16 Irresistible Keto and Carnivore Meatloaf Recipes: Deliciously Low-Carb and No-Carb Options

A classic meatloaf uses ingredients like milk, breadcrumbs, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce to create its signature flavor and texture. However delicious it may be, those meatloaf ingredients can leave you feeling tired and bloated. Making some healthier ingredient swaps is possible without sacrificing flavor.

Navigating a healthy diet, especially when it’s new, can feel overwhelming and restrictive. A healthier version of meatloaf can satisfy all your comfort food cravings without too much prep time. Whether you’re living a low-carb life or not, you can easily make keto meatloaf that tastes just like your grandma’s. These mouth-watering keto and carnivore meatloaf recipes are gluten-free. The recipes are 100% Paleo and Whole30 approved, too! Best of all, every carnivore at the table will devour them.

Related: 31 Easy Keto Instant Pot Recipes for Meals in Minutes

The Keto Diet vs The Carnivore Diet

Diets emphasizing low-carb or no-carb eating, such as keto or the carnivore diet, aim to transform your metabolism and promote health benefits ranging from weight loss to improved mental clarity. The keto diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein and low-carb eating plan designed to shift your body into ketosis.^[1] In ketosis, your body may become more efficient at burning fat for energy instead of relying on carbohydrates for fuel. This metabolic state may aid in weight loss and provide sustained energy and cognitive support. By drastically cutting carbs to around 20-50 grams per day and increasing the healthy fats in your diet, the keto diet may help your body utilize fat as its primary fuel source.

The carnivore diet takes low-carb eating to a potentially unhealthy extreme by eliminating all plant-based foods and focusing solely on animal products.^[2] Following this diet would mean consuming meats, fish, eggs and animal-derived fats while avoiding vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes. Advocates of the carnivore diet anecdotally report that it can help lead to improved digestion, enhanced mental clarity and reduced inflammation; however—unlike the keto diet–controlled studies substantiate none of these anecdotal claims.^[3] A healthier approach to eating would include fiber and phytonutrient-rich fruits and vegetables along with high-quality animal protein sources. It is always best to consult with your healthcare provider about dietary changes.

In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of low-carb and no-carb recipes that make following low carb diets feasible and enjoyable. Keep in mind that not all keto meatloaf recipes are entirely Bulletproof. If you are sensitive to nightshades like peppers and tomatoes, use the recipes on this list that omit them.

Whether you like classic beef loaves or prefer poultry and fish, these keto meatloaf recipes are worth making for your whole family.

Beef Keto Meatloaf Recipes

Keto Low Carb Meatloaf

Classic meatloaf gets a keto-friendly spin with this easy recipe. Mix your beef with binders and seasonings and bake for a perfect savory dinner. Get grass-fed ground beef, use the recommended swap and skip the ketchup to keep this keto meatloaf more Bulletproof.

Paleo Low FODMAP Meatloaf

This paleo keto meatloaf skips the onions and garlic and uses a savory blend of beef, pork and herbs. Use pastured pork and the freshest spices and forget the ketchup to make it more Bulletproof.

The Ultimate Plant Paradox Meatloaf

This low-carb meatloaf takes a different approach to a classic recipe with low-antinutrient veggies. Make this meatloaf more keto and swap the carrot and sweet potato with shredded zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture first). To make it more keto-friendly and Bulletproof, swap the cassava flour with blanched almond flour.

The Best Paleo Meatloaf

This low-carb and keto-friendly meatloaf gets extra flavor from sauteed leeks and bone broth and stays moist in the oven when you cook it alongside a pan of water in your oven. Use tomato paste instead of ketchup to cut down on carbs and use pastured pork and bacon to keep it a little more Bulletproof.

Zucchini Keto Meatloaf

Low-carb zucchini keeps this keto meatloaf moist without adding any veggie flavor. Mix it with beef, chopped bacon, and almond flour for a tasty loaf with under five net carbs. Keep your beef and bacon pastured, and swap paprika and pepper for your favorite herbs to make it more Bulletproof.

Low-Carb Bacon Meatloaf Muffins

This perfectly portioned keto meatloaf wraps tender ground beef in thick slices of bacon. Pair it with zoodles or mashed cauliflower, and dinner is done. Use or swap out the garlic and onion with your favorite herbs or spices and use pastured beef and bacon to make it more Bulletproof.

Air Fryer Keto Beef Kheema Meatloaf

Believe it—the air fryer is a Bulletproof-approved cooking method! This keto meatloaf recipe uses this handy appliance to create a loaf with Indian flair and high-antioxidant spices that can keep fats from losing their nutritional value. Plus, each delicious slice has only five net carbs. Keep it more Bulletproof with pastured beef and Ceylon cinnamon.

Autoimmune Protocol Meatloaf

This low-carb meatloaf avoids dairy, nightshades, and nuts for anyone following AIP. Instead, this meatloaf gets a unique texture from riced cauliflower, grated zucchini, and crisp bacon. Cut the carbs and swap the carrot with additional zucchini.

