipe meat feast lets you enjoy all the holiday flavors without the carb coma. Picture this: juicy turkey wrapped in crispy bacon, smoky beef ribs dripping with butter, and pork chops so tender they practically melt in your mouth. My family didn’t even miss the traditional sides – we were too busy fighting over the last rib! The best part? You’ll wake up the next day feeling energized, not sluggish. Trust me, once you try this meat-lover’s holiday spread, you might never go back to the old ways.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Carnivore Thanksgiving Recipe Meat Feast
This isn’t just another holiday meal – it’s a game changer for meat lovers. Here’s why:
- Protein powerhouse: You’ll get a whopping 85g of protein per serving to keep you full for hours
- Zero carb magic: All the holiday flavor without the sugar crashes or bloating
- Flavor bomb: Bacon-wrapped turkey? Butter-basted ribs? Need I say more?
- Holiday-worthy: Looks impressive on the table but secretly easy to make
- Leftovers rule: The meats taste even better the next day (if they last that long!)
My carnivore friends always ask for seconds – and my carb-eating relatives usually join in too!
Ingredients for Your Healthy Carnivore Thanksgiving Recipe Meat Feast
Alright, let’s talk meat! Here’s everything you’ll need to create this glorious carnivore celebration:
- The Star: 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs, completely thawed if frozen – trust me, I learned this the hard way!)
- The Bacon Blanket: 1 lb thick-cut bacon (because everything’s better wrapped in bacon)
- The Beefy Goodness: 2 lbs beef ribs (get those beauties with some marbling)
- The Pork Perfection: 1 lb bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick works best)
- The Liquid Gold: 1/2 cup butter (melted for basting, because we’re not messing around here)
- The Simple Seasonings: 1 tbsp salt and 1 tbsp black pepper (sometimes simple is best when you’re working with quality meats)
Best Meat Selection Tips
Here’s my golden rule: pasture-raised meats make all the difference. They’ve got better flavor, juicier texture, and more nutrients. It’s worth the extra few bucks – your taste buds will thank you when that first bite of turkey hits!
How to Prepare Your Healthy Carnivore Thanksgiving Recipe Meat Feast
Okay, carnivore friends – let’s get cooking! This might look like a lot of meat, but I promise it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps and you’ll have the most epic meat feast ready in no time.
Roasting the Perfect Turkey
First things first – crank that oven to 325°F. While it’s heating up, pat your turkey dry (super important for crispy skin!) and rub it all over with salt and pepper. Now for the fun part – take those beautiful bacon strips and drape them over the turkey breast like a delicious blanket. This keeps the white meat juicy while adding insane flavor.
Pop that bad boy in the oven and let it roast for about 3-4 hours. Every 45 minutes or so, baste it with melted butter – I like to use a turkey baster to really get into all the nooks and crannies. The turkey’s done when a meat thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. And don’t you dare carve it right away! Let it rest for at least 20 minutes – this keeps all those precious juices inside where they belong.
Grilling Ribs and Pork Chops
While the turkey’s resting, fire up your grill to medium-high heat. Brush those beef ribs and pork chops with melted butter (yes, more butter!) and slap them on the grill. Here’s my trick – set a timer for 15 minutes per side and DON’T peek! Opening the grill too much lets all the heat out.
After flipping, baste again with butter (are you sensing a theme here?). The ribs are perfect when they pull away from the bone slightly, and the pork chops should hit 145°F internally. Whatever you do, don’t overcook them – dry meat is a tragedy we won’t accept at this feast!
Now pile everything on a platter, grab some extra melted butter for dipping (I told you we weren’t messing around), and prepare for the meat sweats of your dreams!
Expert Tips for the Best Healthy Carnivore Thanksgiving Recipe Meat Feast
After making this feast more times than I can count (and fielding all my friends’ questions!), I’ve learned some pro tricks that take it from good to mind-blowing. Here are my hard-earned secrets:
Pasture-raised matters: I know I already mentioned it, but seriously – the quality of your meats makes or breaks this meal. Those cheap grocery store turkeys pumped full of saline solution? They’ll taste like disappointment compared to a properly raised bird with real flavor. Worth every penny.
Bone broth goldmine: Don’t you dare throw out those turkey carcass and rib bones! Toss them in your slow cooker with some water and let it simmer overnight. You’ll wake up to the most nutrient-rich broth that makes killer soups or sipping broth for days after. For more on the benefits of bone broth, check out this guide.
Rest your meats: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but resist! Letting the turkey rest for 20 minutes and the ribs/chops for 5-10 minutes lets the juices redistribute. My husband learned this the hard way when he carved the turkey immediately last year – we had to mop up a flood of delicious juices!
Temperature checks: Invest in a good meat thermometer. Those pop-up timers in turkeys lie! For perfect doneness every time: 165°F in the turkey’s thigh, 145°F for pork chops, and when the ribs pull slightly from the bone.
