This keto meatloaf is one of those feel-good meals that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s super easy to make, with just 10 minutes of prep, and turns out moist, tender, and full of flavor every time.
It’s topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that tastes just like the classic version—only without all the sugar. No breadcrumbs here—just simple, low-carb ingredients that come together in a delicious, family-friendly dinner.
Even if you’re not doing keto, this meatloaf is a great option for anyone looking for a hearty, homemade meal that’s a little lighter on the carbs. Great for meal prep, leftovers, or serving with your favorite side dishes!
This easy keto meatloaf is tender, flavorful, and comes together quickly—making it perfect for just about any meal. While it’s great for holidays or festive dinners, it’s also simple enough to enjoy as a cozy weeknight meal or even a casual weekend lunch.
You don’t need a special occasion to make this comforting dish. It works just as well served with a side of veggies for dinner, or sliced and served as an appetizer for guests.
- 1 Why Are You Going To Love This Keto Meatloaf Recipe
- 2 Is Meatloaf Keto-Friendly?
- 3 Keto Meatloaf Ingredients
- 4 How To Make The Best Keto Meatloaf
- 5 Tips for Making the Best Keto Meatloaf
- 6 Storing Ideas
- 7 How To Serve This Keto Meatloaf
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions
- 9 More Keto Recipes
- 10 Keto Meatloaf Recipe
Why Are You Going To Love This Keto Meatloaf Recipe
- Super easy to make – Just a few simple ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time.
- Comfort food at its best – Warm, hearty, and perfect for any night of the week.
- Tender and juicy – Comes out moist every time with loads of flavor.
- Budget-friendly – Uses basic ingredients you probably already have.
- Perfect for meal prep – Stores well and makes delicious leftovers.
- Low in carbs, big on flavor – Classic taste without the added carbs or breadcrumbs.
- Family-friendly – Even picky eaters love it, and they won’t miss the carbs!
Is Meatloaf Keto-Friendly?
Traditional meatloaf usually isn’t keto-friendly because it’s made with breadcrumbs, milk, and sugary ketchup, which adds a lot of carbs.
But the good news? You can absolutely make a keto version that tastes just as delicious—without the extra carbs. By using low-carb swaps like almond flour or crushed pork rinds, sugar-free ketchup, and skipping the milk, you get all the classic flavor and texture in a keto-friendly way.
So yes, meatloaf can be keto, and once you try this version, you won’t miss the old one at all!
Keto Meatloaf Ingredients
To make the best keto meatloaf, you only need a few simple, wholesome ingredients. These are easy to find and come together to make a moist, flavorful low carb meatloaf the whole family will love:
- Ground Beef – Use 85/15 lean ground beef for the perfect balance of fat and moisture. It keeps the meatloaf juicy without being greasy. You can also substitute with ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Eggs – Act as a binder to hold everything together and help the meatloaf keep its shape.
- Almond Flour – A great low carb alternative to breadcrumbs. It adds structure without adding carbs.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but 1 teaspoon of garlic powder also works.
- Onion – Finely chopped for flavor and moisture. You can also sauté it slightly if you prefer a milder taste.
- Salt & Pepper – To season the meat mixture to taste.
Low Carb Meatloaf Sauce
This sauce takes the meatloaf to the next level! Unlike traditional ketchup-based glazes that are full of sugar, this version is keto-friendly, sweet, and tangy with zero added sugar.
- Tomato Sauce – Use a sugar-free variety or homemade sauce to keep carbs low.
- Mustard – Adds a nice tangy kick. Use yellow or Dijon—whatever you like best.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Brings depth and savory flavor to the sauce.
- Sweetener – A brown sugar substitute works great here to mimic the sweetness of classic meatloaf glaze.
- Vinegar – Just a splash gives it that perfect tangy balance. Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar both work well.
How To Make The Best Keto Meatloaf
This keto meatloaf is incredibly easy to make and turns out tender, juicy, and full of flavor. With just a few minutes of prep, it’s the perfect low carb comfort food you can pop in the oven and forget about until dinner time!
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Mix the meatloaf ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, almond flour, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a spoon to mix everything until just combined. Don’t overmix—this helps keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape and bake – Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and gently press it into an even shape. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Make the glaze – While the meatloaf is baking, stir together your sugar-free tomato sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sweetener, and vinegar in a small bowl. This glaze is sweet, tangy, and full of flavor.
- Add the glaze – After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly spread the glaze over the top.
- Finish baking – Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Using a meat thermometer helps ensure it’s perfectly cooked without drying it out.
