Keto Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: A Delectable and Health-Conscious Reinterpretation

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s low in carbs but full of flavor, this Keto Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf is the perfect dish! Combining ground beef with flavorful spices and wrapped in crispy bacon, it’s a delicious twist on a classic favorite. This meatloaf is not only satisfying but also a fantastic option for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

My Personal Experience

I’ve always been a fan of meatloaf, but when I started following a keto lifestyle, I was missing that comforting, hearty dish. This Keto Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf has become one of my go-to meals. The bacon wrap gives it a smoky flavor that I absolutely love, and it keeps the meatloaf so moist, which is something I always struggled with before. I’ve made it a few times now, and it’s always a hit—whether I’m serving it for dinner or prepping for the week. Plus, it’s a great meal to freeze, so I always have something ready to go when I don’t feel like cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

• Keto-friendly – No breadcrumbs, just almond flour to keep it low-carb.
• Savory flavor – Ground beef, pork, and bacon come together for a rich, hearty taste.
• Moist and juicy – The bacon keeps the meatloaf from drying out.
• Easy to make – Even though it looks fancy, this recipe is simple and quick to prepare.
• Perfect for meal prep – Make it in bulk and store it for busy weeknights.

What Makes this Meatloaf Different From The Rest?

This is by no means your standard meatloaf. Adding bacon gives a touch of smokiness and a savory element that will elevate this comfort food to another level. Not only does it add flavor but it also helps to prevent dryness in the loaf, making every bite succulent. Plus, the meatloaf is made with low carb ingredients, so you can indulge in it without guilt while pursuing your keto diet.

Quick to Prepare

Do not be scared of the bacon wrapping! The technique standing between you and the final product is actually quite easy. With a couple of keto-compliant ingredients, you will be able to prepare a delicious meatloaf that everyone will eat and love. Cauliflower mash or steamed vegetables would make a fantastic side dish for this low carb meatloaf.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Ground Beef – This provides the heartiness to the meatloaf. You can also use ground turkey if you prefer a leaner option.
• Ground Pork – Adds flavor and moisture. You can substitute with turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer.
• Onion – A finely chopped onion adds depth of flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, use a shallot or onion powder instead.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic is a must here for an aromatic base. You can swap it for garlic powder if needed.
• Almond Flour – Used to bind the meatloaf without adding carbs. If you don’t have almond flour, coconut flour is a good alternative, but use less (about 1/8th of the amount).
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds a savory depth. You can substitute with any other cheese, like mozzarella, but Parmesan adds that classic bite.
• Eggs – Acts as a binder. You can substitute with flax eggs if you want to make it egg-free.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a rich umami flavor. If you need a substitute, coconut aminos works well.
• Dried Thyme – If you don’t have thyme, you can use rosemary or Italian seasoning.
• Paprika – For a subtle smokiness. If you want extra heat, use smoked paprika or chili powder.
• Bacon – Wrap the meatloaf in bacon for an irresistible crispy texture. If you don’t like bacon, prosciutto or turkey bacon could be a leaner alternative.
• Salt & Pepper – To taste.

Step-by-Step Guide: Bring Your Recipe to Life

1. Preheat the Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your meatloaf cooks evenly.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
3. Shape the Meatloaf
   Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure it’s compact and evenly shaped for consistent cooking.
4. Wrap with Bacon
   Take the bacon slices and wrap them around the meatloaf, tucking the ends underneath to hold them in place. This will add flavor and keep the meatloaf moist as it cooks.
5. Add Ketchup Glaze (Optional)
   If you’d like to add a glaze, spread the sugar-free ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf before baking.
6. Bake the Meatloaf
   Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
7. Rest Before Slicing
   Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making it easier to slice.
8. Slice and Serve
   After resting, slice the meatloaf and serve it warm. It’s delicious on its own or paired with low-carb sides like cauliflower mash or steamed vegetables.

Bonus Tips: Make the Most of This Recipe

• Flavor Variations: Feel free to mix in your favorite herbs or spices for extra flavor. A little smoked paprika or chili powder can add a nice kick.
• Make Ahead: This meatloaf can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
• Leftover Ideas: Use leftover meatloaf in sandwiches or crumbled over salads for a tasty lunch.

Storage Instructions

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Meal prep: This meatloaf stores well in the fridge or freezer. You can freeze individual slices for a quick meal later.
• Reheat: Heat in the microwave or oven. For the oven, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
• Freeze: This meatloaf freezes well for up to 3 months. If freezing the whole loaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version, but make sure to add some extra fat (like olive oil or bacon) to keep it moist.

2. What can I serve with meatloaf?
It pairs well with keto-friendly sides like mashed cauliflower, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

3. Can I make mini meatloaves?
Absolutely! You can form individual meatloaves and adjust the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 280
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g

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