This keto meatloaf is a hearty dish that keeps your low-carb diet in check while still being super tasty! Made with ground meat, veggies, and spices, it’s a real family favorite.
Trust me, this meatloaf won’t have you missing the carbs! I like to serve it with a side of creamy cauliflower mash for a complete meal that’s satisfying and delicious. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80% lean ground beef for a juicier meatloaf. If you prefer leaner meat, you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken, but they may be drier, so consider adding extra spices or moisture.
Almond Flour: This is a great keto substitute for traditional breadcrumbs. If you need a nut-free option, swap it out for crushed pork rinds, which also keeps the low-carb count down!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds flavor and a bit of richness. If you’re dairy-free, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Parsley: Fresh herbs brighten up the dish. If fresh parsley isn’t available, dried parsley can work, but use less since it’s more potent.
Ketchup: Sugar-free ketchup is a must to keep it keto-friendly. If you can’t find it, mix tomato paste with a bit of water and a sweetener to get a similar effect!
How Do You Mix Meatloaf Without It Getting Tough?
Mixing meatloaf correctly is key to achieving a tender texture. Over-mixing can make it tough, so go easy when combining the ingredients. Here are my tips:
- Gently combine all ingredients using your hands or a fork until just mixed. You want everything evenly distributed, but don’t squeeze the mixture too much.
- Avoid compacting it in the loaf pan; loosely shape it to let moisture escape as it cooks.
- If you find the mix too dry, add a splash more almond milk or a beaten egg to help bind it.
After baking, resting the meatloaf is essential. It helps the juices redistribute, making each slice moist and flavorful!
How to Make Keto Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (make sure low sugar/keto-friendly)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp erythritol (or your preferred keto sweetener)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This keto meatloaf recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 60 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll want to let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. So, in total, expect about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, you can line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep the meatloaf from sticking.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, almond milk, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly. You can use your hands or a spoon for this—just be careful not to overmix.
3. Shape the Meatloaf:
After everything is nicely combined, transfer the meat mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Shape it evenly, making sure it fits well in the pan.
4. Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar-free ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and erythritol. This will create a delicious glaze that will make the meatloaf even tastier!
5. Apply the Glaze:
Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, ensuring to cover the entire surface. This will help keep it moist and flavorful while baking.
6. Bake the Meatloaf:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes. You want the internal temperature to reach 160°F (71°C) for it to be fully cooked.
7. Let it Rest:
Once cooked, remove it from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to settle, making it easier to slice.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
When you’re ready to serve, slice the meatloaf and garnish with extra fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious and juicy keto-friendly meatloaf!
Your family will love this hearty meal, and you get to stick with your keto diet. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to lower the fat content. Just be aware that turkey may be a bit drier, so consider adding a little extra almond milk or a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the meatloaf mixture a day in advance. Simply mix everything together, store it in the fridge, and shape it just before baking. You can also bake it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or cover them with foil and warm them in the oven to maintain moisture.
Can I Freeze Meatloaf?
Yes! You can freeze cooked or uncooked meatloaf. For uncooked, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. For cooked, slice it first before wrapping. To reheat, bake straight from frozen, adding a little extra time to ensure it’s heated through.