The Best Easy Low Carb Meatloaf Recipe (with Beef) - Fresh Fit Kitchen (2024)

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One thing you’ll find with me is that if I make a recipe healthier or lower in carbs, I’m not going to extract every bit of goodness and tell you that cauliflower tastes just like potatoes. It doesn’t and that would be a lie. I feel like the wellness world has really gone to the extreme and decided that no carbs is actually low carb and they are really pushing that cauliflower thing. The Best Easy Low Carb Meatloaf Recipe (with Beef) doesn’t use pork rinds or almond flour.

The Best Easy Low Carb Meatloaf Recipe (with Beef) - Fresh Fit Kitchen (1)

What I’ve made for you is a well rounded, healthy, fiber filled nutritious and delicious meatloaf that doesn’t use the massive amounts of soaked bread or bread crumbs. We cut some, we don’t cut all. This is the key to sustainable lifestyles and healthy recipes your whole family will love.

The Best Easy Low Carb Meatloaf Recipe (With Beef)- Tips

Okay so my first tip is do not put this meatloaf in a loaf pan. Loaf pans don’t create those crispy edges. Your meat sort of steams and it’s just not ideal, so I always do a baking sheet! Just put the meat mixture onto the baking sheet and form it into a loaf shape.

The Best Easy Low Carb Meatloaf Recipe (with Beef) - Fresh Fit Kitchen (2)

​You want to be sure you saute any vegetables you’re going to put into your meatloaf. The vegetables will be crunchy if you don’t and it just develops their flavor. The few extra minutes are absolutely worth it!

The Best Easy Low Carb Meatloaf Recipe (with Beef) - Fresh Fit Kitchen (3)

I know if you’re following a low carb diet you’re going to try and limit carbs. I’m using oats in this recipe. It is only 1/2 a cup and the extra fiber is incredibly helpful! Do not obsess over this. Sure you could use parmesan cheese or almond flour , but I promise you the result will not be the same.

If you are on a keto diet then you may need to make this substitution, but this is not necessary if you are just trying to generally cut carbs down and be balanced.

Last, use a large bowl! You want the meatloaf mixture to be well mixed, but not tough. Using a large bowl will allow you to mix it well without taking it too far. It will become tough with over mixing.

Substitutions for This Recipe

This recipe uses a combo of garlic, onion, carrot, and tomato paste to create that classic meatloaf flavor profile. I also added worcestershire sauce to create that unami flavor in the beef.

You could replace the fresh garlic with garlic powder. For the veggies, green pepper is a nice addition and so is spinach! Meatloaf is a great way to sneak in veggies. The veggies also add moisture which makes for a delicious meatloaf.

The Best Easy Low Carb Meatloaf Recipe (with Beef) - Fresh Fit Kitchen (4)

If you don’t have tomato paste, then tomato sauce is perfect. You could also use tomato sauce as a substitute for the sugar-free ketchup in the topping if you’re unable to find it!

When it comes to the oatmeal in this recipe, know that you can sub in almond flour, parmesan cheese , pork rinds or even bread crumbs! I just don’t recommend trying to use things like coconut flour. This recipe is fluffy and holds together well because of the oats!

The recipe only has 19 carbs for a 6 ounce serving. Notice it’s low carb not NO CARB and some of those are from carrots and onions!

You can also use regular ketchup in the sauce. It will just add carbs and sugar to the recipe.

I’d rather use a little of something and get a fantastic result than use none of it and get a less than impressive result. Keto recipes tend to use the pork rinds, but I just can’t see trading a wholesome and good for you food like oats for an overly processed, high in saturated fat thing like that. My recipes are formulated with health as the main concern.

The Best Easy Low Carb Meatloaf Recipe (with Beef) - Fresh Fit Kitchen (5)

How do I know when meatloaf is done?

The meatloaf is done when the internal temperature is 160 degrees. Just measure this with a meat thermometer. This meatloaf is made with all lean ground beef. I also prefer grass-fed ground beef, but if you can’t find that it’s ok!

How should I store leftover meatloaf?

Left overs are great for meal prep! The meatloaf will keep well in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. I like to use my vacuum sealer. You can easily freeze the cooked meatloaf and just pull out a few slices for dinner!

