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Easy Keto Meatloaf Muffins (low carb + high protein)

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These Keto Meatloaf Muffins are to die for. Made with less than 10 ingredients, they are a healthy comfort food option. These keto meat loaves are made with pork panko to keep them low carb as well as sugar-free ketchup. This meatloaf minis recipe is a low-carb win.

This low carb meatloaf recipe is so fun to make! Instead of cooking the meatloaf in a traditional pan, we are using a muffin tin which helps to speed up the cooking time.

It also means that the meatloaf muffins are perfectly portioned and perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Mom hack: Tell your kids that these are meatloaf cupcakes and they will gobble them up!

Looking for another yummy low carb dinner? Try this Big Mac Bowl.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

  • Low-carb and Keto-friendly: This Keto Meatloaf Muffins recipe is designed to be low in carbohydrates, which makes it a perfect fit for those following a ketogenic or other low-carb diet.
  • Grab ‘n’ Go Goodness: Wave goodbye to boring packed lunches. The individual portions are perfect for a grab-and-go snack or meal – a lifesaver during busy weekdays.
  • Easy to Prepare: You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe is simple, making it an excellent choice for your busy life.
  • Good Source of Protein: With beef, cheese, and pork panko, these little meatloafs offer a healthy dose of protein that can help you feel full and satisfied

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make these Keto Mini Meatloaves:

  • ground beef
  • chopped onion
  • garlic cloves
  • 1 egg
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • pork panko
  •  dried oregano
  • salt
  •  black pepper
  •  unsweetened ketchup

Ingredient Notes

Pork Panko: This is pork rinds ground up finely to the consistency of breadcrumbs. I suggest ordering your pork panko from Amazon because you will most likely not find it in the store.

Alternatively, you can make your own by blitzing pork rinds in a food processor.

Unsweetened Ketchup: I recommend Primal Kitchen Ketchup because it’s a great brand with great ingredients. You should be able to get it at Walmart or your local grocery store. If you can’t find it, any unsweetened ketchup will do.

How to make Keto Mini Meatloaf: Step by Step

Step 1: In a large bowl combine your ground beef together with the chopped onion, the minced garlic, egg, pork panko, shredded cheddar cheese, dried oregano, salt & pepper, and with your hands knead together until well combined. A spoon or whisk won’t do the trick.

Step 2:  Shape 1/4 cup of mixture into a puck shape and place it into the muffin pan. Should make about 11 mini meatloaves.

Step 3: Top each mini meatloaf with half a tablespoon of unsweetened ketchup and bake at bake 375 for about 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Muffin Pan Prep: Be sure to grease your muffin pan or use silicone liners to prevent the muffins from sticking. This will also make clean up much easier.

Cheese Options: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a little additional cheese on the muffins before you pop them into the oven.

Storage, Freezing, & Reheating

Storage: Once the Keto Meatloaf Muffins have cooled, they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 4-5 days.

Freezing: If you want to freeze them, first let the muffins cool completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the muffins into a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label with the date, they’ll be good for up to 3 months.

Reheating: When you’re ready to eat the muffins, if they’re refrigerated, you can reheat them in the microwave for a minute or two, or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If they’re frozen, it’s best to thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

You can also reheat in your air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes or until thoroughly warmed. Do in batches if needed.

Additions, Substitutions, and Variations

SUBSTITUTIONS
Ground Meat: While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or pork based on your preference or dietary needs.

Cheese: Swap out the cheddar for another cheese of your choice. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese could provide interesting flavor variations.

ADDITIONS
Vegetables: Try adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a veggie boost.

Spices: If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños.

Bacon: For a smoky flavor, try adding some chopped cooked bacon strips into the mix.

VARIATIONS
Italian Style: Add some Italian seasoning, swap the cheddar for mozzarella, and use a low-carb marinara sauce instead of ketchup.

Mexican Style: Include a taco seasoning mix, swap cheddar for a Mexican blend cheese, and consider adding a bit of salsa on top.

BBQ Style: Incorporate a bit of smoked paprika into the mix and use a low-carb BBQ sauce instead of ketchup.

