Keto Meatloaf Recipe

By Weatherly Becker-GottliebAug 12, 2024Jump to Recipe

A comfort food classic that will put you right into ketosis.

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I did not have the most traditional upbringing, we were not the Cleavers or the Bradys, my parents did not usually look for American standards in our diets, like I have said before instead of being raised on comfort foods I was raised on sushi. It might be because of this that I have an affinity for the more traditional comfort foods, and one of those is meatloaf.

I can guarantee my mother never made a meatloaf, but when I got to college, I would see it on the menu in the dining hall and finally got to see what all the fuss was about. I love a good burger or meatballs, so of course putting seasoned ground beef into a loaf makes perfect sense to me. I have attempted many variations of meatloaf over the years and this recipe for keto meatloaf is probably my favorite. With only ten minutes to prep and put in the oven, this is a simple and delicious recipe that you will love.

This keto meatloaf recipe is a variation of a classic meatloaf but with an emphasis on the keto diet that grew in popularity in the mid 2010s. The classic recipe it is based around has been popular since it first began appearing in Boston in the 1800s. While the 1800s were the first appearance of a meatloaf recipe the process of blending ground beef and spices for a dish has been around since colonial times. This recipe is truly delicious, moist and juicy in the center while a blend of crisp and tender on the outside. Topped with a tangy sugar-free ketchup this recipe will be a hit with the whole family.

Is Keto Meatloaf Healthy?

If you are following the keto diet this recipe is ideal for your dietary needs, it’s high in protein and fat and low in carbs to force your body to burn fat for energy instead of running off carbohydrates. Even if you are not primarily following a keto diet this recipe is still good for you if eaten in moderation. If you overindulge on anything it stops being healthy, so be sure to be mindful of your portion sizes. Because this recipe is fully keto it is also gluten-free making it ideal for individuals with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Keep all of this in mind when considering this recipe for your own personal dietary needs.

Can You use alternative proteins and still be keto?

This recipe uses lean ground beef because it is a variation on a traditional meatloaf but that does not mean it is the only option. If you are truly trying to keep your protein lean you can substitute ground turkey in place of ground beef and still make a delicious keto meatloaf. While you might want to try plant-based alternatives as a protein I would caution you to acknowledge the sugar and carbohydrate content of your alternatives, sugars and carbohydrates are the enemy of a keto diet. While beef is the traditional protein of choice any meat can be used and maintain the keto nature of the recipe.

INGREDIENTS

1 large egg
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 cup blanched finely ground almond flour
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean, 10% fat)
1/4 cup unsweetened or sugar-free ketchup
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Preheat oven, and mix ingredients.

Shape

Form loaf, brush with ketchup.

Bake

Cook, rest, and serve.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

To store your keto meatloaf you have options, you can store your full loaf or individual slices for meal prep. Put your meatloaf into an airtight sealed container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze a full meatloaf in an airtight sealed container for up to 4 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warm throughout.

How do I keep my meatloaf from falling apart when I cut it?

Let your meatloaf rest for a few minutes before cutting, resting the meatloaf allows it to set as it cools slightly to help hold shape.

How can I elevate this recipe to make it less traditional and still keto?

I have found that if you want an additive, and to make sure it is keto, go with a classic – bacon makes everything better. You can layer strips of bacon inside the pan before adding your ground beef mixture to have a great bacon-wrapped keto meatloaf.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this dish is the ability to make your comfort food completely keto-friendly so you will want to make sure that anything you eat with it is also keto. I would recommend Spring Roll Zucchini Noodle Bowls which is not completely keto but is close, or a nice salad like Kale Salad with Bacon and Caramelized Onions.

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