I've never been a big meatloaf eater but wanted to find more creative ways to use ground beef when I switched from a keto to a carnivore diet.

Burgers can get boring!!

I experimented with low-carb ingredients and found that pork rind crumbs are the secret to getting a tender, flavorful meatloaf that doesn't fall apart.

This recipe uses cheese which adds moisture to the meatloaf and a wonderful flavor. I love a combination of mozzarella and parmesan. You can totally omit the cheese if you are dairy-free (like I am right now). I prefer the cheese version, but this keto- and carnivore-friendly meatloaf is yummy even without it.

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carnivore meatloaf with pork rinds recipe

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7 reasons why you'll love this Classic Keto Meatloaf Recipe.

It's a comforting and hearty meal that satisfies hunger.
It's low-carb and high-protein, making it a suitable option for those on a keto diet.
It's carnivore-friendly if you follow a carnivore way of eating.
It can be made with or without dairy.
It's versatile and can be customized with different spices or toppings.
It's easy to make and can be prepared in advance for meal prepping.
Leftovers can be used for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.

Is this meatloaf recipe keto-friendly? Is it carnivore?

This Classic Keto Meatloaf with Pork Rinds recipe is suitable for a ketogenic diet. Each meatloaf makes 8 servings and each serving has approximately 449 calories, 34 grams of protein, 34 grams of fat, and 2 grams of carbohydrates.

(Nutrition facts calculated with MyFitnessPal.)

This Classic Keto Meatloaf with Pork Rinds recipe is perfect for a carnivore diet. If you follow a strict carnivore diet (meaning no seasonings whatsoever) simply omit the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. All other ingredients are animal-based.

Your nutrition facts may differ depending on the ground meat (or meats) and the type of cheese you choose. I calculated nutrition facts using 1 pound 80/20 ground beef, 1 pound ground pork, and a mixture of half shredded mozzarella and half Parmesan cheese.

What equipment do I need to make keto/carnivore meatloaf?

To make this recipe all you need are a set of measuring cups, a large bowl to mix the meatloaf, either a loaf pan or baking sheet, and a meat thermometer.

I like to use a ThermPro Digital Meat Thermometer with preset temperatures. (It's $19.99 on Amazon.) You just set the temperature (160 degrees for this recipe), insert the thermometer, and pop it in the oven. The thermometer will beep when the meatloaf reaches the correct temperature.

Or you can use a simple instant read food thermometer.

Ingredients used in Classic Keto Meatloaf with Pork Rinds Recipe.

Ground beef or a mixture of ground beef, ground pork, and/or ground veal.

Meatloaf can be made with only ground beef, or a mixture of ground beef, ground pork, and/or ground veal. In some grocery stores, you may find a "meatloaf mix" which is a combination of those three types of meat.

Ground beef alone will make a great, tasty meatloaf, but using a blend of meats in a meatloaf recipe can add more flavor and texture to the dish. Different meats have different fat content and flavors, and combining them can create a more balanced and delicious meatloaf.

Cheese.

Cheese can be added to a meatloaf recipe to enhance its flavor and add moisture to the dish. Additionally, cheese can help bind the ingredients together and prevent the meatloaf from becoming too dry.

If you follow a dairy-free diet (as I sometimes do), simply omit the cheese.

Eggs.

Eggs are commonly used in meatloaf recipes as a binding agent, helping to hold the meat mixture together and prevent it from falling apart during cooking. Additionally, eggs add moisture to the meatloaf, resulting in a tender and juicy texture.

Pork rind crumbs.

Pork rind crumbs are a common ingredient in keto or carnivore meatloaf recipes because they are a zero-carb, high-fat alternative to traditional breadcrumbs. They also add a nice texture and flavor to the meatloaf.

I use Pork King Good brand unseasoned pork rind crumbs and order them from Amazon. I purchase unseasoned because I can add my own seasonings (like the garlic and onion powders in this recipe) and I also use them for "sweet" chaffle or keto pancake recipes. They do have flavored varieties like Spicy Cajun and Italian. If you use flavored pork rind crumbs then just omit the seasonings in the meatloaf recipe.

