The Best and Easiest Classic Meatloaf made Keto

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This is by far the BEST and EASIEST Classic Meatloaf made Keto with just a couple of simple ingredient swaps.  Let's face it, there is nothing better or a more comforting dinner than a classic meatloaf.  And this recipe is all that as well as super easy and foolproof.  No bells and whistles - just a few ingredients including beef, egg, coconut flour (or almond flour or ground pork rinds) and a simple sweet and tangy glaze.

This homemade meatloaf recipe is so tender and juicy on the inside with a sweet and tangy glaze that adds so much flavour to the meatloaf.

Quick and easy to make, serve this classic meatloaf recipe with Keto Maple Bacon Broccoli Salad, Ricotta Asparagus Tart (Gluten Free, Low Carb) or for a slightly higher carb side dish, with these Beautiful Potato Bacon Roses (Whole30)

What is considered a "Classic" Meatloaf Recipe?

Almost everyone will agree that a "classic" Meatloaf recipe has to incorporate some type of ground beef mixed with onion, breadcrumbs, fresh parsley and seasonings.

This typically produces an irresistibly tender and juicy meatloaf.

And then topping the entire meatloaf with a sweet and tangy glaze adds amazing flavour and takes the classic meatloaf over the top!

So, with a few everyday ingredient switches, I created a simple, tried and true, delicious twist to the Classic Meatloaf recipe.

What ingredients do you need to make the Easiest Classic Meatloaf low carb?

• Ground beef – 80/20 is perfect for this recipe
• Coconut Flour and Eggs – help with binding the loaf. Use seasoned pork rinds that have more seasoning and can add extra flavour or almond flour instead.
• Seasonings – Onions, parsley, salt and pepper.
• Topping – Chili sauce and low carb ketchup make this the BEST topping ever!

What is the Best Meat for Meatloaf?

You want to use ground beef that is 85% or 90% lean meat.

Do not worry about using lean meat – the rest of the ingredients will keep your meatloaf moist and juicy.

Avoid super lean meats as the meat can crumble and will dry out too quickly.

Do you have to add the Meatloaf Sauce?

You don't have to but I HIGHLY urge you to take the extra couple of minutes to make the meatloaf sauce.

This meatloaf sauce is incredible as a glaze for the meatloaf with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavours. Sugar-Free (or low carb )Ketchup and Chili Sauce combined with brown sugar substitute and red wine vinegar is all you need to create this irresistible sauce.

Once baked, the glaze caramelizes and is SO GOOD! 

And don't worry... adding the chili sauce gives this meatloaf a little kick but is not overly spicy.

How long to cook this Easy Keto Classic Meatloaf?

This can be the trickiest part of making meatloaf.

I was shocked when I tested my actual oven temperature using an oven thermometer and what I had set my oven.  There was a difference of over 10 degrees!

Also, whether you cook it in a metal pan, glass, ceramic or not using a loaf pan at all, can completely change the amount of time needed to bake this meatloaf.

So, due to oven variations as well as bakeware use,  I highly suggest that you not worry so much about the time but rather check the internal temperature of the meat.

You want to cook your meatloaf until the internal temperature reads 160 degrees F.

For this recipe, we are going to cook the meatloaf uncovered for 30 minutes at 350°F.   Then, we will add the sauce, and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 160°F.

If using a smaller loaf pan than 9″x 5″, increase cooking time.

What if I want to change the size of this keto meatloaf recipe?

If you are halving the recipe (or increasing it) you can use the cook times below to cook at 350°F.

Remember that using a thermometer is your best bet to ensure meatloaf that is cooked through yet perfectly tender.

• Bake a 1lb meatloaf for about 45 minutes total.
• Bake a 2lb meatloaf for about 55 minutes total.
• Bake a 3 lb meatloaf for about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Make sure you let your meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before you slice it so it doesn’t fall apart and it retains all of its juices!  I like to tent it with aluminum foil so it keeps warm while it’s resting.

How To Make Meatloaf

Meatloaf has had a bad rap in the past… which makes me sad because it’s dang good when prepared properly! There are a few tips you need to know to make sure this meatloaf recipe comes out perfectly juicy and flavorful every time!

• Do Not Overmix: Mix until everything is just combined. Over mixing will create a dense loaf!
• Use Lean Meat: Use lean beef (but not extra lean). You need a bit of fat for flavour but don’t want it swimming in grease so lean beef is the perfect option.
• Add flavours and moisture: Adding in seasonings and coconut flour (or crushed pork rinds or almond flour) and milk keep every bit of this meatloaf flavorful and moist.
• Cook on a Baking Sheet: Using a baking sheet to cook your meatloaf gives the best results. If you cook in a loaf pan you’ll get steam (and nobody wants steamed meat) and nowhere for the drippings to go.  Form your own loaf on a foil-lined pan.
• Rest the Meatloaf: With any meatloaf recipe, the final product should be rested once it comes out of the oven.  This helps redistribute the juices and makes sure it won’t fall apart!