This low-carb meatloaf recipe is perfect day 1 or day 3! It keeps really well!

Leave a Star Rating and Review-The Best Easy Low Carb Meatloaf Recipe (with Beef)

This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The best way for you to support the blog is to leave a star rating and review. I hope you appreciate the simple ingredients and recipes that really split the difference between tastiness and healthful choices. If that’s what you’re looking for you’ve come to the right place!

So get to it. Follow these simple steps and make The Best Easy Low Carb Meatloaf Recipe (with Beef) tonight. Classic Comfort food can still be a part of your healthy lifestyle. It’s also guaranteed to please picky eaters!

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The Best Easy Low Carb Meatloaf Recipe (with Beef) - Fresh Fit Kitchen (6)

The Best Easy Low Carb Meatloaf Recipe (with Beef) - Fresh Fit Kitchen (7)

The Best Easy Low Carb Meatloaf (with Beef)

This easy and delicious low carb meatloaf is lower in carbs than traditional recipes, but has enough that you will think you're eating that same delicious meatloaf your mom used to make. The ultimate healthy version of this delicious comfort food!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 585 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup carrot finely grated
  • 1 tbsp. garlic minced
  • 1.5 lb Ground Beef 90% lean- do not use leaner than 90% or higher fat than 85%
  • 1/2 cup Quick Oats
  • 1/4 cup Milk
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire
  • 1 tbsp. Dijon
  • 1 tbsp. Tomato Paste
  • 2 tsp. Salt
  • 1 tsp. Pepper
  • 1 large Egg

For Topping

  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened Ketchup I like Primal Kitchen Brand
  • 1 tbsp. Dijon Mustard
  • 2 tbsp. Coconut Sugar Brown sugar is also fine

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Start by cooking your onion, carrot and garlic until soft. The onion should be translucent. Add 1 tbsp. of olive oil to a pan and saute for 5-7 minutes or until onion is translucent and carrots are softened.

    1/2 cup Onion, 1 tbsp. garlic, 1/2 cup carrot

  • When carrot, onion and garlic is done add it to a large bowl with the oats, milk, Worcestershire, Dijon, Tomato Paste, salt, pepper and egg. Whisk together.

    1/2 cup Quick Oats, 1/4 cup Milk, 1 tsp. Worcestershire, 1 tbsp. Dijon, 1 tbsp. Tomato Paste, 2 tsp. Salt, 1 tsp. Pepper, 1 large Egg

  • Add the ground beef and using your hands or a fork lightly mix until everything is well incorporated.

    1.5 lb Ground Beef

  • Place meatloaf mixture onto a sheet tray drizzled with olive oil and form it into a loaf. The loaf should be about 13-14 inches long and 6 inches wide. This doesn't have to be exact just make sure the thickness is consistent for even cooking.

  • Bake for 30 minutes. In the mean time mix up sauce ingredients (1/2 cup unsweet ketchup, Dijon and coconut sugar)

    1/2 cup Unsweetened Ketchup, 2 tbsp. Coconut Sugar, 1 tbsp. Dijon Mustard

  • After 30 minutes add the sauce to the top and cook another 10-15 minutes or until a thermometer reaches 160 degrees and meat is cooked through.

  • Allow to sit for 20-30 minutes then slice and serve!

Nutrition

Serving: 6ouncesCalories: 585kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 49gFat: 29g

Keyword Easy, Low Carb, meatloaf

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

The Best Easy Low Carb Meatloaf Recipe (with Beef) - Fresh Fit Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

What do you put in meatloaf to keep it from falling apart? ›

The answer lies in the binding ingredient. Binding ingredients are the items that, quite literally, pull your dish together. In meatloaf, this is most commonly the eggs and breadcrumbs.

How do you keep meatloaf from being dense? ›

Use fresh breadcrumbs: Stale breadcrumbs can absorb moisture from the meat mixture, resulting in a dry meatloaf. Use fresh breadcrumbs instead. Add vegetables: Grated or finely chopped vegetables like onion, garlic, celery, and carrot can add moisture and flavor to your meatloaf.

