After years of recipe testing, this is the best paleo and keto bacon wrapped meatloaf recipe ever! It's wrapped in bacon, has a ketchup gravy and is gluten-free, paleo, nut-free, and can even be made egg-free too!
Let me start by saying that my husband loves - and I mean loves- meatloaf! Everywhere we go he orders (and judges) a restaurant based on its meatloaf.
I don't know why he does this though, because everywhere we go he is disappointed in their meatloaf saying that it's not as good as his grandma's.
So when we were first married I tried to make his grandma's recipe for him and it still wasn't the same! Needless to say, perfecting a Keto Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf that got his seal of approval wouldn't be an easy task!
So I was really excited that, after years of recipe testing, this recipe finally got his seal of approval with 2 thumbs up - YAAAAAY!!!!
If you think you don't like meatloaf, give this one a try. I think you just might change your mind 😀
Can meatloaf be made egg-free?
Yes, it can! To replace the 4 eggs, I've found the best egg replacement is a combination of 2 flax eggs and applesauce.
I've tried using only flax eggs and only applesauce, but it doesn't turn out the same. You need to use a combination of the two for the meatloaf to hold together properly.
Also, I've tried mixing and matching eggs with the egg replacements (such as 2 eggs with either flax eggs or applesauce) and I didn't like the results of that either.
I recommend either using the 4 eggs or using the egg replacements, not a combination of the two.
🔪 Easy instructions
If you're making the egg-free version of the keto meatloaf, you'll start by making the "flax eggs". Mix 4 Tbsp. of ground flax seeds with 6 Tbsp. of warm water and set it aside to thicken.
Meanwhile, add the beef, nutritional yeast (gives it a cheesy flavor, similar to adding Parmesan cheese), coconut flour (don't worry, there's NO coconut taste!), parsley, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and non-dairy milk.
Then, either add the 4 large eggs or the flax mixture along with some applesauce.
Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon.
Then form the meat mixture into a loaf on a greased broiler pan so the fat from the bacon drains off. I like to line the bottom of the pan with foil for easy cleanup.
Don't make the loaf too tall or it will take forever to cook through, 2 to 2 ½ inches tall is about right.
If you don't have a broiler pan, simply place a greased cooling rack inside of a large baking sheet.
Now, lay the bacon slices over the top, tucking the edges under the meatloaf.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Then, bake for 45 minutes.
In a clean bowl, mix together 1 ½ C of allergy-friendly ketchup (I love Primal Kitchen and Tessamae's, both are Keto & Whole30) and 1 Tbsp. of mustard.
If you're not doing a whole30, you can add 6 tablespoon of coconut palm sugar or Swerve for Keto. However, this is totally optional.
Then, spread ⅓ to ½ of the mixture over the top.
Bake another 15 to 30 minutes, or until cooked through. The meatloaf is done when the center reaches 165 degrees.
Serve with the remaining sauce, DE-LISH!!!
Frequently asked questions
Yes! After bakings, allow it to cool completely. Then, slice into individual servings and wrap in plastic wrap. Store wrapped slices in a freezer bag up to 3 months.
Allow the meatloaf to thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat in the microwave.
Yes, you can! After covering the meatloaf with bacon, cover with foil or plastic wrap and place in the fridge for up to 1 day. Then, bake as directed.
80% lean gound beef is best because leaner meats tend to dry out. You can also add in some ground pork or veal to give you a really tender and flavorful meatloaf.
💭 Top tips
- The broiler pan is a must because the fat from the bacon needs to drain. If you don't have a broiler pan, place a folded cooling rack on top of a baking sheet.
- Don't make the meatloaf too thick or it will take forever to cook through. 2 to 2 ½ inches is about right.
- For egg-free, use 2 "flax eggs" and ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce instead of the 4 eggs. For the flax eggs, combine 3 tablespoon of ground flax seeds with 6 tablespoon of hot water. Set aside for 3 to 5 minutes before using it.
- I recommend either using the 4 eggs or using the egg replacements, not a combination of the two.
- While the nutritional yeast is optional, it adds a cheesy taste similar to Parmesan Cheese and is recommended. Nutritional yeast is found at most health food stores either on the spice aisle or in the supplement section.
- Be sure not to overmix the meat, otherwise, the consistency may be tougher and less flavorful.
Looking for more delicious Keto dinner recipes?
Or this Keto Steak Marinade from Kicking Carbs looks amazing too!
If you’ve tried this Keto Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf or any other recipe on the blog please let me know in the comments below!
