Perfect Keto Meatloaf Recipe with Almond Flour

Name: Perfect Keto Meatloaf Recipe with Almond Flour
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: PT-493644H57M37S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb Ground Beef; 1/2c Almond Flour; 1 Large Egg; 2Tb Unsweetened Ketchup; 2Tb Dijon mustard; 1/4c Small Onion, finely minced; 1/4c Green Pepper, finely minced; 1 tsp Thyme; 1 Tb Black Pepper; 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tsp Salt; Sweet and Sticky Glaze; 2Tb Unsweetened Ketchup; 1Tb Dijon; 1Tb Agave Nectar

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This hearty and delicious low-carb meatloaf recipe is perfect for a family dinner. Topped with a sweet and sticky glaze, this keto-friendly meatloaf will be a weekly dinner staple. Prepped in under ten minutes, this make-ahead dish will have you making meatloaf like a pro.

This recipe is …

Keto

Gluten-free

High – Protein

Low-Carb

…and a huge crowd-pleaser!

(Also, it can be made vegetarian or vegan – see the my notes in the “simple spins to make this meatloaf your own” section, below.)

Meatloaf is one of those dishes that gets a bad rap for dryness – and sure, we’ve all had dry meatloaf before.

Fortunately, if you follow this recipe – it won’t be an issue. The eggs and almond flour work together exceptionally well to keep this meatloaf moist and delicious.

Plus, if you’re on Keto, this meatloaf won’t mess up your diet.

Key Keto Meatloaf Ingredients

Ground Beef: Ground beef is the perfect protein for keto meatloaf because it is a high-fat, low-carb protein source. This makes it a great way to stay on track with your keto diet while still enjoying a hearty and flavorful meal.

Egg: The richness of the yolk adds flavor to the meatloaf, and the whites act as a binder that helps the meatloaf retain its moisture and structure.

Almond Flour: Almond flour does double duty in this recipe not only does it help the eggs bind the ingredients together, it also absorbs the fat and flavor that develops as the meatloaf cooks, sealing it into the meatloaf.

Onions & Peppers: Onions and peppers pretty much do the same thing; they add a bunch of their respective flavors but they also add texture to the dish. Keep the knife cuts small on these two so they seamlessly melt into the meat. Too large of a cut can result in air pockets and uneven spots.

Mustard & Ketchup: Mustard and ketchup add a touch of sweetness and flavor to the dish. This is a classic combination that pairs well with the savory beef.

Agave Nectar :Agave is a sweetener that provides a nice hit of sweetness in a small amount. The small amount that is added to the sweet and sticky glaze not only helps the glaze adhere to the meat, but the sugar in the agave also caramelizes, leaving the meatloaf with the crunchy bits that we know and love.

How to Make The Perfect Keto Meatloaf

To make this sweet and sticky meatloaf, follow these steps.

Step one: Preheat the oven for 350F.

Step two: In a large bowl add in ground beef, to that season with salt, pepper, thyme , and worcestershire. Add in dijon mustard, ketchup, almond flour, and egg.

Overhead shot of the bowl filled with ground beef and seasoned with salt, pepper, thyme, dijon and ketchup.

Step three: Add in the peppers and the onions.

Overhead shot of the onions and peppers added into the bowl of meat.

Step four: Mix all the ingredients together.

Overheat shot of the the meat mixed together with the vegetables, spices and condiments.

Step five: Place the meat into a loaf pan. Top with plastic wrap and press the meatloaf to ensure there aren’t any air bubbles.

Overhead shot of the meat now pan into a loaf pan with plastic wrap.

Step six: Brush the meatloaf with sweet and sticky glaze, then roast for 55 minutes till the internal temperature is 160F. Broil the meatloaf for the last 3-5 minutes for a crispier top.

Step seven: Rest the meatloaf for 10 minutes. Lift from the loaf pan before cutting and serving!

Overhead shot of the plated sliced meatloaf

Simple Spins To Make This Meatloaf Your Own

Change up the protein: This recipe is super versatile. Change it by mixing up your protein! For your next go try out turkey, lamb, pork and bacon, or ground chicken. Take it fully veg by using boiled lentils, black beans or ground mushrooms.

Binder alternatives: If eggs or almond flour aren’t for you – psyllium husk, flaxseed egg, and coconut flour make comparable alternatives.

Add a little variety: Change up this recipe with your favorite taco seasoning pack, liquid smoke or herb rub. Try this recipe with your favorite keto barbecue sauce to really give it some variety. This recipe can be seasoned any way you like to keep everything fun.

Need more protein: For some added extra protein you can add ground pork rinds, vital wheat gluten, cheeses like parmesan, blue cheese, or ground cheddar crisps. For added vegetable protein bulk this recipe up with ground mushrooms, grated pumpkin or zucchini.

Tips to give your next meatloaf an edge

Mincing your vegetables will give you the true flavor that dried powders cannot replicate. Mince your vegetables so that they incorporate into the meat easily. For this recipe, there is no need to sweat the vegetables ahead of time. Roasting them in the oven with the meatloaf will add a lot of extra flavor.

For a sticky, caramelized crust, broil the meatloaf on low for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. This will allow the natural salts and sugars from the vegetables to create a crispy coating on top of the meatloaf.

Leftovers and Storage

The best part of meatloaf are the leftovers! Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container. To make the best sandwiches, do not slice the meatloaf while it is still hot. Instead, cut the loaf in half and chill the unused portion until you are ready to use it. Once chilled, the fat in the meatloaf will solidify, making it easier to cut perfectly even sandwich slices.

FAQ

Is almond flour okay on keto?

Almond flour is an excellent substitute for panko or breadcrumbs in this recipe because it has a similar texture and flavor. It is also gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities. To use almond flour in place of panko or breadcrumbs, simply follow the recipe as directed, but use almond flour in equal amounts.

Why is my meatloaf falling apart?

Your meatloaf may be falling apart due to a few factors. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent this from happening.

Not enough binder. The most common reason for a meatloaf to fall apart is not using enough binder. Binders help to hold the meatloaf together by absorbing moisture and preventing the meat from becoming too dry. Common keto binders include eggs, flax seeds, almond or coconut flour.

Not cooking the meatloaf long enough. Meatloaf needs to be cooked long enough to reach a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t cook it long enough, the meat will be undercooked and will be more likely to fall apart.

Not letting the meatloaf rest. After you’ve cooked your meatloaf, it’s important to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, making it more moist and less likely to fall apart. Hot meat is hard to handle.

How to keep a meatloaf moist?

The first step to keeping meatloaf moist is choosing the right protein. A fattier cut, like beef, will result in a juicier meatloaf. Leaner cuts, like ground chicken, turkey, or pork, can dry out easily. To combat this, you can add more fat to the protein, such as bacon or pork. You can also tent your meatloaf with foil to help keep it from drying out in the oven. Finally, make sure not to overcook your meatloaf. Poultry can be a little tricky, since it needs to be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that the entire loaf is safely cooked.

Should you cook a meatloaf on high or low and slow?

For the ideal meatloaf, low and slow is the way to go. If the temperature is too high, the meatloaf will dry out. Low and slow cooking allows the meatloaf to roast in its own juices. You can always give it a nice broil at the end to achieve the glaze and classic crust.

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