Paleo Meatloaf Recipe (with a Keto Option)

Gluten-Free Paleo Meatloaf Recipe made easy! This simple recipe comes with a low-carb keto option and makes for a hearty meal.

Who here is a meatloaf FANATIC??

Authentic story: The inspiration behind this recipe came from the fact that one of the most well-searched recipes in the U.S. currently is – you guessed it – meatloaf.

In addition to banana bread. 

Figures.

Being cognizant of what types of recipes folks are eating up, I figured it was high time I share a straight-forward gluten-free paleo meatloaf recipe.

After making this paleo meatloaf recipe, I admit I now feel I should make it more frequently. It truly is a satisfying main entree! 

I even would like to change up the flavors. In fact, I already have a Thai-style meatloaf roaming around in my head with fresh ginger and basil mixed right in. Maybe some curry paste if I’m really letting my hair down. Thoughts? Feelings?

Meatloaf.

Classic meatloaf calls for breadcrumbs and milk, but we’re using neither one in this approach.

How to Replace Bread Crumbs in Meatloaf:

I like using tapioca flour to replace breadcrumbs for that iconic spongy texture.  As an alternative, you can use almond flour to leave it grain-free.

If you eat grains and have gluten-free all-purpose flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, you can use those as well instead of tapioca flour or almond flour.

Keep reading for the specific measurements!

Will it turn out with the exact texture of classic meatloaf? It will not. However, if you have a hankering for a loaf of meat and you don’t consume wheat, this recipe’ll do ya!

Let’s bake a loaf of meat!

How to Make Paleo Meatloaf:

In a small bowl, stir together the ingredients for the glaze until well-combined. Taste for flavor and add salt, pure maple syrup, and/or coconut aminos to taste. Set aside until ready to use.

Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Saute, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and continue cooking another 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside until ready to use.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9” x 5” loaf pan with parchment paper.

Add the beef, beaten eggs, tapioca flour (see recipe adaptations below for potential replacements), dried oregano, paprika and sea salt to a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on low speed for 1 to 2 minutes, until all ingredients are well combined.

Note: If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use a mixing bowl. Simply add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and mush everything together using your hands until combined.

Transfer the meat mixture to the lined loaf pan and spread into an even layer.

Pour the glaze over the meat and spread evenly. Bake on the center rack of the preheated oven 50 to 60 minutes, or until cooked through (note: meat should be 155 to 160 degrees).

Allow meat to cool at least 15 minutes before pulling it out of the loaf pan and transferring it to a cutting board. Cut into slices and serve with your favorite side dishes.

How to Make Keto Meatloaf:

To make this recipe low-carb and keto-friendly, use ½ cup almond flour instead of tapioca flour in the meatloaf. In the glaze, use liquid aminos or soy sauce instead of coconut aminos, and omit the pure maple syrup OR replace with a liquid sugar-free sweetener. Aside from those changes, follow all of the instructions as normal!

Recipe Adaptations:

• Replace the tapioca flour with 3 tablespoons of gluten-free all-purpose flour, ½ cup of almond flour, OR ½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Add your favorite seasonings and dried or fresh herbs to the meatloaf.
• Use ground turkey instead of ground beef. If you go this route, add 1 tablespoon of oil to the meatloaf.
• For a low-FODMAP meatloaf, omit the onion and garlic.
• To make Whole30, omit the pure maple syrup from the glaze.

What to Serve with Meatloaf:

In case you need ideas for serving the meatloaf, here are some of my favorite side dishes from The Roasted Root :):

• Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
• German-Style Potato Salad with Caramelized Onions and Chives
• Pesto Quinoa Salad with Asparagus, Avocado and Kale
• Spicy Kale Caesar Salad with Roasted Garlic
• Crowd-Pleasing Roasted Vegetables
• Stir Fry Vegetables
• Mango Edamame Quinoa Salad

Enjoy this meaty loaf!

My cookbook, Paleo Power Bowls, is now available! CLICK HERE to check it out. Thank you for your support!

If you make this recipe, please feel free to share a photo and tag @The.Roasted.Root on Instagram!