Butter basting: Melt extra butter than the recipe calls for – trust me, you’ll want it. I keep a little bowl of melted butter with a brush nearby for constant basting action. Your future self will thank you when every bite is dripping with flavor.
Storing and Reheating Your Meat Feast
Let’s be real – with a feast this good, you’ll probably have leftovers (unless my brother-in-law shows up, then all bets are off). Here’s how to keep your carnivore creations tasting amazing for days:
Airtight is right: Store everything in airtight containers – I’m obsessed with glass ones because they don’t absorb smells. Separate the meats to keep flavors pure. That bacon-wrapped turkey deserves its own special space!
Fridge life: Your meaty masterpieces will stay fresh for about 4 days in the fridge. Pro tip: pour some of the leftover melted butter over the meats before storing – it creates a protective layer that keeps them moist.
Reheating like a pro: Microwave is fine in a pinch, but oven reheating is where it’s at. For turkey and pork, wrap in foil with a splash of broth or (you guessed it) more butter at 325°F until warmed through. Ribs? Pop them under the broiler for a minute to crisp up that glorious fat.
Freezer hack: Want to save some for later? Slice the turkey, portion everything out, and freeze in butter-coated packages. Thaw overnight in the fridge when cravings hit – just as good as day one!
Honestly? The leftovers might be my favorite part. Nothing beats a midnight snack of cold bacon-wrapped turkey straight from the fridge… not that I’d know anything about that. *wink*
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk numbers – but don’t worry, we’re keeping this simple and satisfying! These values are estimates based on my favorite butcher’s cuts, so yours might vary slightly depending on exact meat sizes and brands. Here’s the delicious breakdown per hearty serving:
- Calories: 850 (all from good, wholesome sources!)
- Protein: 85g (that’s nearly a day’s worth in one meal!)
- Fat: 55g (hello, flavor and satiety)
- Carbs: 0g (yes, you read that right – zero!)
- Sodium: 1200mg (mostly from our tasty seasonings)
Now, here’s my chef’s secret – these numbers don’t tell the whole story. When you’re eating quality pasture-raised meats like we used, you’re getting way more nutrients than any label shows. Think omega-3s, collagen, and all those good fats that keep you full for hours. My energy levels skyrocket after this meal instead of crashing like with carb-heavy Thanksgivings!
FAQs About Healthy Carnivore Thanksgiving Recipe Meat Feast
You’ve got questions – I’ve got answers from years of carnivore holiday feasting! Here are the most common things people ask me about this meaty masterpiece:
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! I actually did this last year when my turkey delivery got delayed (thanks, holiday shipping!). Just adjust cooking times – a 5-6 lb chicken will only need about 1.5-2 hours at the same temperature. Keep that bacon blanket on top, and maybe throw in an extra pork chop or two to make up the difference. The flavor’s just as amazing!
Is this keto-friendly?
Oh honey, is butter keto? You bet your bacon-wrapped turkey this is keto! With zero carbs and all that glorious fat from the meats and butter, this is basically the ultimate keto holiday meal. My keto friends go nuts for it every year. Just skip any sugary sauces (not that you’ll need them with all this flavor!) and you’re golden.
How do I prevent dry pork chops?
Ah, the eternal pork chop struggle! Here’s my foolproof method: First, get thick-cut chops (none of those sad thin ones). Then, the butter basting is non-negotiable – I baste at least 3 times while grilling. Most importantly, pull them at 145°F and let them rest! The carryover cooking will take them to perfect doneness without crossing into dry territory. And if all else fails? More butter. Always more butter.
Share Your Feast
Alright, meat lovers – I want to see your carnivore masterpieces! There’s nothing I love more than scrolling through photos of your bacon-wrapped turkeys and butter-drenched ribs. Snap a pic of your feast and tag me @MeatQueen (okay fine, that’s not my real handle – but you get the idea!).
Did your family do a double-take when you served this instead of the usual carb-loaded spread? Capture those shocked faces! Found an amazing local butcher for your pasture-raised meats? Share the love! I’m always hunting for new sources.
Pro tip: Get that golden hour lighting for your photos – nothing makes glistening meat look more appetizing. And don’t forget the money shot of that butter waterfall when you pour it over everything. *chef’s kiss*
Can’t wait to see how your carnivore Thanksgiving turns out. May your plates be piled high and your meat sweats be glorious!
Print
Healthy Carnivore Thanksgiving Meat Feast: 5 Protein-Packed Dishes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A healthy carnivore Thanksgiving meat feast packed with protein and flavor. Perfect for a holiday meal without the carbs.
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
- 1 lb bacon
- 2 lbs beef ribs
- 1 lb pork chops
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Season turkey with salt and pepper.
- Layer bacon over turkey breast.
- Roast turkey for 3-4 hours until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Grill beef ribs and pork chops with butter for 15 minutes per side.
- Serve all meats hot with melted butter for dipping.
Notes
- Use pasture-raised meats for best quality.
- Save bones for homemade broth.
- Leftovers keep for 4 days refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Grilling
- Cuisine: American