Low Carb Meatloaf Recipe (Keto, Easy, Juicy & Tender) (2024)

A no-fail Low Carb Meatloaf Recipe that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and comforting any night of the week.

Add this keto meatloaf to your next dinner rotation, it's sure to be a new family favorite.

Why you'll love this recipe

A Low Carb Meatloaf that is flavorful, tender, and comforting. With some hidden low carb veggies that fits perfectly into your healthy keto diet.

It’s one of the easiest weeknight meals and perfect for meal prep as it can be made ahead of time and baked when ready.

This recipe makes great leftovers. We often double up the recipe so we have low carb lunch options for the week.

I really enjoy this low carb meatloaf recipe for several reasons. The first being that it’s moist and full of flavor.

The second is that it is loaded with veggies, its gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free (because we use sugar-free ketchup) plus it tastes just like traditional meatloaf.

Ingredients needed

Lean ground beef ( or ground turkey) - you want to use leaner meat as their is a fine line between juicy and greasy meatloaf.

1 Egg - the perfect binder plus adds moisture.

Sugar free ketchup (or catsup as my wife's uncle calls it) - make sure it is sugar free, as regular ketchup always has sugar added.

Mustard - adds a spicy tang.

Onion - add extra depth to your meatloaf.

Zucchini - adds moisture (plus a great way to sneak in low carb veggies)

Keto Breadcrumbs (or almond meal or ground pork rinds) - great binder.

Salt

Black pepper - Proper seasoning is key to avoid a bland meatloaf.

Gluten free Worcestershire sauce

Step by step instructions

1. Preheat oven.
2. In a large mixing bowl, blend all ingredients.
3. Press the low carb meatloaf mixture into a loaf pan, or 8×8 square pan.
4. If desired, brush the top with sugar-free ketchup half way through baking.
5. Bake 1 hour. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160F degrees.
6. Let cool for ten minutes. Serve hot.
7. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

That’s it. Super easy! You can always make the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator.

Simply pre-heat the oven when you are ready to bake it and add 5 minutes to the cook time (because you are baking it from a colder temperature point).

If you have any questions, please ask in the comments below.

Best tips

To keep your tender meatloaf from falling apart, you need a good low carb meatloaf binder. You can use keto bread crumbs, almond flour, crushed keto chips, crushed pork rinds, parmesan cheese or flaxseed meal in your low carb meatloaf.

Make sure all your ingredients are sugar-free and low carb.

When pressing the meatloaf mixture into the loaf pan, don't pack it in too firmly. There is no need to press down on the mixture. Simply spoon it in as it will conform to the loaf shape of the pan.

Cook to 160 degrees. Once removed from the oven, the meatloaf will continue to cook and the internal temperature will rise to 165 degrees. If you wait till the temperature reaches or passes 165 degrees in the oven, you run the risk of drying out your meatloaf.

The shredded zucchini is low carb and adds moisture while cooking, helping to keep the meatloaf from drying out.

Please let it rest before serving. It is always best to let any type of meat rest after it is cooked for at least 10 minutes. This helps the juices reabsorb and redistribute. If you serve without resting, the juices will be left in the loaf pan and your meatloaf will be dry.

Serving suggestions

Keto Rolls - A simple side dish that is perfect with this keto meatloaf recipe. These rolls are simple to make and you can use them to make meatloaf sliders.

Keto Green Bean Casserole - is a low carb version of the classic - and it's all made from scratch without any need for canned soup.

Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese - Tender roasted cauliflower is the perfect stand-in for macaroni in this delicious low carb recipe.

Keto Broccoli Salad - One of our easiest and best sides for keto meatloaf. The flavors in this broccoli salad really compliment meatloaf.

Lemon Wok Asparagus - We love a good asparagus recipe and this lemon asparagus doesn't disappoint. It's simple to make and the lemon flavor is addicting.

Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts - Yeah, we like cheese and bacon and when you mix them both with veggies you get an incredible side dish.

If you love recipes using beef, you might also like this Keto Taco Casserole. Keto taco pie is also simple to make.

If you love low carb meatloaf, you'll want to make these keto meatballs next. Serve them with keto coleslaw for a complete meal. For more ideas, check out these Keto Ground Beef Recipes.

Looking for dessert? Try our keto fudge or keto cheesecake. These keto peanut butter cookies are also delicious. Keto cream cheese cookies are also a reader favorite.

Storage instructions

• Fridge - If you have any leftovers, refrigerate the Keto Meatloaf in an airtight container or tightly wrap with plastic wrap, for 3 to 4 days.
• Reheat - To reheat the low-carb meatloaf, preheat the oven to 250 degrees F, then transfer the meatloaf into the oven. Use a meat thermometer to tell when the inside of the meatloaf has been heated. For the best results, pour some beef broth or water over the meatloaf to stop if from drying our. You can also reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
• Freezer - Leftovers can also be stored in the freezer for up 3 months. After that amount of time, the quality and texture will start to be affected. Wrap your meat loaf tightly then place in an airtight container or freezer safe bag.

Delicious Meatloaf recipe variations

• Bacon wrapped - simply place strips of uncooked bacon on the top of the meatloaf before popping it into the oven. They will add a smoky flavor and help lock in the moisture.
• Mexican - add a Taco seasoning mix to our recipe. Spice it up with some slices of jalapenos.
• Stuffed meatloaf - you heard that right. Add half the meatloaf mixture to the loaf pan, then add slices or cubes of your favorite cheese. You can also add leftover pieces of crispy bacon.
• Turkey - switch out the ground beef for ground turkey instead.
• Italian - use half ground beef and half Italian sausage, plus some Italian seasoning mix.
• Sheet Pan - Instead of using a loaf pan, you can use a sheet pan for a better caramelization on the crust. Place parchment paper on the sheet pan, then form the meat mixture into a loaf shape. Same baking instructions.

FAQs

Can I use low carb crackers in meatloaf?

Yes! traditionally people used to make their meatloaf recipe with oatmeal, crackers or breadcrumbs but you can use low carb crackers in this keto meatloaf recipe.

Which Sugar-Free Ketchup to use?

There are a couple of sugar-free ketchup brands available online and in stores. If you can't find one you like, you can always make this Keto Ketchup Recipe.

Here are a few sugar-free ketchup's we've seen that might work for you:

G Hughes Sugar Free Ketchup

Primal Kitchen Unsweetened Organic Ketchup

True Made Foods No Sugar Added Ketchup

Do you cook Meatloaf covered or uncovered?

If you decide to not brush the top with sugar-free ketchup at the halfway point of baking, then you should cover the meatloaf with aluminum foil halfway through the cooking process. The ketchup helps lock in the moisture, so without it or a foil cover you will end up with drier meatloaf.

Why is my Meatloaf mushy?

If your meatloaf is mushy in the middle or is falling apart, the main culprit is not enough binder or too much liquid. Our easy recipe has been tested to ensure your meatloaf is soft and tender, with the perfect amounts of veggies and binder.

So if you plan on adding more veggies to the recipe, you may need to increase the amount of keto breadcrumbs to soak up the extra liquid the veggies will release while cooking.

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📖 Recipe