Keto BBQ Cheeseburger Meatloaf (High Protein & Family Favorite)

Keto BBQ Cheeseburger Meatloaf (High Protein & Family Favorite)

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this flavorful Keto BBQ Cheeseburger Meatloaf! Packed with savory beef, sharp cheddar, a hint of BBQ, and a kick from jalapeños, this easy-to-make dish is a satisfying, low-carb family favorite.

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 55-65 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 medium jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely diced (adjust to taste for spice level)
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
• 2 pounds (32 oz) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended for flavor and moisture)
• ¼ cup low-carb BBQ sauce (e.g., G Hughes, Primal Kitchen, or homemade sugar-free)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup crushed pork rinds (approx. 1 oz bag, crushed finely; acts as a binder)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

For the Topping (Optional but Recommended):

• ¼ cup low-carb BBQ sauce
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Equipment:

• Large skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Meat thermometer

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Aromatics: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, diced jalapeño, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled onion, jalapeño, and garlic mixture. Add the ground beef, ¼ cup low-carb BBQ sauce, eggs, crushed pork rinds, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix Thoroughly: Using your hands (or a sturdy spoon), mix all the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
4. Form & Bake Meatloaf: Press the meatloaf mixture evenly into the 9×5-inch loaf pan.
   • Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part.
5. Add Topping (Optional): After the initial baking time (around 50-60 minutes) and when the internal temperature is near 155°F:
   • Carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven.
   • Spread the additional ¼ cup of low-carb BBQ sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
   • Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the BBQ sauce.
   • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 160°F (71°C).
6. Rest & Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the loaf pan for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful meatloaf.
7. Enjoy! Slice and serve warm.

Tips for Success:

• Pork Rind Crushing: If your pork rinds aren’t already crushed, place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or pulse them in a food processor until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs.
• Low-Carb BBQ Sauce: The choice of BBQ sauce is critical for keeping this keto-friendly. Always double-check labels for hidden sugars.
• Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer! Overcooked meatloaf can be dry. The temperature will rise a few degrees after it’s removed from the oven.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your preference. Remove seeds and membranes for less heat.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of steamed green beans or asparagus.
• Pair with mashed cauliflower for a comforting meal.
• Serve alongside a simple garden salad with a keto-friendly dressing.

Storage: Store leftover meatloaf, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be sliced and frozen for up to 3 months.

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Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification

• High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Ground beef, eggs, and cheddar cheese are excellent protein sources, making this meal incredibly satisfying and beneficial for satiety and muscle maintenance.
• Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb. It utilizes pork rinds as a binder instead of breadcrumbs and relies on low-carb vegetables and sugar-free BBQ sauce.
• Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly.
  • Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Eggs, Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese: All staples of a ketogenic diet.
  • Pork Rinds: An excellent zero-carb binder/filler for meatloaf.
  • Low-Carb BBQ Sauce: Crucial for keto. Brands like G Hughes or Primal Kitchen are specifically formulated to be sugar-free and are widely accepted in the keto community.
  • Onion, Jalapeño, Garlic, Italian Seasoning: In these quantities, these vegetables and spices are perfectly fine for keto.
• Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided the BBQ sauce and any seasonings used are also certified gluten-free.