- Rest, then serve – Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and helps it hold its shape when sliced.
Tips for Making the Best Keto Meatloaf
Want a meatloaf that’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor every single time? These easy tips will help you make the perfect low carb meatloaf without any fuss:
- Let it rest before slicing – After baking, allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes. This helps lock in the juices and makes it easier to slice without crumbling.
- Use a slightly larger loaf pan – A wider pan gives the meatloaf a little breathing room, allowing the edges to brown and caramelize nicely.
- Don’t worry about extra fat in the pan – If you’re using higher-fat ground beef, it’s normal to see some fat or liquid in the pan after baking. Simply drain it off carefully, or use a spoon to remove excess grease.
- Avoid overmixing – Overworking the meat can make the meatloaf dense or dry. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Try a leaner option – Want something lighter? Ground turkey or chicken works great and still tastes amazing with the same glaze.
- Use a thermometer for perfect doneness – To avoid guessing, use an instant-read meat thermometer. The meatloaf is ready when it reaches 160°F (71°C) internally.
- Finely dice the onion and garlic – This helps them blend into the meat better and ensures even cooking and flavor.
Storing Ideas
This keto meatloaf is great for leftovers and perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it properly so you can enjoy it again later:
- Make ahead – You can prep the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and keep it uncooked in the fridge for up to 3 days, tightly wrapped in plastic or stored in an airtight container. Bake when you’re ready to serve for fresh flavor and texture.
- Fridge – Store leftover cooked meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It stays moist and flavorful and is easy to reheat for lunch or dinner the next day.
- Freezer – Let the cooked meatloaf cool completely, then slice it. Wrap individual slices in foil or parchment paper and place them in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3–4 months.
To Reheat: Microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes, or reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also cover them with a little extra sauce before reheating to keep them juicy.
How To Serve This Keto Meatloaf
This keto meatloaf is super versatile! You can serve it on its own as a hearty main dish or pair it with your favorite low carb sides for a complete, satisfying meal. It even works as an appetizer when sliced and served with toothpicks at gatherings.
- Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes – A creamy and comforting classic that pairs perfectly with meatloaf.
- Oven Roasted Vegetables – Try a mix of broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers for color and flavor.
- Air Fryer Green Beans – Crispy and lightly seasoned, they add a nice crunch to your plate.
- Sautéed Eggplant – Cooked until golden and tender, it’s a great low carb veggie option.
- Shredded Cabbage Slaw – Adds freshness and a little crunch to balance the rich meatloaf.
- Keto Gravy – Pour it over the meatloaf for extra comfort-food vibes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Meatloaf?
Traditionally made with ground beef, herbs, and spices, meatloaf is a comforting dish. These are frequently hand-mixed before being baked.
What Can I Use Instead Of Breadcrumbs For Keto Meatloaf?
In this recipe, I used almond flour instead of the breadcrumbs traditionally used in meatloaf recipes. You can also use coconut flour, ground flaxseeds, or hemp hearts.
Should I Cook This Meatloaf Covered Or Uncovered?
You don’t have to cover the meatloaf since the mixture is moist, and the sauce will make it super tender. However, if you choose to cover yours because you are concerned about drying out, take the foil off for 15 minutes before it is ready.
Can I Use Another Type Of Meat?
Sure, for example, you can use a mix of ground beef and pork. Or you can use ground chicken or turkey for a healthier alternative; you need to know that your meatloaf might not be as moist.
Can I Substitute the Egg?
If you have an egg allergy or you’re simply out of eggs, you can make this meatloaf using an egg substitute. My favorites include flax eggs, mayonnaise, applesauce, or unflavored gelatin.
More Keto Recipes
- Low Carb Keto Crack Slaw – Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Easy Cauliflower Pizza Crust Recipe
- The Most Flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Juicy Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
Keto Meatloaf Recipe
Description
Ingredients
The beef mixture
- 2 lbs ground beef 85% or 90% lean
- 2 eggs large
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ onion medium, diced
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Meatloaf Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sugar-free ketchup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp brown sugar replacement
- 2 tsp vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add all of the meatloaf ingredients. Use your hands to gently mix until well combined—don’t overmix.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- While it bakes, make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together all the meatloaf sauce ingredients.
- After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the sauce evenly over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps it stay juicy and easier to cut.
- Serve warm with your favorite keto sides like cauliflower mash, roasted green beans, or sautéed veggies. You can also drizzle some of the flavorful pan juices over the top for extra moisture.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.