19 meaty meals that will make you feel like a caveman (but like, a fancy one)

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Channel your inner primal gourmet with these 19 meat-centric meals that blend hearty flavors with a touch of sophistication. Each recipe offers a robust dining experience, perfect for those who love a good feast with a bit of flair. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their mealtime, these recipes provide a delicious escape to a world where flavor rules and every meal feels like a feast fit for a king—or a very fancy caveman.

Beef Barbacoa in a blue bowl.
Beef Barbacoa. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes, you need a meal that’s both light and filling. Picture chunky bites of chicken mixed with pops of sweetness and a satisfying crunch—it’s a stand-out dish in simplicity. Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts brings a mix of flavors and textures that keeps things interesting. It’s the kind of meal a fancy caveman would pack for a power lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Kale and tortellini soup in a bowl on a wooden table.
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You want comfort in a bowl? Well, you got it. A steaming pot, brimming with stuffed pasta and tender meat, can turn a regular evening into something special. Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken is not just another soup; it’s like a hearty hug from the inside.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Sliced Smoked Bacon Wrapped Whole Pork Tenderloin on a white platter.
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Picture it: juicy pork, but with an irresistibly crispy edge. It’s the upscale twist to a primal feast that feels both indulgent and straightforward. Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin isn’t your everyday meat dish, it’s what happens when hearty meets fancy. Fire it up for a meal that impresses without needing a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Steak & Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who says salads can’t be manly? Throw in some robust slices from a well-cooked steak, and you’ve upgraded your greens to a whole new level. Offering a high-powered combo, Steak & Pasta Salad serves up fuel and flavor in equal measure. It’s definitely a dish that’ll keep your inner caveman feeling pretty suave.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Chicken Fries

Air fried chicken fries with dipping sauce on a wooden cutting board.
Air Fryer Chicken Fries. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes, the craving for something crispy and savory hits, and you’ve got to answer the call. Forget the oil splatter; let’s talk about getting that perfect crunch with less fuss. Air Fryer Chicken Fries offer that satisfying bite you’re hunting for. Grab a handful for a modern twist on a cave-like snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fries

Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

A Pastrami Reuben sandwich on a plate with chips and pickles.
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crave something hearty between two slices of bread? Imagine layers of meat, just the right amount of dressing, and some crunchy sauerkraut. Pastrami Reuben Sandwich packs in flavor in every bite, creating a sandwich that’s more like an experience. It’s messy, it’s meaty, and man, it’s good.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Leftovers? More like the base for your next favorite meal. Turning last night’s brisket into today’s lunch is smart—and when it meets the classic fried rice, you’ve got a winner. With Brisket Fried Rice, you’re giving humble ingredients a second chance to wow you at the dinner table. It’s comfort food with a meaty twist your caveman soul will love.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg

Two slices of Cottage Cheese Toast with Eggs & Bacon on a black platter.
Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

What’s breakfast without a bit of indulgence? Creamy, crunchy, and topped with an egg cooked just right, this dish is where simple ingredients come together to start the day strong. Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg—it’s proof that fancy doesn’t have to mean complicated. Wake up to a meal that would make any caveman proud.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg

Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

A bowl of Texas roadhouse chili with jalapenos and beans.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Got meaty cravings wrapped in a rich, spicy sauce? You’re talking about a dish that warms the belly and soul. With this Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe, we’re steering away from the basics to bring you a bowl of bold flavors. It’s a meat lover’s dream without the restaurant wait.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Dutch Oven Carnitas

Carnitas in a round black dish.
Dutch Oven Carnitas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You ever just want to tear into tender, flavorful pork that’s been slow-cooked to perfection? That’s what you get here—a mouthwatering main that falls apart with just a fork. Dutch Oven Carnitas take your taste back to the basics: slow-cooked, seasoned well, and ready to be devoured. It’s casual feast meets fine dining in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas

Cream of Onion Soup

Two bowls of cream onion soup on a wooden table.
Cream of Onion Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who knew that something as humble as onions could give you a creamy, comforting soup that’s so good? It’s warm, it’s filling, and it’s got enough depth of flavor to stand on its own. Dig into a bowl of Cream of Onion Soup and get ready to rethink everything you thought about this tear-jerker of a veggie. It’s a simple pleasure with a touch of class.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Onion Soup

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

A piece of Cuban sandwich casserole on a plate with potato chips.
Cuban Sandwich Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Yeah, sandwiches are great, but have you tried turning them into a casserole? It’s all the flavors you love, baked into layers that make every bite worthwhile. When you sit down with Cuban Sandwich Casserole, it’s like a mini-celebration on your plate. Trust me, it’s the kind of dish that makes leftovers the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s something about a crunchy shell and a hearty filling that just hits the spot. When it’s done right, it’s a meal that doesn’t need any dressing up. Tacos Dorados are all about that crisp exterior wrapped around a juicy center. It’s minimalism at its tastiest and a nod to the cave days with a golden touch.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

Two bowls of cream of butternut squash and sweet potato soup on a wooden table.
Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

On a chilly day, you need a bowlful of something that warms you right up. It should be smooth, rich, and able to stand its ground as a meal. Enter Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup: it’s proof that even the fanciest cavemen appreciated the simple things in life. It’s a dish that combines heartiness with a dash of natural sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

Beef Barbacoa

Beef Barbacoa in a blue bowl.
Beef Barbacoa. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

There’s meat, and then there’s MEAT—the kind that’s been cooked slowly, soaking up all those spices and flavors. It’s the essence of what every forkful should be: rich, pull-apart good, and fully satisfying. When it’s time for Beef Barbacoa, you’re not just eating; you’re enjoying centuries-old tradition on your dinner plate. Cave dwellers would nod in approval at this meaty masterpiece.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa

Al Pastor Carnitas

Al Pastor Carnitas in a white bowl with tongs.
Al Pastor Carnitas. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Who says you have to choose between savory and a hint of sweet? That’s right, no one. What Al Pastor Carnitas brings to the table is that delicious balance. Feast on a meal that’s familiar yet full of surprises—like a well-aged caveman with a taste for adventure.
Get the Recipe: Al Pastor Carnitas

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes what you need is a bit of seaside freshness on your plate. Fish done right, a little bit of excitement, and all wrapped up for a convenient chow-down. Landing a plate of Baja Fish Tacos is like bringing the coast to your kitchen. It’s what a caveman with a fishing pole and a flair for the finer things might make.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Wrap something delicious inside a toasty, crispy exterior and what do you get? A meal that takes little effort but packs a punch of flavor. With Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas, it’s all about that blend of flavorful and savory hugging every bite. They’re the kind of treat a caveperson would devour after a long day—modern-day comfort, ancient appetite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican street style corn soup in a white bowl on a white plate.
Mexican Street Corn Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’ve ever munched on street corn, you know it’s got that oomph that leaves you wanting more. So, why not turn it into something you can slurp? Mexican Street Corn Soup is your ticket to zingy, creamy, and straight-up delightful. It’s a taste experience that’s both familiar and exciting for a paleo palate craving some spice.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup

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