Keto Meatloaf

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my easy keto meatloaf recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef – I recommend 85/15 beef, because it’s not too lean or too greasy. Very lean beef is more prone to drying out, but ground beef that’s very high in fat tends to shrink a lot when you bake the loaf. You could also use ground turkey.
• Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour – Breadcrumbs are the main reason that meatloaf is not great for a keto diet, so I use this instead. It’s ground extra fine, giving you a better texture than other brands. I’ve got other binder options here.
• Aromatics – Garlic and onions! I highly recommend fresh ones for keto meatloaf, but you can substitute 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder if you need to.
• Tomato Paste – It’s very concentrated but higher in carbs, so I only use a little bit. Don’t use tomato sauce, which is less potent and more runny.
• Worcestershire Sauce – This does add a bit of sugar, but because it’s a small amount for a whole loaf, it doesn’t change the carb count per serving much. I use this gluten-free brand. You can omit it, but I highly recommend it for flavor — I add it to my keto chili for the same reason. If you want a cleaner or paleo meatloaf option, substitute coconut aminos.
• Eggs – Use whole, large eggs. Flax eggs would probably work, but your meatloaf will be less sturdy.
• Seasonings – Just my homemade Italian seasoning (or store-bought is fine too), sea salt, and black pepper.
• Sugar-Free Ketchup – This is my (optional) simple glaze! You can use store-bought — this one is my favorite with clean ingredients — or make my keto ketchup yourself.

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Binding Options:

I’ve experimented with multiple low carb substitutes for breadcrumbs. You need something to hold the low carb meatloaf together! Here are your choices:

• Almond Flour – My favorite way to make this keto meatloaf recipe is with almond flour, which is why it’s the default on my recipe card below. I find that it creates the best texture.
• Coconut Flour – I don’t recommend coconut flour for meatloaf, because it absorbs a lot of moisture and can dry it out. If you still want to try it, I recommend starting with just 2 tablespoons of coconut flour and adding an extra egg.
• Crushed Pork Rinds – These are a popular keto replacement for breadcrumbs, because they have texture and are zero carb. If you want to make your keto meatloaf with pork rinds, they can replace the almond flour 1:1 and would make this recipe nut-free. You can crush your own by pulsing them in a blender or food processor, or buy these that are already crushed for you.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – The loaf comes out too dense if using only parmesan as the binder, but you can replace half of the almond flour with parmesan, which does make it more sturdy.

1. Mix the base ingredients. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the meat and ketchup.
2. Add the beef. Mix until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

3. Form and bake. Transfer the meat mixture to a large baking dish, form into a loaf shape, and bake for 30 minutes.
4. Brush on the “glaze”. If using ketchup, brush ketchup on top of the partially cooked loaf.
5. Bake again. Return to the oven and bake until cooked through. (See my tips below to ensure that your keto meatloaf recipe turns out moist, and what to do if you want a shiny glaze.)

6. Let it rest. This step is important for the right texture! After removing from the oven, tent the top with foil and wait 10 minutes before slicing. This makes the low carb meatloaf more juicy and easier to slice. I also garnish mine with fresh parsley.

Serving Ideas

My go-to way to serve keto meatloaf is with my mashed cauliflower and garlicky roasted green beans, as pictured above. You can also make regular mashed potatoes or even oven roasted potatoes for family members that aren’t low carb. Sometimes I add a Caesar salad (skip the croutons for keto) to balance out the heavier main dish.

If you want a green veggie but are not a fan of green beans, my cheesy brussels sprouts casserole or roasted broccoli and cauliflower are great options. Check my list of keto vegetables for more ideas!

More Keto Comfort Food Recipes

Looking for more low carb comfort food? Below are some of my most popular ones. I also have 100 more in my Easy Keto Carboholics’ Cookbook!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Keto Lasagna

Keto Chicken Pot Pie

Cauliflower Mac And Cheese

Low Carb Chicken Soup

Keto Chili