This BBQ cheddar meatloaf is made without breadcrumbs, grains, or oatmeal so it is gluten-free, low-carb, keto, and clean. Bursting with flavor and incredibly simple to prepare, it’s a quick and easy low-carb dinner recipe that is sure to make it into your rotation!
What Does This BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf Taste Like?
If you weren’t told, you’d never know this meatloaf was keto and gluten-free because it tastes like a real meatloaf. It is a cross between a burger and traditional meatloaf. The barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese kick this low-carb meatloaf up a notch. Homemade “bread” crumbs, egg, and high quality beef keep this meatloaf from drying out, so every bite is moist and juicy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp sugarsfree BBQ sauce, plus more for top, if desired
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp dried minced onion
- 1 tsp dry mustard powder
- pinch salt
- pinch pepper
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, divided into 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except 1/4 cup cheese. Use a wooden spoon to combine everything until mixed. Be careful not to over-mix the meat.
- Line a baking sheet with foil. Place the meatloaf mixture on the baking sheet and pat into an even rectangle shape. Top with remaining cheddar cheese. If desired, add more sugar-free BBQ sauce to the top, about 2 tablespoons.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
What Is Used For Binding In This Gluten-Free Meatloaf?
This meatloaf uses my homemade gluten-free breadcrumbs as a binder. They are made of almond flour, ground flax seed, water, and seasonings. It may sound intimidating to make breadcrumbs from scratch but it only takes about 10 minutes. You can watch a video tutorial on this post to see how easy it is to make your “bread” crumbs. They are the perfect consistency for binding a meatloaf together!
Is This a Keto Meatloaf Recipe?
Yes, this meatloaf fits within keto macros. Grains and high-carb ingredients are not included in this recipe to keep this a low-carb meatloaf. Using a sugar-free BBQ sauce and grain-free breadcrumbs keep this low-carb meatloaf within keto macros. Use grass-fed beef and pasture-raised eggs for the cleanest and highest fat source whenever possible.
What Kind Of BBQ Sauce To Use In This Meatloaf
Depending on your dietary needs, barbecue sauce choices will vary. Unfortunately, most sugar-free barbecue sauces use sucralose (or similar) to sweeten them. For a budget-friendly option, I prefer this one. For a clean sugar-free option, this one is a popular choice.
What Makes This Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
This meatloaf recipe is free of grains and gluten because it does not use breadcrumbs, oatmeal, or rice like many traditional meatloaf recipes. Instead, this keto meatloaf recipe uses homemade gluten-free breadcrumbs. Seasoning packets or dry mixes are also not used because those are commonly full of preservatives that may not be gluten-free. As an alternative, this barbecue cheddar meatloaf is seasoned with dried spices and Worcestershire sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp sugarsfree BBQ sauce, plus more for top, if desired
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp dried minced onion
- 1 tsp dry mustard powder
- pinch salt
- pinch pepper
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, divided into 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except 1/4 cup cheese. Use a wooden spoon to combine everything until mixed. Be careful not to over-mix the meat.
- Line a baking sheet with foil. Place the meatloaf mixture on the baking sheet and pat into an even rectangle shape. Top with remaining cheddar cheese. If desired, add more sugar-free BBQ sauce to the top, about 2 tablespoons.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
How To Store The Meatloaf
Let the meatloaf cool completely. Wrap it in either plastic or aluminum then place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also store it in the freezer where it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’d like to reheat it, first let it thaw in the fridge overnight then put it in the oven at 350 F until heated through. You may want to add more cheese or barbecue sauce before serving again.
Side Dishes To Complement This Keto Meatloaf
Gluten Free Meatloaf (with Cheddar Cheese and BBQ Sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar free bbq sauce plus more for top if desired
- 1 egg
- [1/4 cup gluten free bread crumbs]
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- pinch salt
- pinch pepper
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese divided into 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except 1/4 cup cheese. Use a wooden spoon to combine everything until mixed. Be careful not to over mix the meat.
- Line a baking sheet with foil. Place the meatloaf mixture on the baking sheet and pat into an even rectangle shape. Top with remaining cheddar cheese. If desired, add more sugar free bbq sauce to the top, about 2 tablespoons.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
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