Whole30 Paleo Keto Meatloaf

This keto meatloaf is packed with veggies and fresh herbs. You can bake it in a loaf dish or square baking pan. To make it more Bulletproof, swap mushrooms for shredded zucchini, keep or swap out garlic for more fresh herbs, and use pastured meats. There are just six net carbs per serving.

Related: 9 Easy & Delicious Ground Beef Recipes

Poultry Keto Meatloaf Recipes

Quick and Easy Turkey Meatloaf

Mix up a keto meatloaf base made from turkey, almond meal, and spices in about five minutes, then top with a tomatoey sauce and bake. Each serving is 4.5 net carbs and packed with flavor. Stay more Bulletproof by using pastured turkey and high-quality spices and swap the date for a keto sweetener like liquid monk fruit.

Veggie Ranch Turkey Meatloaf

With a blend of zesty herbs and spices, top this keto meatloaf with a silky dairy-free ranch sauce—just four net carbs per serving. To stay bulletproof, use pastured turkey and steamed spinach instead of sautéing, use high-quality spices, and only enjoy garlic and onions occasionally.

Paleo Pesto Turkey Meatloaf

Get your pesto-fix without the pasta. This keto meatloaf uses a base of turkey and almond meal, then gets a homemade pesto sauce infused through the meat and drizzled on top. To make it more Bulletproof, skip the nutritional yeast, swap some garlic and onions for shredded zucchini and more herbs, and use pastured turkey. This recipe is just two net carbs per serving.

Buffalo Chicken Meatloaf

In addition to its delicious spicy flavor, this keto meatloaf is ready in under an hour! A blend of ground chicken and hot sauce gets studded with chunks of fresh diced veggies. Since this recipe uses many “yellow-zone” ingredients, make it just occasionally to stay Bulletproof.

Alternative Keto Meatloaf Recipes

Slow Cooker Breakfast Meatloaf

This keto meatloaf tastes like your favorite breakfast sausage but without mystery fillers and corn syrup. Skip the maple syrup, use high-quality spices and pastured pork and occasionally enjoy this one to keep it Bulletproof.

Baked Salmon Loaf With Dill & Cucumber Salad

Using canned salmon, this keto meatloaf is both budget-friendly and easy to prep. Mix it with chunky veggies like carrots, celery and onion, then bake and serve with a light cucumber salad. To stay more bulletproof, use wild-caught salmon.

Hidden Liver Meatloaf

Mixing liver into your meatloaf is a delicious way to make organ meat taste amazing, and with savory herbs and spices, you won’t be able to taste it. This keto meatloaf recipe uses ground beef and liver mixed with carrots, celery and hot sauce for a loaf packed with vitamins B12 and vitamin A. Consider swapping the onion and garlic powder with turmeric and herbs, and then use pastured beef and liver to stay more Bulletproof.

Meatloaf FAQs

Why is meatloaf healthy for low-carb diets?

Meatloaf is ideal for low carb diets like keto and carnivore diets due to its versatile nature. Rich in protein and healthy fats, meatloaf provides the essential macronutrients needed to maintain energy and support muscle growth while reducing carbohydrate intake. Meatloaf can be customized with low-carb ingredients like almond flour or crushed pork rinds, while those following a carnivore diet can enjoy it in its purest form with just meat, eggs and animal fats. The versatility in ingredients and seasonings allows for endless flavor combinations, making it a satisfying staple for anyone committed to a low-carb lifestyle.

What seasoning can I eat on the carnivore diet?

When it comes to the carnivore diet, simplicity is vital and seasonings should adhere to the diet’s strict guidelines. Approved seasonings are limited but can still enhance the flavor of your meatloaf. These include salt, essential for electrolyte balance and pepper for a touch of spice. You can also use animal-based fats like grass-fed butter or ghee to add richness and moisture. Some carnivore dieters also incorporate bone broth or collagen powder to boost nutrient content and add depth to the flavor. Avoid plant-based spices, herbs, or additives to stay true to the carnivore principles.

Can you have ketchup on the carnivore diet?

Traditional ketchup is off-limits on the carnivore diet due to its high sugar content and plant-based ingredients like tomatoes and vinegar. If you’re keto and you can’t live without ketchup, swap it 1:1 with tomato paste and a keto sweetener (like liquid monk fruit) to taste. We do not endorse extreme dieting approaches, so choosing ketchup with no sugar added is the simplest solution for most people who want to stay healthy while enjoying their meatloaf.

Is meatloaf low carb?

Meatloaf can be low-carb if you modify the recipe to exclude high-carb ingredients. You can significantly reduce the carbohydrate content by avoiding traditional fillers like breadcrumbs or oats and opting for low-carb substitutes. Focus on sparingly using meats, eggs and low-carb vegetables and season with keto-approved spices to ensure your meatloaf remains a satisfying, low-carb meal.

What is the best way to store leftover meatloaf?

The best way to store leftover meatloaf is to allow it to cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped Meatloaf in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For extended storage, you can freeze meatloaf by wrapping it in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil and placing it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. You can store frozen meatloaf for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven at a low temperature until heated.