What can I add to meatloaf so it's not dry? ›

Use Extra Egg: Eggs act as binders and provide moisture. Add one or two eggs per pound of meat for a moist texture. Make Use of Milk: Soak breadcrumbs in milk before adding them to your mixture. This will keep your meatloaf moist during baking.

What can replace ketchup in meatloaf? ›

Some popular substitutions include:
  • Barbecue sauce.
  • Roasted tomato and dried chili sauce.
  • Sun-Dried tomato sauce.
  • Mustard and Barbecue sauce.
  • Coca-Cola and Barbecue sauce.
  • Honey Barbecue sauce.
  • Homemade Tomato Sauce.
  • Tomato Gravy.
Sep 1, 2023

Why do you put milk in meatloaf? ›

Milk and other dairy products, like heavy cream and buttermilk, contain both water and fat, adding two types of moisture to our meatloaf. There's a long-held theory that milk can tenderize ground meat, and this is the reason often cited for cooking ground meat in milk to make a Bolognese-style ragù.

What is the basic meatloaf formula? ›

The Basic Meatloaf Formula

All recipes for meatloaf start with the same basic formula: 2 pounds of ground meat and a “panade” made of bread or crackers soaked in milk. Along with a few eggs, this panade helps to hold the ground meat together and adds some essential moisture to the mix.

Is it better to bake meatloaf on a sheet pan or loaf pan? ›

When choosing a baking pan, avoid a small loaf pan or baking dish. A tight fit means that the loaf will steam — think school cafeteria meatloaf. Instead, use a sheet pan or a large baking dish and leave some breathing room so the edges will caramelize nicely.

Should I cook my meatloaf covered or uncovered? ›

Should I cook my meatloaf covered or uncovered? The meatloaf can be cooked uncovered. However, if you are concerned about it burning, you can cover the meatloaf with foil for the first 45 minutes and uncover it for the final 15 minutes to allow the meatloaf to brown on top.

What is the best binder for meatloaf? ›

Aim for the consistency of a paste with no extra liquid after you mix it in with your bread. If you don't have any bread, you can substitute it for breadcrumbs, crackers, cereal grains, oatmeal, instant rice, instant barley, or even potato flakes! However, bread is still the best choice of all the potential options.

What can I add to meatloaf for flavor? ›

Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley can bring a burst of flavor to your meatloaf.

What happens if you don't add milk to meatloaf? ›

It will not change the texture nor the end taste of your meatloaf. Just remember to squeeze out excess water. Using milk mixed in bread is an Italian meatloaf/meatball concept.

Why put ketchup in meatloaf? ›

Whether you slather a thick layer of ketchup on top of the meatloaf before it goes into the oven, add a few tablespoons to the ground meat mixture, or serve extra ketchup on the side, this tangy-sweet, umami-rich condiment balances out the richness of the beef, making it an essential part of the dish.

What can I use in my meatloaf instead of breadcrumbs? ›

Crackers. Crushed-up crackers make an excellent bread crumb substitute in baked dishes like meatballs or meatloaf. The crackers work just as well as the bread crumbs to hold the meat mixture together, and using varieties like salty saltines or buttery Ritz is a great way to add an extra burst of flavor to your dish.

Can I substitute BBQ sauce for ketchup in meatloaf? ›

While it's possible to swap ketchup for other sweet ingredients like barbecue sauce, brown sugar, or maple syrup if you aren't a fan of the condiment, you may not get the same result.

How do you firm up meatloaf? ›

One of the most common reasons meatloaf is watery is an overabundance of liquid ingredients. Adding broth, milk, or eggs can enhance flavor and moisture, but too much can lead to a soupy consistency. Use these ingredients sparingly, and consider adding breadcrumbs or oats to absorb excess moisture.

What to use in meatloaf to bind it together besides breadcrumbs or saltine crackers? ›

Oats are a great breadcrumb substitute when used as a binder in meatballs or meatloaf. Try them in one of Ree Drummond's favorite recipes: BBQ comfort meatballs.

Should I spray a loaf pan for meatloaf? ›

Lightly grease a standard size loaf pan with cooking spray. Add all of the meatloaf ingredients to a large bowl and gently mix everything to combine (without over-working the meat). Add the meat mixture to a loaf pan and gently pat into an even layer. Bake for about 30 minutes.

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