Keto-Friendly Sides to Pair with Your Meatloaf Muffins


These Low Carb Meatloaf Muffins are quite versatile and can be paired with a wide range of sides to make a complete meal. Here are a few keto-friendly suggestions:

  • Cauliflower Mash: This is a classic substitute for mashed potatoes on a keto diet. It’s creamy, delicious, and is the perfect side dish for these meatloaf muffins.
  • Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a keto-friendly dressing can add a crisp and refreshing contrast to the hearty meatloaf muffins.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like broccoli, brussels sprouts, or asparagus would pair well, adding both flavor and nutrients to your meal.
  • Sautéed Spinach or Kale: A side of sautéed greens can be a healthy and flavorful addition. Add a little garlic for an extra boost of flavor.
  • Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): If you’re missing the traditional spaghetti and meatballs, consider serving your meatloaf muffins with zoodles. Top with a little marinara sauce for a complete meal.
  • Keto Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw made with a keto-friendly dressing can add a nice crunch and a refreshing note to your meal.
  • Steamed Green Beans: Simple yet flavorful, green beans make for a quick and easy side that complements the meatloaf muffins.
  • Cauliflower Rice: Another great low-carb side, cauliflower rice can soak up any extra sauce and round out your meal.
  • Keto Bread: If you’ve found a keto bread recipe you love, it can be a nice side to mop up the flavorful juices from the meatloaf muffins.

How To Meal Prep

  • Prepare in Bulk: Double or triple the recipe based on your needs for the week. The prep time remains nearly the same, and you’ll have several meals ready to go.
  • Bake and Cool: Bake the muffins as per the recipe, then allow them to cool completely. It’s important not to rush this step, as the muffins can become soggy if stored while they’re still hot.
  • Portion and Store: Divide the muffins into meal-sized portions, depending on your dietary requirements. Each portion can be a single meal, or you can pair the muffins with side dishes for a more varied meal.
  • Refrigerate or Freeze: Store your portioned meals in airtight containers in the fridge if you plan on eating them within the next 4-5 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer where they’ll be good for up to 3 months.
  • Prepare Sides: If you want to include sides, prepare them in advance and store them separately. Keto-friendly salads, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower mash are great options.
  • Reheat and Enjoy: When you’re ready to eat, reheat your muffins in the microwave or oven. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other ground meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. However, keep in mind that each meat has its own unique flavor and texture, so the final taste of the muffins will be different.

If you can’t find pork panko, you can use almond flour or coconut flour as a keto-friendly substitute. Another option is to make your own pork panko by crushing pork rinds in a food processor.

Absolutely! You can easily transform this low carb mini meatloaf recipe into a traditional meatloaf. Just mix all the ingredients and press into a greased loaf pan, spread the unsweetened ketchup on top, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour. Make sure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Adapted from: Megan Seelinger

Keto Meatloaf Muffins

These Keto Meatloaf Muffins are a great way to enjoy a high-protein, low-carb meal that's packed with flavor, perfect for those following a ketogenic lifestyle.
Plus, the convenience and portion control of these keto mini meatloaf muffins make them ideal for meal prep, ensuring you always have a nutritious and satisfying option ready to go
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 11 muffins
Calories: 172kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ cup onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup pork panko
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 5 ½ tbsp unsweetened ketchup used Primal Kitchen Ketchup

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375ºF and grease a muffin pan.
  • In a bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, pork panko, cheddar cheese, oregano, salt & pepper and knead together until well combined.
  • Shape ¼ cup of the meat mixture into a puck shape and place it into the muffin pan. Should make about 11 mini meatloaves.
  • Top each mini meatloaf with ½ tablespoon of ketchup.
  • Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Notes

  • Be sure to grease your muffin pan or use silicone liners to prevent the muffins from sticking. This will also make clean up much easier.
  • For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a little additional cheese on the muffins before you pop them into the oven
 
1 Serving = 1 Muffin
Net Carbs = 2

Nutrition

Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 407mg | Potassium: 47mg | Sugar: 1g

The nutritional details for recipes are estimated using MyFitnessPal and can vary with different products, measurement accuracy, and source reliability. We aim to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee the precise accuracy of the nutritional data

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