Low Carb Meatloaf

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This Low Carb Meatloaf is just as meatloaf should be-- tender and moist, soft but never mushy, cuts easily with a fork, but can be picked up without breaking, oozing juices, but not greasy, meaty and savory-- but, in a healthier low carb version! Can I get an AMEN?!

sliced low carb meatloaf in a loaf pan that has been glazed with sauce and garnished with parsley

Meatloaf is such a classic comfort food. But when you’re watching your carbs, finding a substitute for the carb-laden ingredients like breadcrumbs and ketchup can be tricky.

But don't worry, I've got you covered!

Now you can enjoy all the goodness of classic meatloaf in low carb fashion, and I promise, you won't even miss the carbs.

Key Ingredients

What I love about this simple recipe is that it’s made with just a handful of staple ingredients.

ingredients for low carb meatloaf: ground beef, tomato sauce, onions, almond flour, garlic, Italian seasoning, worcestershire sauce, bbq sauce, eggs, and parsley

Lean ground beef- 80/20 or 90/10. I recommend 80/20 for meatloaf and burgers. You want the extra juices.
Almond flour- this is the best substitute for breadcrumbs in meatloaf. It helps bind it together, but still absorbs juices so it keeps the meat moist.
Onion- grating the onions is key for texture and flavor.
Eggs- also a binding agent to keep everything holding together.
Tomato sauce- some recipes use milk (high in carbs), I like a thicker liquid, it adds flavor, keeps the meat juicy and works well with the binding ingredients.
Salt- helps to tenderize, don't be afraid to be generous here.
Italian seasoning, garlic, Worcestershire sauce- flavor flavor flavor! You can change this up to your preferences as well. This is very basic and traditional.
Sugar-free barbeque sauce or ketchup- I like the extra tang of barbecue sauce in this recipe, but either is fine. (Rufus Teague is my favorite brand and uses stevia to sweeten.)

Instructions

STEP ONE: Mix the ingredients

Place the ground beef, almond flour, grated onion, pressed garlic, eggs, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and Italian seasoning in the bowl of a stand mixer. (No stand mixer? see #3)
Use the paddle attachment to mix the ingredients until everything is well combined.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, simply use your hands to work the ingredients until it’s mixed well.
Place the meat mixture into a standard size loaf pan (8 ½ x 4 ½ x 2 ½) making sure it fills the pan from edge to edge.
Brush the sugar free BBQ sauce over the top of the meat.

AFMT TIP~ use a pastry brush, silicone brush, or the back of a spoon to gently spread the sauce over the meatloaf.

STEP TWO: Bake the Meatloaf

Place the meatloaf in a 350-degree oven for 35 minutes, then remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread a second layer of BBQ sauce over the top. Return the meat to the oven to bake another 35 minutes.

collage of 4 photos showing the steps of making meatloaf, combining ingredients, filling the loaf pan, glazing with sauce at the beginning and midway through baking

STEP THREE: Rest for 10-15 minutes

When meat cooks, the heat extracts the juices and brings them to the surface.

Allowing the meat to "rest" gives those juices a chance to redistribute back into the meat ensuring it will be juicy and not dry.

Just before slicing and serving, you can add more barbecue sauce and garnish with parsley if desired.

cooked meatloaf glazed with bbq sauce and garnished with parsley in a loaf pan

Notes

The meat will shrink slightly as it bakes, so you may notice it has pulled away from the pan when you take it out of the oven.
If you notice a lot excess juice has developed in the bottom of the pan you can use a turkey baster to suck some of that liquid out.
Not looking for low carb? Just sub out the Almond flour for bread crumbs, and use regular ketchup or barbecue sauce.
Ground Turkey is also delicious in this recipe

Make ahead and storing

To make your meatloaf ahead of time, follow the recipe up through putting it in the pan. Cover the pan and place it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
After the meatloaf is cooked, store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
You can also freeze your meatloaf.
- Uncooked meatloaf can be covered and frozen for up to six months.
- Cooked meatloaf can be stored in the freezer for the same amount of time. Just make sure it’s frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- To cook, or reheat, thaw completely in the fridge first.

What Can You Use Instead of Breadcrumbs for Low-Carb Meatloaf?

I find Almond flour to be the best substitute however, you can also use:
Ground Pork Rinds, Psyllium husk, crushed nuts, keto bread crumbs,

How do you keep meatloaf moist?

Make sure you've added moisture. Wet ingredients like eggs, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup add more than just flavor, they also keep the meatloaf juicy

2 pieces of juicy meatloaf on a plate with roasted brussels sprouts

What to serve with Low Carb Meatloaf

One of the great things about meatloaf is it goes with just about everything! Here's some suggestions for keeping your whole meal, low carb.

Asparagus
Roasted Vegetables
Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Cauliflower and Broccoli
Cauliflower Mash
Garlic Green Beans

More Low Carb Recipes

More dinner ideas!

cooked meatloaf in a loaf pan that has been glazed with bbq sauce and garnished with fresh parsley

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