Nothing beats the comfort of a classic meatloaf, especially when you’re following a keto lifestyle and looking for a hearty, low-carb meal.
This Keto Meatloaf Recipe marries the nostalgia of a traditional meatloaf with the modern needs of a ketogenic diet, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is diet-friendly.
I first discovered this recipe during a particularly chilly winter. I was craving something cozy but needed to stay on track with my keto goals.
This meatloaf quickly became a family favorite, not just because it tastes incredible, but also because it’s so versatile. You can easily pair it with roasted veggies or a side salad, making it an adaptable choice for any meal.
The beauty of this keto meatloaf lies in its simplicity and flavor. The combination of ground beef, eggs, and a few pantry staples delivers a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for meal prep. With just 4 grams of net carbs per serving, it’s a guilt-free option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Why You Will Love This Recipe?
- Moist, Tender Texture: Every bite is soft, velvety, and juicy. It’s so tender that it almost falls apart, but I’ll take that over a tough, dry meatloaf any day. If you prefer it firmer, I’ve got some tips below for that, too.
- Cozy, Savory Flavor: This meatloaf is rich and meaty with delicious undertones of garlic, onions, dried herbs, and tomatoes. It’s everything a meatloaf should be. I rotate it with my low-carb soups and keto casseroles to satisfy my comfort food cravings.
- Easy to Make: Besides almond flour, all you need are common grocery store staples to whip up this low-carb meatloaf. The prep is quick, taking about 10 minutes.
- Keto-Friendly and Gluten-Free: With only 3g net carbs per slice, this meatloaf is perfect for a keto diet. I only use clean, unprocessed ingredients.
- Family-Friendly: Even though it’s a keto meatloaf, everyone in your family will love it, regardless of their diet. I serve it with cauliflower mashed potatoes for my husband and me, and regular potatoes for the kids. Check out my other serving ideas below!
Keto Meatloaf Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Meatloaf pan (12 x 6)
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder diced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup blanched finely ground almond flour
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 lbs lean ground beef 90% lean 10% fat
- 1/4 cup ketchup unsweetened or sugar-free
- 2 tbsp parsley finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a rimmed sheet pan with foil or grease a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the spices, then add the ground beef, almond flour, and parmesan cheese. Mix with your hands or a silicone spatula.
- Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf on the prepared baking sheet or press it into the prepared loaf pan.
- Brush the top of the loaf with unsweetened or sugar-free ketchup.
- Bake for about an hour, or until the center reaches 160°F.
- Let the meatloaf rest for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Tips For Making Keto Meatloaf!
- Handle the Mixture Lightly: To keep your keto meatloaf tender and fluffy, mix the ingredients gently. Over-mixing can make the meatloaf dense. When shaping it into a loaf, be gentle to maintain its airy texture.
- Fat Content Matters: Avoid using extra-lean ground beef. Opt for an 80/20 blend or, at minimum, an 85/15 blend to ensure your meatloaf remains juicy and flavorful. The fat content is crucial for taste and moisture.
- Ditch the Loaf Pan: Instead of using a loaf pan, bake your meatloaf on a large, rimmed baking sheet. This allows the outside to crisp up nicely, giving you a delicious crust. A loaf pan traps juices, preventing this crispiness.
- Foil Over Parchment: Line your baking sheet with foil rather than parchment paper. Foil provides better heat distribution, leading to a more evenly cooked meatloaf with a superior texture.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for about 15 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice juicier and more flavorful. Cutting it too soon can cause the juices to run out, leaving your meatloaf dry.
What To Serve With Keto Meatloaf?
