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Whole30 Meatloaf Recipe (without breadcrumbs)

Jan 23, 2021 · 16 Comments

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Whole30 meatloaf on a white rectangular platter and slices on a white plate with mashed peas.
Whole30 meatloaf on a white rectangular platter and slices on a white plate with mashed peas.

This Whole30 Meatloaf Recipe without breadcrumbs is a comforting and easy weeknight dinner!

All you have to do is mix together the ingredients, smoosh them into a loaf pan, spread on the easiest homemade ketchup and bake.

Plus this recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, low carb, keto and Paleo friendly.

An almond flour meatloaf on a white rectangular platter with a blue and white striped napkin, fork and knife.

gluten-free meatloaf on a white platter with a blue striped towel, a knife and a fork

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, I’ll automatically receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.)

Why this recipe works

A classic, easy meatloaf without breadcrumbs or dairy? It is possible!

And no bread crumbs for meatloaf means you get all the savory, meaty flavors of the traditional version but without the gluten or grains.

Instead, we’ll use eggs and almond flour. While almond flour is very different than regular flour or breadcrumbs, it combines with the eggs to bind the meatloaf together without adding any weird flavors or textures.

Plus a simple, sugar-free, 4-ingredient ketchup adds flavor and moisture.

Whole30 meatloaf is proof that “healthy comfort food” isn’t a contradiction in terms – you truly can have both!

(I love meatloaf so much I even recommended it in this roundup of ground beef recipe ideas.)

 

What you need for this Whole30 Meatloaf without breadcrumbs

The ingredients for a Whole30 meatloaf on a wooden cutting board: ground pork, ground beef, shallots, almond flour, seasonings, avocado oil, eggs and tomato paste.

the individual ingredients for healthy meatloaf all lined up on a cutting board

Ingredients:

  • ground beef (preferably 90-93%)
  • ground pork
  • shallots
  • eggs
  • blanched almond flour
  • tomato paste
  • apple cider vinegar
  • coconut aminos (for Whole30) or Worcestershire sauce (not pictured above)
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • dried thyme
  • dried parsley
  • fine sea salt
  • ground black pepper
  • cooking fat like avocado oil or ghee

Equipment:

  • a 9×5″ loaf pan
  • large, medium and small mixing bowls
  • a cutting board
  • a chef’s knife
  • a small skillet
  • measuring spoons (these are my favorite because they actually fit into spice jars!)
  • measuring cups
  • oven probe thermometer or instant read thermometer (optional but helpful)

 

How to make meatloaf without breadcrumbs

First, head the oven to 350°.

Heat the cooking fat in the small skillet over medium heat.

Peel and dice the shallot. Add to the warm oil with a pinch of salt. Sauté the shallot, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Take off the heat, pour into a small mixing bowl and let cool.

In a medium bowl, mix together the tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. This is the ketchup to be mixed into the meatloaf and spread on top.

In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, pork, eggs, almond flour, cooled shallots, coconut aminos or Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried parsley, 1.5 teaspoon of salt, 1 3/4 teaspoons black pepper and three tablespoons of the ketchup. I use my hands for this but you could also use a spatula or even the paddle attachment on your stand mixer.

Pour this mixture into the loaf pan and use your hands or spatula to spread out the top into an even layer.

Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and evenly spread the rest of the ketchup over the top in a thin layer. Place back in the oven.

Bake for another 15-20 minutes, until it reaches 160º. I use an oven probe thermometer so I don’t have to guess but if you don’t have one (or an instant read thermometer), aim for 50 minutes.

Let the meatloaf cool for 10 minutes.

The meatloaf will have released a lot of liquid/grease. So you can either:

  • carefully lift the meatloaf out of the pan onto a cutting board or serving platter
  • carefully tip the loaf pan so a corner is over a small bowl to drain the fat; maybe hold the pan with one hand and use a fork to keep the loaf in place so it doesn’t fall out

A Paleo meatloaf sliced on a white plate with mashed peas, fork and knife.

healthy low carb meatloaf sliced on a white plate with mashed peas and silverware next to a white platter with more meatloaf

FAQ

Can I make substitutions?

  • You can use other ground proteins besides beef and pork. Just try to stick with a 50/50 mix of lean and fatty so it’s not too dry and not too greasy.
  • You can use 4 peeled and minced garlic cloves instead of garlic powder. Sauté the garlic with the shallots.
  • Feel free to add savory spices such as paprika or cumin.
  • You can also add other dried herbs like sage, rosemary, oregano or Italian seasoning.

 

What do I serve with this Whole30 meatloaf?

The classic pairings with meatloaf are usually mashed potatoes and a green vegetable like green beans or broccoli.

So I highly recommend my Whole30 mashed potatoes and balsamic roasted green beans and Brussels sprouts.

You could also try buttery mashed parsnips instead of potatoes.

Braised red cabbage would also be a great veggie side.

And this broccoli bacon salad would also be another great old-fashioned side.

These bacon ranch crispy smashed potatoes would also be a fun addition to dinner.

Plus all of the above suggestions are also Whole30!

 

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To freeze, wrap any unsliced loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze in an air-tight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Leftovers can be quickly microwaved or reheated in a low oven.

 

Is this also a low carb meatloaf recipe?

Yep! Each serving has only 7 grams of carbs so it’s low carb.

 

Is this also a keto meatloaf recipe?

Yes. It has 5 grams of net carbs plus 34 grams of protein and 28 grams of fat per serving, so it’s also keto.