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📖 Recipe
Keto Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf {Paleo & Whole30 Options!}
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Ground Beef
- 1 ½ tsp. Sea Salt
- ¼ tsp. Ground Pepper - to taste
- ¼ tsp. Paprika
- ¼ tsp. Onion Powder
- ⅛ tsp. Garlic Powder
- 3 Tbsp. Coconut Flour
- 3 Tbsp. Nutritional Yeast - or parmesan cheese if not dairy-free
- ¼ cup Flat-Leaf Parsley - minced
- 1 Tbsp. Non-Dairy Milk
- 4 large Eggs - see notes below for egg free
- 8 - 10 Slices Nitrate Free, Sugar-Free Bacon
Sauce:
- ¾ Cup Sugar Free Ketchup - use Primal Kitchen or Tessamae's ketchup for whole30
- ½ Tbsp. Prepared Yellow Mustard
- 3 Tbsp. Keto Sweetener - or coconut palm sugar for Paleo (omit for whole30)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line the bottom part of a broiler pan with foil (for easy cleanup) and grease the top with oil, set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, coconut flour, nutritional yeast, parsley, non-dairy milk, and eggs.
- Mix well with clean hands or a wooden spoon.
- Form the meat mixture into a loaf on the greased broiler pan, making it about 2 to 2 ½ inches thick so it doesn't take too long to cook through.
- Lay bacon slices over the top, tucking the ends under the meatloaf.
- Bake 45 minutes.
- In a clean bowl, mix together all of the sauce ingredients. Be careful not to cross-contaminate the sauce with raw meat.
- Pour ½ of the sauce over the meatloaf and spread with a spoon.
- Bake an additional 15 to 30 minutes, or until done. The meatloaf is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
- Serve with remaining sauce.
Add Your Own Notes
Notes
- Nutrition info is calculated using Heinz Sugar-Free Ketchup and no added sweetener in the sauce.
- The broiler pan is a must because the fat from the bacon needs to drain. If you don't have a broiler pan, place a folded cooling rack on top of a baking sheet.
- Don't make the meatloaf too thick or it will take forever to cook through. 2 to 2 ½ inches is about right.
- For egg-free, use 2 "flax eggs" and ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce instead of the 4 eggs. For the flax eggs, combine 3 tablespoon of ground flax seeds with 6 tablespoon of hot water. Set aside for 3 to 5 minutes before using it. I recommend either using the 4 eggs or using the egg replacements, not a combination of the two.
- While the nutritional yeast is optional, it adds a cheesy taste similar to Parmesan Cheese and is recommended. Nutritional yeast is found at most health food stores either on the spice aisle or in the supplement section.
- Be sure not to overmix the meat, otherwise, the consistency may be tougher and less flavorful.
Nutrition
NET CARBS = Total Carbs - Fiber
Nutritional information is approximate and may vary. Sugar alcohols are included in the total carbs and fiber.
Looking for more information on the keto diet? Check out my
Robert says
Caution: Nutritional Yeast is NOT gluten free!
Cassidy Stauffer says
Hi Robert, I have never known nutritional yeast to contain gluten. Every package I've ever bought has had "gluten-free" written on it. Maybe you're confusing nutritional yeast with Brewer's yeast, as it usually contains gluten. Nutritional yeast is produced by culturing a yeast in a nutrient medium for several days. The primary ingredient in the growth medium is glucose, often from either sugarcane or beet molasses. When the yeast is ready, it is deactivated with heat and then harvested, washed, dried, packaged, and is gluten-free.
Hope this helps!
-Cassidy
Crystal says
It says egg free but shows eggs in the recipe?????
Cassidy Stauffer says
Hi Crystal!
I have instructions to make this recipe egg-free in the post and in the notes of the recipe card. However, I can see how it's confusing!!! I'll update the recipe card to make this more clear 🙂 Thanks for pointing it out to me.
Have a great day,
Cassidy
Athleta says
Loved this recipe. I made it exactly as written, next time I may add little bit more seasoning, cumin or oregano? Not sure but we loved it and will be adding to the "regular" recipes!
Hannah says
This was very good too!
June says
Cassidy, we love your meatloaf recipe!
I have been struggling for a while to make a good grain free and egg free meatloaf...not easy! I had almost given up, but decided to give yours a try...it has great texture, is delicious and holds together beautifully!
Thank you for sharing!
Cassidy says
Thank you so much June, I'm happy you liked it!!
XO,
Cassidy
Linda says
Cassidy, I am sure my family would love this. In fact, I don't know why I never thought to do it before. I'm highlight it for this week's carnival.
Cassidy says
O thanks Linda!!!
XO,
Cassidy
Barbara Bianchi says
Yep, my husband loves meatloaf too. And I've been wanting to try a grain free recipe. How could you go wrong wrapping it in bacon. I'll have to give this a try. Thanks. Pinned.
Cassidy says
Thanks Barbara, I hope you like it as much as we do! ...and I agree, how can you go wrong if it's wrapped in bacon, really?