Seasonings.

This recipe uses salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. If you follow a strict carnivore diet (meat and salt only) just omit the onion and garlic powders.

How to make Classic Keto Meatloaf with Pork Rinds step-by-step.
Preheat the oven and assemble the ingredients.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy clean-up.

Back when I studied dietetics in college we were taught mise en place. It’s a fancy French term that means “everything in its place.”

Gather all the ingredients and have them ready to go so assembling and baking your meatloaf is quick and simple.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.

All of the ingredients except for the cheese are in the bowl. When I made the meatloaf on this occasion I skipped cheese as I was eating dairy-free for 30 days.

Mix gently to combine all ingredients.

Use your hands to gently combine all ingredients. Be sure the pork rind crumbs and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout.

Shape meat mixture into a loaf shape.

Gently pat the meat mixture into a loaf shape, approximately 9x5 inches.

Place meatloaf on a foil-lined baking sheet. The foil will make clean-up super easy.

If using a loaf pan, simply pat the meat mixture into the pan.

Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer.

If you have an oven-safe meat thermometer, insert it before baking, and set the temperature to 160 degrees F. (I have this thermometer and purchased it on Amazon.)

The thermometer will beep when the meatloaf is finished cooking.

Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Let the meatloaf rest for approximately 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Allow the meatloaf to rest. Slice as thick or thin as you prefer.

The nutrition facts were calculated using 8 even slices.

RELATED: This is my go-to 5-day cleanse when I want to lose a few founds quickly and easily!

What can you serve with meatloaf on a carnivore diet?

When I'm eating carnivore I'll eat meatloaf straight up. You can serve it with fried or soft-boiled eggs, shrimp skewers, hollandaise or Bearnaise sauces, or any other animal-based “side.”

What can you serve with meatloaf on a ketogenic diet?

Some keto-friendly side dishes that go well with meatloaf include roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, green beans, mashed cauliflower, and salad with high-fat dressing.

How to store and reheat keto meatloaf.

Storing keto meatloaf.

To store meatloaf leftovers, wait until it has cooled down to room temperature, slice, then transfer to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 3-4 days.

Alternatively, you can freeze meatloaf for up to 3 months.

Reheating Classic Keto Meatloaf with Pork Rinds slices.

To reheat meatloaf slices, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the slices in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

You can also reheat them in the microwave by placing the slices on a microwave-safe plate, covering them with a damp paper towel, and microwaving on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Classic Keto Meatloaf with Pork Rinds Recipe

Yield: 8

Author: The Keto Minimalist

Classic Keto Meatloaf with Pork Rinds Recipe | Carnivore

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 1 H & 5 MInactive time: 5 MinTotal time: 1 H & 20 M

This is a classic, tender meatloaf full of flavor. It is keto-friendly, carnivore, and can be made with or without dairy. Crushed pork rinds are this meatloaf's secret weapon!

Ingredients

2 pounds ground meat (80/20 ground beef, pork, veal, or a mixture)
2 cups pork rind crumbs
1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, or any combination)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, pork rind crumbs, shredded cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Mix everything well and shape the mixture into a loaf, approximately 9x5 inches. (If using a loaf pan, just pat the meat mixture into the pan.)
Place the loaf on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 50-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For strict carnivore: If you follow a carnivore diet and do not use seasonings other than salt, simply omit the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

For dairy-free: If you follow a dairy-free diet, simply omit the cheese.

Recommended Products:

Pork King Good Unseasoned Pork Rind Crumbs

Nutrition Facts

Calories

449

Protein

34 g

Fat

34 g

Carbs

2 g

Net carbs

2 g

Nutritional information is for a 4 oz serving made with 1 lb. ground beef, 1 lb. ground pork, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Nutrition facts are calculated by MyFitnessPal. Your actual nutritional facts will depend on the ingredients you use.