 

Other recipes you might like:

  1. The Best Whole30 Ground Beef Recipes
  2. 3 Easy Paleo Meatballs
  3. Lamb Ragú
  4. Ground Chicken Tacos
Paleo meatloaf sliced on a white platter and on a white plate with mashed peas
A Paleo meatloaf sliced on a white plate with mashed peas, fork and knife.

Whole30 Meatloaf Recipe (without breadcrumbs)

Don Baiocchi
Classic meatloaf gets a healthy makeover for an easy weeknight dinner. Almond flour and homemade ketchup replace the breadcrumbs and sugary ketchup of regular meatloaf while still maintaining the classic meatloaf flavor. And it's gluten-free, dairy-free, low carb, keto and Paleo!
5 from 6 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 50 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 421 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon cooking fat such as avocado oil or ghee
  • ⅓ cup diced shallots (from about 1-2 large shallots)
  • pinch of fine sea salt, plus 2 teaspoons, divided
  • 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, plus 1½ teaspoons, divided
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup blanched superfine almond flour not almond meal
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon coconut aminos (for Whole30) or Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oven to 350°.
  • In a small skillet, heat the cooking fat over medium heat. Add the diced shallots with a pinch of salt and saute, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Pour into a small bowl and let cool.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together the tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
  • In a large bowl, add the beef, pork, eggs, almond flour, shallots, dried parsley, coconut aminos, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, 1½ teaspoons salt, 1½ teaspoons pepper and 3 tablespoons of the ketchup mixture. Mix with your hands, a spatula or with a stand mixer using the paddle attachment until blended.
  • Transfer the mixture to a 9x5" loaf pan and press it down until the top is even and smooth.
  • Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and spread the rest of the ketchup mixture over the top in a thin, even layer.
  • Bake for another 15-20 minutes, until it reaches 160°.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Drain the fat or remove the meatloaf to a cutting board to slice and serve.

Notes

Substitutions and variations
  • You can use other ground proteins besides beef and pork. Just try to stick with a 50/50 mix of lean and fatty so it's not too dry and not too greasy.
  • You can use 4 peeled and minced garlic cloves instead of garlic powder. Sauté the garlic with the shallots.
  • Feel free to add savory spices such as paprika or cumin.
  • You can also add other dried herbs like sage, rosemary, oregano or Italian seasoning.
 
Leftovers
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Leftovers can be frozen in an air-tight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Leftovers can be quickly microwaved or reheated in a low oven.

Nutrition

Calories: 421kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 34gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 156mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 662mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 113IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 4mg
Keyword gluten free meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, low carb meatloaf, paleo meatloaf, whole30 meatloaf
Tried this recipe?Mention @paleoglutenfreeguy or tag #paleoglutenfreeguy!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Erin says

    January 31, 2021 at 6:16 am

    I haven’t had meatloaf since I was a kid! I’ll have to try your version because this looks WAY better than what my mom used to make. Better ingredients, too!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      February 5, 2021 at 10:13 am

      I went forever not eating meatloaf and I’m so glad it’s back in my life again!

      Reply
  2. Sunrita says

    January 30, 2021 at 8:50 am

    5 stars
    Love a good meatloaf recipe. Can never have enough .

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 30, 2021 at 11:39 am

      Agreed!

      Reply
  3. Megan Stevens says

    January 30, 2021 at 6:53 am

    5 stars
    Thanks for your tip about using an internal thermometer so it doesn’t dry out, very helpful. Also, love the coconut aminos in this!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 30, 2021 at 11:38 am

      I tell ya, thermometers are the best. You never overcook your food!

      Reply
  4. ChihYu says

    January 27, 2021 at 8:48 pm

    5 stars
    This meatloaf is the best! So moist, delicious and comforting! Yum!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 29, 2021 at 3:38 pm

      Thanks! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Yang says

    January 27, 2021 at 11:28 am

    5 stars
    I can’t get enough meatloaf, it’s such a comfort food. 🙂 I like that you made a whole 30 version with almond flour. I often use it in ground meat too, always turned out delicious!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 27, 2021 at 6:46 pm

      Yeah, I was pleasantly surprised with how well it worked.

      Reply
  6. Kortney Kwong Hing says

    January 26, 2021 at 5:15 am

    Whenever I make meatloaf it is always really dry. Any tips?

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 26, 2021 at 3:06 pm

      Luckily using almond flour keeps it more moist than regular flour because the almonds still have their natural fat even though they’re ground up. Also, if you have an instant read or oven probe thermometer, make sure you cook it to 160 degrees and not higher so it doesn’t dry out. (If you don’t have either of those thermometers, I highly recommend them.)

      Reply
  7. Jean Choi says

    January 25, 2021 at 7:26 pm

    5 stars
    Love a good meatloaf and this one is so yummy! SO comforting with amazing flavors.

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 26, 2021 at 3:05 pm

      Yes, such good comfort food!

      Reply
  8. tina says

    January 25, 2021 at 11:59 am

    5 stars
    Yum! I’ve been looking for a good meatloaf recipe – love this whole30 one!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      January 26, 2021 at 3:04 pm

      Let me know if you try it!

      Reply

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Well hello there! I’m Don, the creator behind Paleo Gluten Free Guy. I share fun, vibrant recipes for good health and pure enjoyment. All of my recipes are gluten-free and the majority of them are also Paleo, meaning they’re free of grains, dairy, refined sugar and legumes.

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