Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf: The Perfect Low-Carb Comfort Food

After a long day, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as walking into your kitchen and preparing a hearty, flavorful meal that nourishes both body and soul. This Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf recipe is exactly that kind of dish – comforting yet healthy, simple yet impressive. As you slice into the tender meat, you’ll be greeted with a rich, savory aroma and a juicy texture that makes every bite memorable. What makes this Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf stand out is the perfect balance of flavors and textures, achieved without the carbs that typically come with traditional meatloaf recipes. Whether you’re strictly following a ketogenic lifestyle or simply looking for a delicious low-carb dinner option, this easy Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf

• ✅ This Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf with almond flour provides the perfect texture without the carbs
• ✅ Perfect low-carb gluten-free meatloaf for dinner that the whole family will enjoy
• ✅ Makes an easy Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf meal prep option that tastes even better the next day
• ✅ This best gluten-free meatloaf for keto diet contains only 4g net carbs per serving
• ✅ Versatile healthy Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf variations allow you to customize based on your preferences
• ✅ Create a complete one-pan gluten-free keto meatloaf dinner by adding low-carb vegetables
• ✅ Can transform into a classic Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf using turkey with a simple protein swap

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Ingredients for Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf

For this delicious Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf, you’ll need:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 scallions, whites and greens, minced
• 1/4 cup gluten-free tomato paste
• 7 ounces jarred roasted red peppers, drained and thinly sliced
• 1 pound ground beef chuck (80/20 fat ratio works best)
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar (about 2 ounces)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (about 1 ounce)
• 1/4 cup almond flour (the key to making this Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf with almond flour)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Ingredient Substitutions

• For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives
• Ground turkey can be substituted for a leaner classic Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf using turkey
• Coconut flour can replace almond flour (use only 2 tablespoons as it’s more absorbent)
• If you’d like a Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf with cream cheese, add 2 tablespoons to the mixture for extra moisture and richness

How to Make Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf – Step by Step

Preparing the Base

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add minced scallions to the mushrooms and sauté for another 2 minutes until softened.

Step 4: Stir in 2 tablespoons of the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to develop the flavors. Remove from heat and let cool for about 10 minutes.

Creating the Meatloaf Mixture

Step 5: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, shredded cheddar, parsley, Parmesan, almond flour, thyme, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

Step 6: Add the cooled mushroom mixture to the bowl and gently mix with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make your Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf tough.

Step 7: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet and form into a loaf shape, approximately 9 inches long and 5 inches wide.

Adding the Topping

Step 8: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of tomato paste with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and mix well.

Step 9: Brush the tomato mixture over the top and sides of the meatloaf, then arrange the roasted red pepper slices on top.

Baking to Perfection

Step 10: Bake the Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf for 55-65 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 160°F.

Step 11: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the juices redistribute and makes for easier slicing.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf

• Don’t overmix: Handle the meat mixture gently to keep your Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf tender.
• Use a food processor: For a finer texture, pulse the mushrooms in a food processor instead of chopping by hand.
• Create a free-form loaf: Baking on a sheet pan rather than in a loaf pan allows more surface area to brown, creating more flavor.
• Check temperature, not time: For perfectly cooked Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf, use a meat thermometer rather than relying solely on cooking time.
• Let it rest: The secret to a moist Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf is allowing it to rest before slicing.
• Make ahead: You can prepare this easy Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf meal prep a day ahead and refrigerate unbaked, then simply bake when ready.

Best Ways to Serve Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf

This low-carb gluten-free meatloaf for dinner pairs perfectly with:

• Cauliflower mash for a traditional comfort food combination
• Roasted asparagus or brussels sprouts for added green vegetables
• A simple side salad with olive oil and lemon dressing
• Sautéed zucchini noodles for a complete low-carb meal

For a complete one-pan Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf dinner, arrange trimmed green beans, halved radishes, or cauliflower florets around the meatloaf before baking.

Nutritional Information for Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf

Based on 8 servings:

• Calories: 365 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 26g
• Net Carbs: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Total Carbs: 5g

This healthy Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf variation is perfect for those following a ketogenic diet, with its high fat content and minimal carbohydrates.

Storage & Leftovers

This Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave on 70% power until heated through.

Leftover Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf can also be crumbled into a skillet with vegetables for a quick hash, or sliced thin for a cold meatloaf sandwich using low-carb bread.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf

What makes a Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf stick together without breadcrumbs?

Almond flour and egg work as excellent binders in this Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf with almond flour. The proteins in the egg coagulate during cooking, while the almond flour absorbs some moisture, helping maintain the loaf’s structure without traditional breadcrumbs.

How do you make Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf moist?

The key to a moist Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf is using meats with sufficient fat content (like 80/20 ground beef), adding moisture-rich ingredients like mushrooms, and not overcooking. The addition of cheese also helps maintain moisture throughout the cooking process.

Can I make this Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the easy Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf meal prep up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it uncooked. Alternatively, you can fully cook it, cool completely, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Just reheat when ready to serve.

How long do I bake Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf?

A Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf typically needs 55-65 minutes in a 350°F oven. However, the exact time can vary based on the size and shape of your loaf. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F for beef/pork or 165°F for poultry.

Conclusion

This Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf perfectly demonstrates that comfort food doesn’t have to be loaded with carbs to be delicious. By making simple substitutions like using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, you can enjoy this classic dish while staying true to your low-carb lifestyle. The mushrooms add moisture and umami, while the cheese brings richness without adding unnecessary carbs.

Whether you’re following a strict ketogenic diet or simply looking for healthier dinner options, this Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf delivers on both flavor and nutrition. It’s versatile enough to adapt to your preferences and makes excellent leftovers for lunches throughout the week.

Have you tried making this Gluten-Free Keto Meatloaf recipe? Let us know in the comments how it turned out, or if you created your own exciting variations! And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends who are looking for delicious low-carb gluten-free meatloaf for dinner options.