Keto Meatloaf

This post may contain paid links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

My Keto Meatloaf Recipe has only 5 carbs per serving, and is the best tasting meatloaf you will ever try! It’s a dream come true, packed with flavor and so cheesy. Complete with a homemade meatloaf glaze and my very own meatloaf seasoning, it’s even gluten-free!

Jump to:

• Low Carb Meatloaf
• Why keto meatloaf?
• Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs Ingredients
• Keto Meatloaf Glaze Ingredients
• Keto Meatloaf Recipe Instructions
• Low Carb Meatloaf Recipe Tips
• Making the Perfect Meatloaf
• Make-Ahead Keto Meatloaf
• How to Freeze Meatloaf
• Meatloaf Temperature
• Meatloaf No Breadcrumbs FAQ
• Pin it for later!
• Recipe
• Reviews

Low Carb Meatloaf

Between my cheese stuffed meatloaf, slow cooker meatloaf, and this amazing keto meatloaf, I think I make meatloaf at least once a month. It’s such an easy dinner, and you can do a lot with the leftovers. (My favorite is my meatloaf sandwich!)

The best thing about this keto meatloaf recipe is that you really won’t be able to tell that it’s low carb. In fact, I guarantee you’ll enjoy it more than your usual meatloaf recipes! It’s crisp on the outside, moist inside, and has so much cheesy flavor. And, it cuts down on carbs by using sugar-free ketchup, lean ground beef, and no bread crumbs.

It’s hard to resist a good meatloaf; when you find the perfect one, you’ll want to make it all the time. My keto meatloaf will be that for you!

Why keto meatloaf?

• The meatloaf, seasoning, and glaze use simple, common ingredients you most likely already have plenty of on hand.
• You won’t have to worry about this meatloaf drying out; it turns out juicy and moist every time!
• By combining Parmesan and cheddar, this meatloaf develops the most amazing cheesy crust. I promise you’ll find it irresistible.

I tried it and it came out great. My husband loved it and felt it was perfectly seasoned and much better than the packets.

Joyce on Pinterest

Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs Ingredients

• Meatloaf Seasoning: I have my own homemade meatloaf seasoning you can use for this recipe. To make it, you will need dried mustard, paprika, salt, basil, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. I recommend you avoid using a meatloaf seasoning packet, as those often come with unnecessary fillers like wheat flour. By making it from scratch, you can adjust the ingredients to your liking!
• Olive Oil: You can use extra virgin olive oil or light olive oil, whatever you have on hand. I find olive oil works the best for the flavor of the meatloaf, but you can also use avocado oil, too.
• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef, such as 85/15 blend. You can use 80/20 or 90/10 if that’s what you have on hand, but the texture may change slightly, and so will the fat content. 85/15 is a great balance, and it won’t dry out.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese off of a block of cheese is the best for this, but you can use whatever you have on hand in a pinch, if necessary. Pecorino Romano is a good alternative, too.
• Milk: I’m using whole milk, but you can use any % milk you prefer.
• Sugar-Free Ketchup: It’s key to use sugar-free ketchup, or the nutritional values of this recipe will change. Sugar-free cuts down on the sugar and carb content, so keep that in mind!
• Worcestershire Sauce: This simple sauce adds so much flavor to my keto meatloaf recipe.
• Eggs: Let the eggs come to room temperature before making the meatloaf.
• Salt: I recommend using a coarse salt, such as kosher salt or sea salt flakes, for the best flavor.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: You can buy shredded sharp cheddar, or grate your own from a block of cheddar. I recommend grating your own if you have the time and can; it will melt better.

Keto Meatloaf Glaze Ingredients

• Tomato Paste: The sharp yet sweet flavor of tomato paste makes the most amazing base for a meatloaf glaze.
• White Vinegar: Cuts through sweetness to add additional tang to the glaze. It is so tasty!
• Meatloaf Seasoning: You’ll need more of my homemade meatloaf seasoning mix for the glaze, too. This ensures flavor in every bite.

Keto Meatloaf Recipe Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix dried mustard, paprika, salt, basil, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder together in a small bowl to make your meatloaf seasoning.
3. Place ground meat in a large bowl, then add meatloaf seasoning, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and cheddar cheese.
   
4. Use your hands to combine the meat mixture until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, or the meatloaf will become dense.
   
5. Transfer the ground meat mixture to your loaf pan, pressing the meat down to fit into the loaf shape.
   
6. Combine tomato paste, white vinegar, and meatloaf seasoning together in a bowl to prepare the meatloaf glaze.
   
7. Brush half of the meatloaf glaze over the top of the meatloaf mixture.
   
8. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove from oven and spread the remaining meatloaf glaze over top. Top with the additional cheddar cheese. Place back in the oven.
   
9. Bake for another 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature for the meatloaf reaches 155°F when checked with an instant read meat thermometer.
10. Remove from the oven and let it stand for at least 15 minutes. This is very important for keeping the meatloaf moist.
11. After 15 minutes, carefully remove the meatloaf from the pan to slice and serve. Enjoy!

Low Carb Meatloaf Recipe Tips

• If you’re trying to keep your meatloaf low carb, make sure to check the nutritional values when using any substitutions.
• If you like bacon, a little crumbled bacon added to the topping is so delicious. I usually use my air fryer bacon.
• Before slicing your meatloaf, let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This will ensure it holds together well when you go to cut it. Make sure to use a sharp knife.
• When mixing the meatloaf, make sure not to over-mix it. Over-mixing changes the texture of your meatloaf, making it more dense. Be sure to mix it just enough to combine the ingredients.

Making the Perfect Meatloaf

• #1: Using the right blend of spices. The seasoning for meatloaf you use makes a big difference in the flavor. That might sound obvious, but definitely use more than just salt and pepper! My meatloaf seasoning recipe adds so much flavor to the meat that sets it apart from other meatloaf recipes.
• #2: The glaze matters! I use tomato paste, vinegar, and my meatloaf seasoning to make a tangy-sweet glaze perfect for complementing the flavors of meatloaf. It also keeps the meat moist.

Make-Ahead Keto Meatloaf

• Make my easy keto meatloaf recipe ahead of time by forming the loaf, then storing it in the refrigerator or freezer before baking. Wrap the loaf pan tightly in plastic wrap to store in the refrigerator and use within 2 days. For freezing, see the instructions below.

How to Freeze Meatloaf

Freezing Uncooked Meatloaf

1. Line the loaf pan with plastic wrap so the wrap hangs slightly over the edges of the loaf pan before shaping your meatloaf. This makes it easier to remove from the pan and wrap in plastic after partially freezing.
2. Add the loaf pan to the freezer for 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.
3. Once partially frozen, take the meatloaf out of the loaf pan and fully wrap it in the plastic wrap. Double up by wrapping it in foil. Label with the freezing date and store for up to 3 months.

Freezing Cooked Meatloaf

1. Allow your meatloaf to cool completely.
2. Store wrapped in plastic wrap and foil labeled with the date for up to 3 months. I recommend wrapping individual slices so you can take what you want out of the freezer without needing to heat the entire meatloaf.

Meatloaf Temperature

Wait for your meatloaf to reach 155°F internally, then turn off the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before removing it. This will raise the temperature to the ideal 160°F, while keeping the meat juicy. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Meatloaf No Breadcrumbs FAQ

Recipe