The Carnivore Diet is a popular eating pattern that has gained significant attention over the past few years. Unlike most traditional diets that focus on a balance of macronutrients like carbs, fats, and proteins, the Carnivore Diet is essentially an all-animal-based food plan. The idea is simple: if it comes from an animal, it’s fair game. This diet is low in carbohydrates and focuses heavily on meats, fish, and animal-derived products. For those who are looking for a hearty, nutrient-dense meal on a carnivore regimen, a Carnivore Diet Soup is a fantastic way to satisfy your hunger while adhering to the principles of the diet.
Why soup? Soups are often seen as comforting and satisfying, and they allow for a wide range of textures and flavors to meld together. Plus, they can be easily packed with high-quality protein and fat, two things that are essential in a carnivore diet.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into a mouthwatering Carnivore Diet Soup recipe, explore all the ingredients that make it so special, break down expert tips to ensure it turns out perfectly, and even suggest some fun variations to keep your meals exciting.
Carnivore Diet Soup Recipe
When you’re following the Carnivore Diet, you may find yourself craving something warm, savory, and filling. This Carnivore Diet Soup combines beef, bone broth, and a blend of healthy fats to create a rich, delicious dish that checks all the boxes. It’s nutrient-dense, comforting, and fully compliant with carnivore principles. Whether you’re looking to warm up after a workout or simply enjoy a delicious, hearty meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients Needed
To make a flavorful and satisfying Carnivore Diet Soup, you’ll need the following:
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Bone Broth (Beef or Pork) – 4 cups
Bone broth is a cornerstone of the Carnivore Diet, packed with collagen, amino acids, and minerals. It’s rich in flavor and provides that perfect base for your soup.
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Ground Beef (or Ground Pork) – 1 pound
Ground beef is an excellent protein source, providing the right balance of fat and protein to keep you full and energized.
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Beef Tallow (or Pork Lard) – 2 tablespoons
Fat is the star of the Carnivore Diet, so adding beef tallow or pork lard ensures that your soup is rich and satisfying.
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Beef Shank (optional) – 1 shank
Beef shank is a great addition to the soup for extra protein, texture, and flavor.
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Salt (to Taste)
A bit of sea salt brings out the rich flavors of the meat and broth.
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Bone Marrow (optional) – 1-2 marrow bones
Bone marrow is loaded with healthy fats and helps thicken the soup while adding an extra layer of flavor.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to dive into making your Carnivore Diet Soup. The process is straightforward and doesn’t require fancy techniques, just a bit of patience and attention to detail.
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Prepare The Bone Broth Base
- Start by heating the beef (or pork) bone broth in a large pot over medium heat. You want the broth to come to a simmer, not a full boil. Let it gently heat for about 10 minutes. This step will help bring out the flavors and infuse the broth with all those rich nutrients from the bones.
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Brown The Ground Beef
- While the broth is heating, grab a separate pan and melt the beef tallow (or pork lard) over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the ground beef and brown it, breaking it up with a spoon so it cooks evenly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt during the cooking process to bring out the flavor of the beef.
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Add Beef Shank And Bone Marrow
- If you’re using beef shank, add it to the pot with the bone broth now. Let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes until the meat becomes tender. For extra richness, add marrow bones to the broth. Allow them to simmer for at least 20 minutes to release their fats and collagen into the soup.
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Combine The Beef And Broth
- Once the ground beef is browned and the beef shank has simmered in the broth, add the browned ground beef to the soup pot. Stir it all together to combine, making sure the beef has absorbed the flavors of the broth.
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Simmer And Serve
- Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer for an additional 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together, making the soup even richer and more flavorful. Once it’s ready, taste and adjust salt if needed.
Ingredient Insights
Every ingredient in this soup plays a crucial role in both its nutritional value and its flavor profile:
- Bone Broth: Bone broth is a powerhouse ingredient. It’s not just for flavor-it’s packed with collagen, which is fantastic for your joints, skin, and overall gut health. The gelatin from the bones also helps thicken the soup naturally.
- Ground Beef: High in protein, iron, and B-vitamins, ground beef is the ideal meat for a filling and nutrient-dense soup. It’s packed with healthy fats, which are critical for anyone following a low-carb, high-fat diet like carnivore.
- Beef Tallow/Pork Lard: These fats are rich in oleic acid, which is a healthy monounsaturated fat found in olive oil. They help keep you full, provide energy, and make the soup creamy and delicious.
- Beef Shank & Bone Marrow: These cuts of beef are ideal for slow cooking, as they release a ton of collagen and fat, enriching your broth and adding depth of flavor.
Expert Tips
- Use a Slow Cooker: If you have a bit more time, you can prepare the soup in a slow cooker for a few hours. This allows the flavors to infuse even more deeply, and the beef shank will fall apart beautifully.
- Flavor Adjustment: While the Carnivore Diet is all about focusing on animal-based foods, you can adjust the salt to your taste to balance the richness of the broth.
- Fat Content: Don’t be afraid of the fat! The Carnivore Diet thrives on healthy fats. If you find your soup a bit too greasy, you can skim off the excess fat, but it’s perfectly fine to leave it in. The fat helps you stay full longer.
Recipe Variations
Although this soup is perfectly satisfying as-is, there are some fun and simple variations you can try to keep your meals exciting:
- Different Meats: If beef isn’t your thing, try using pork or lamb for a different flavor profile. Ground pork or lamb shanks would work just as well as beef.
- Organ Meats: For an even more nutrient-dense soup, try adding organ meats like liver, heart, or kidneys. These cuts are incredibly rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Herbs (Optional): If you’re not strictly following the carnivore rules and want a touch of herbal flavor, you can add thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves during the simmering phase.
Final Words
A warm, hearty bowl of Carnivore Diet Soup is a perfect solution for those looking for a nutrient-packed, satisfying meal. It’s simple to make, with just a handful of ingredients that are rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Whether you’re new to the Carnivore Diet or a seasoned pro, this soup will make sure you’re getting the nutrition you need while enjoying every spoonful.