Picture this: a Thanksgiving feast where the star of the show is, quite literally, all about meat. That’s right—welcome to my carnivore Thanksgiving! I remember the first time I decided to host a meat-centric holiday gathering. My family was initially skeptical, but oh boy, did that turkey wrapped in crispy bacon change their minds! The savory aroma filled the house, and when we sat down to dig in, it was pure bliss. Each bite was rich and satisfying, and honestly, nothing beats the joy of celebrating a holiday dedicated to hearty, flavorful dishes. If you’re a meat lover like me, this unique theme is not just a meal; it’s an experience. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into creating your very own carnivore Thanksgiving feast that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs), thawed and cleaned
- 1 lb bacon, cut into strips
- 4 cups beef broth, for added moisture and flavor
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, to baste the turkey
- 1 lb pork sausages, casings removed for easy cooking
- 2 lbs ham, pre-cooked, to heat through and serve
- 2 lbs beef ribs, seasoned and ready for grilling
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s all about timing and technique. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a drool-worthy carnivore Thanksgiving feast that everyone will love!
Prepping the Turkey
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While that’s heating up, grab your turkey and make sure it’s completely thawed. Pat it dry with paper towels—this helps get that beautiful crispy skin! Now, season the turkey generously with salt and pepper, inside and out. The seasoning is key, so don’t hold back!
Next, it’s time to wrap the turkey in bacon. Lay the strips of bacon over the turkey, covering as much surface area as possible. The bacon will not only add flavor but also keep the meat moist while roasting. Once wrapped, place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour beef broth around it to keep everything juicy. Pop it in the oven and roast for about 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with melted butter. This will help create that gorgeous golden-brown color and flavorful crust!
Cooking the Sides
While the turkey is roasting away, it’s time to prepare the sides. In a skillet over medium heat, add your pork sausages. Cook them until they’re browned and cooked through, breaking them up into bite-sized pieces as they cook. This should take about 10-15 minutes. For the ham, follow the package instructions to heat it through—usually, around 20-30 minutes in the oven should do the trick.
And let’s not forget the beef ribs! Season them with your favorite spices and grill them until they’re cooked through—about 15-20 minutes on a hot grill, depending on thickness. Timing is everything, so try to finish the ribs just as the turkey is coming out of the oven.
Final Steps
Once your turkey is done (make sure to check that it’s fully cooked with a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F in the thickest part), let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This is super important! Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice incredibly juicy and flavorful. Serve everything family-style, with the turkey as the centerpiece, and watch as everyone digs in! Enjoy your carnivore Thanksgiving—it’s truly a feast to remember!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! This carnivore Thanksgiving feast is not just delicious; it’s also packed with protein to fuel your holiday fun. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional data per serving, which is about one slice of turkey with those delightful sides:
- Calories: 800
- Fat: 60g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 60g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. For example, the type of bacon or sausages can change the fat content a bit. But hey, it’s a feast day! Enjoy the flavors and the company—it’s what really counts!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a meat lover’s dream come true—every dish is packed with flavor!
- Simple and straightforward preparation means less stress on the big day.
- You’ll impress your guests with a unique spin on the traditional Thanksgiving feast.
- Bacon-wrapped turkey? Yes, please! It adds a deliciously smoky flavor.
- Perfect for gathering around the table and enjoying hearty, filling dishes together.
- Leftovers are a treat, perfect for sandwiches or a cozy breakfast the next day.
- It’s a celebration of all things meat, making it a memorable experience for everyone!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your carnivore Thanksgiving is a roaring success! First and foremost, invest in a good meat thermometer. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for ensuring your turkey is perfectly cooked—aim for that magical 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. Also, remember that cooking times can vary based on the size of your turkey, so don’t just rely on the clock; check the temperature!
When wrapping the turkey in bacon, make sure to cover it well to keep the moisture in. Basting with butter every 30 minutes is also crucial—this helps achieve that mouthwatering crispy skin! Lastly, let that turkey rest for at least 30 minutes after roasting. This step is vital for juicy slices. Follow these tips, and you’ll be the star of this meat feast!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up for your carnivore Thanksgiving, there are plenty of delicious variations to explore! First off, consider swapping the turkey for a whole roast duck or even a crown roast of pork for a stunning centerpiece. Each brings its own unique flavor and flair to the table!
Spice things up by marinating your meats with different flavors—think garlic and herb rubs for the turkey or a zesty Cajun seasoning for the beef ribs. You could also incorporate smoked meats like brisket or pulled pork for a deeper, richer taste.
Don’t forget about adding variety with your sausages! Try different types, like spicy Italian or apple sausage, to bring new flavors to the feast. Whatever you choose, just remember—it’s all about celebrating the love of meat!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your glorious feast prepared, let’s talk about what to serve alongside your meat masterpieces! For a truly carnivore-friendly experience, consider whipping up some roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in bacon fat—oh my goodness, they’re heavenly! You could also serve creamy mashed cauliflower as a low-carb alternative to traditional potatoes; it pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the meats.
If you’re in the mood for something a little saucy, try a homemade chimichurri or a zesty mustard sauce for dipping those juicy beef ribs. And don’t forget about cheese! A platter of assorted cheeses can complement the meal wonderfully. Finally, for a touch of freshness, a simple arugula salad with olive oil and lemon juice brightens up the table. Trust me, these sides will elevate your carnivore Thanksgiving and leave everyone raving about your culinary skills!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s chat about what to do with those delicious leftovers from your carnivore Thanksgiving feast! First, make sure to let everything cool down to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and keeps your meats from getting soggy. Once cooled, wrap the turkey, beef ribs, and ham tightly in aluminum foil or place them in airtight containers. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, the best way to reheat them is gently in the oven. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and place the wrapped meats on a baking sheet. Heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes for the turkey and ham, and 15-20 minutes for the ribs. If you want to bring back that crispy skin on the turkey, uncover it for the last few minutes of reheating. This way, you’ll enjoy that delicious flavor and texture all over again!
Print
Carnivore Thanksgiving: 7 Meat Dishes for Unforgettable Joy
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Carnivore
Description
A carnivore-themed Thanksgiving feast featuring meat-based dishes.
Ingredients
- Turkey – 1 whole (12-14 lbs)
- Bacon – 1 lb
- Beef broth – 4 cups
- Butter – 1 cup
- Pork sausages – 1 lb
- Ham – 2 lbs
- Beef ribs – 2 lbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the turkey by seasoning it with salt and pepper.
- Wrap the turkey with strips of bacon.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour beef broth around it.
- Roast the turkey for about 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Cook the pork sausages in a skillet until browned.
- Prepare the ham according to package instructions.
- Grill the beef ribs until cooked through.
- Let everything rest before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey is fully cooked before serving.
- Adjust cooking times based on the size of the turkey.
- Use a meat thermometer for best results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting and Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice of turkey with sides
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 60g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 60g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: carnivore thanksgiving, meat feast, turkey, bacon, beef