Can I bake Meatloaf on a baking sheet?

For a crispier keto meatloaf with extra crispy edges, you can bake this classic meatloaf on a baking sheet.

This is actually the way that a prefer to bake my meatloaf as I love the extra level of crispiness.  The only problem with this method is that visually, it does not look as pretty!

How do I form this meatloaf if I want to cook it on a baking sheet?

• Place a double layer of foil in a loaf pan and press it firmly against the edges
• Prepare the meatloaf and place it in the pan and press it down firmly

• Remove the foil-wrapped shaped meatloaf and place it on a baking tray - spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf

• Bake for 30 minutes
• Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven and pull the foil edges down
• Add the tangy topping sauce and place it back in the oven for 15 minutes.
• NOTE: Baking time may slightly vary, depending on the shape and thickness of the meatloaf.

Can you freeze Meatloaf?

Yes, meatloaf may be frozen before cooking.

To freeze, prepare meatloaf per instructions. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze.  Defrost the raw meatloaf in the refrigerator covered and continue with baking instructions.

Can you make this meatloaf in an Air Fryer or in an Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker?

Absolutely!

If you want to use either of these 2 methods, check out my Air Fryer or Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf recipe and follow the directions.

Tips on How to Make the BEST Meatloaf:

• Mix the meatloaf well but DO NOT OVERMIX which can result in a tough/dense meatloaf
• If using a loaf pan, line your loaf pan with parchment paper with edges hanging over the pan for easier removal of meatloaf. 
• Keep the juices from the pan and pour over the sliced meatloaf before serving.
• Chop the onion finely, allowing it to cook through (or cook it in the microwave for 2 minutes before adding)
• Gently press the meat into the pan so it holds its shape.
• Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing
• IF you can't find sugar-free ketchup, you can replace the ketchup with sugar-free BBQ sauce
• If you don't have coconut flour, replace the coconut flour with 1 cup crushed pork rinds or ½ cup of almond flour
• Use coconut aminos or your favourite soy sauce
• I used Chili Garlic Sauce but you can replace this with any type of hot sauce or omit it altogether
• Feel free to add any additional spices such as smoked paprika or basil

If you like this Easiest Classic Meatloaf made Keto,  you may also enjoy:

Whole30 Pork Fried Cauliflower Rice - Paleo and Keto

Whole30 Chicken Lo Mein (Keto, Paleo)

The Best Classic Meatloaf made Keto

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This Easy Weeknight Classic Meatloaf takes on a slight makeover to make it not only Keto but also low in carbs and gluten-free. Simple ingredients of beef, egg, coconut flour (or almond flour or ground pork rinds) are all combined with a few added spices to make this dinner ready to go in the oven in under 10 minutes! The perfect Keto easy weeknight dinner!

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 lb. 90% lean ground beef
• ¼ cup coconut flour (or ½ cup almond flour or 1 cup crushed pork rinds)
• ½ cup diced yellow onion
• ¼ cup almond milk
• 1 large egg beaten
• 1 tbsp chili sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup (low carb or sugar-free)
• 1 tablespoon coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley leaves
• ¾ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• ¼ tsp. ground black pepper

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup sugar-free ketchup
• 2 tbsp packed brown sugar substitute
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl add all the meatloaf ingredients. Use your hands to mix these ingredients together until well combined.
3. Add the meat mixture to a loaf pan. Pat the meat down into an even layer.
4. In a small bowl, add ¼ cup sugar-free ketchup, brown sugar substitute, and vinegar. Stir to combine. Pour ½ of the sauce on top of the meatloaf and spread it into an even layer.
5. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
6. After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and add any remaining sauce to the top of the meatloaf.  Return the meatloaf to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.
7. Let the meatloaf rest for 8-10 minutes before serving (or it may fall apart).

Notes

• Be sure to mix the meat really well.  This is a very moist meatloaf recipe so under mixing can cause the meatloaf to be too soft/mushy.
• I use two thin spatulas to remove the meatloaf from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. You could also slice and serve the meatloaf directly from the loaf pan, or use parchment paper to line the pan for easy removal.

• Author: Cat
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 40
• Category: Main Meals
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, Fall, Winger
• Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 135
• Sugar: 0.7
• Fat: 6.7
• Carbohydrates: 4.5
• Fiber: 1.7
• Protein: 12.7