Low Carb Meatloaf
Published Dec 10, 2025
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Classic Comfort Food, Low Carb and Gluten-free
Looking for a classic comfort food that fits a low-carb lifestyle? This Low Carb Meatloaf delivers all the savory, satisfying flavor of traditional meatloaf — without grains, gluten, soy, nuts, or refined sugar. Moist, tender, and topped with a sugar-free ketchup glaze, it’s a family-friendly dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With the option to make it dairy-free, it suits nearly any dietary preference.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Meatloaf
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Uses pork rind crumbles instead of breadcrumbs.
- Allergy-Friendly: Gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free.
- Customizable: Optional dairy makes it suitable for dairy-free diets.
- Moist and Tender: Grated onion, eggs, and a simple glaze keep the meatloaf juicy.
- Family-Friendly: A comforting classic that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Key Ingredients
- Ground Beef & Pork: The perfect combination for flavor and moisture.
- Onion & Garlic: Grated onion keeps the meatloaf tender, while garlic adds savory depth.
- Pork Rind Crumbles: Low-carb substitute for breadcrumbs, adding texture and structure.
- Sugar-Free Ketchup: Adds tang and a slight sweetness without refined sugar.
- Milk or Dairy-Free Alternative: Helps bind the ingredients and maintain moisture.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds brightness and color, both in the loaf and as a garnish.
Tips for the Perfect Low Carb Meatloaf
- Don’t overmix the meat: Overmixing makes the loaf dense; mix until just combined.
- Grate the onion: Using a box grater keeps the meatloaf moist and evenly flavored.
- Rest before slicing: Let the meatloaf sit 10 minutes after baking to lock in juices.
- Check internal temperature: Bake until the internal temperature reaches 160 °F (70 °C) for perfect doneness.
- Top with ketchup glaze: Spread the remaining sugar-free ketchup towards the end of baking for a flavorful, glossy finish.
Variations to Try
- Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella if dairy is not a concern.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili powder.
- Veggie Boost: Fold in finely grated carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Mini Meatloaves: Divide the mixture into muffin tins for individual servings, perfect for meal prep or portion control.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete low-carb meal.
- Pair with cauliflower mashed “potatoes” or roasted sweet potatoes for a comforting dinner.
- Drizzle pan juices over slices for added flavor and moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture in advance, keep it refrigerated, and bake it the next day. Leftovers store well for up to 3–4 days.
Q: Can I use only beef or only pork?
A: Yes, though using a mix of both adds extra flavor and moisture.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Absolutely! The pork rind crumbles replace breadcrumbs, making it low in carbs and suitable for keto diets.
Q: Can I freeze this meatloaf?
A: Yes, freeze fully cooked and cooled meatloaf for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why This Low Carb Meatloaf Is a Must-Try
This Low Carb Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food for anyone following a gluten-free, grain-free, or low-carb lifestyle. With a simple ingredient list, easy prep, and a tender, flavorful result, it’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or holiday gatherings. The sugar-free ketchup glaze and optional garnishes make it look as good as it tastes — a healthy twist on a timeless classic.
For more low carb recipes, try Paleo Breakfast Hash, Paleo Banana Bread in a Jar, or Sausage & Butternut Squash Sheet Pan Dinner.
Low Carb Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, (preferably 80/20)
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¼ cup plus ⅓ cup sugar free ketchup, divided
- ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon milk, (or dairy-free milk substitute of choice)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ¾ cup Italian Style Pork King Good Pork Rind Crumbles
- 1 teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease and line a 9 × 5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork, Using the large holes of a box grater, grate in the onion. Add the minced garlic, eggs, ¼ cup sugar free ketchup, milk, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and the pork rind crumbles. Mix lightly until just combined — overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape into a loaf. Bake for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, remove loaf from oven, spread the remaining ⅓ cup ketchup evenly over the top, and return to oven for an additional 15 minutes (or until the internal temperature reaches 160 °F /70 °C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle any pan juices over slices when serving.
- Sprinkle with parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
