Looking for a hearty, satisfying carnivore meatloaf that stays true to your animal-based eating lifestyle? This carnivore diet meatloaf recipe delivers all the comfort of traditional meatloaf without any plant-based fillers or hidden carbs.
Made with simple, nutrient-dense ingredients like ground beef, eggs, and pork rinds, this carnivore meat loaf proves you don’t need bread crumbs or vegetables to create a moist, flavorful main dish.
Whether you’re strictly carnivore or simply reducing carbs, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a protein-packed meal that satisfies even the heartiest appetites while keeping you in ketosis.
What Does This Carnivore Meatloaf Taste Like?
This carnivore meatloaf recipe offers a rich, beefy flavor with subtle savory undertones from the seasonings. The texture is incredibly moist and tender thanks to the heavy cream and eggs while the crushed pork rinds provide just enough structure without making it dense.
Unlike grain-based meatloaves, this carnivore diet meatloaf has a more pure, meaty taste that lets the quality of your ground beef shine through.
The Worcestershire sauce adds a hint of umami depth, while the garlic and onion powder (used minimally for those following less strict carnivore approaches) create that classic comfort food profile you crave.
Carnivore Diet Meatloaf Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for moisture and flavor)
- 4 large eggs (acts as binder and adds richness)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (keeps the meatloaf incredibly moist)
- 1/4 cup crushed pork rinds (carnivore-friendly binder)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (adds umami depth)
- 1 tablespoon salt (enhances natural beef flavor)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (subtle heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, omit for strict carnivore)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional, omit for strict carnivore)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
Kitchen Utensils Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Loaf pan (9×5 inch) or baking sheet
- Parchment paper (if using baking sheet)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing spoon or clean hands for combining
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Resting Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 65-80 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
Step-by-Step Carnivore Diet Meatloaf Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare your carnivore meatloaf mixture. This ensures even cooking from the moment the meatloaf enters the oven.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 eggs and whisk them together with the 1/2 cup heavy cream until well blended. This creates the moisture base for your carnivore diet meatloaf.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Binders
To the egg mixture, add the crushed pork rinds, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir these ingredients together so the pork rinds begin absorbing the liquid, creating a binding paste.
Step 4: Incorporate the Ground Beef
Add the 2 lbs of ground beef to the bowl. Using your hands or a large spoon, gently mix all ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make your carnivore meat loaf tough and dense. Mix only until you no longer see streaks of egg or dry pork rinds.
Step 5: Shape the Loaf
Transfer the mixture to either a loaf pan or a parchment-lined baking sheet. If using a loaf pan, press the mixture evenly into the pan. If free-forming on a baking sheet, shape it into a loaf approximately 9 inches long and 4 inches wide, smoothing the top and sides for even cooking.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Place the carnivore meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes. The exact time depends on your oven and the thickness of your loaf. The meatloaf is done when an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached at the center. Check the temperature at the 45-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Step 7: Rest Before Slicing
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is moist and doesn’t fall apart.
7 Customization and Pairing Ideas for Your Carnivore Meatloaf
1. Bacon-Wrapped Variation: Wrap your formed carnivore diet meatloaf with bacon strips before baking. The bacon adds smoky flavor and extra fat while creating a crispy exterior. Overlap the bacon slightly and tuck the ends underneath for a beautiful presentation.
2. Cheese-Stuffed Center: Create a channel down the center of your meat mixture and fill it with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite carnivore-friendly cheese. Cover with more meat mixture and bake as directed for a melty surprise inside.
3. Ground Pork Blend: Replace half the ground beef with ground pork for a different flavor profile. This creates a slightly sweeter, more tender carnivore meat loaf while maintaining the zero-carb approach.
4. Pair with Scrambled Eggs: Serve slices of your carnivore meatloaf alongside buttery scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast that keeps you satisfied for hours.
5. Bone Broth Gravy: Make a simple carnivore-friendly gravy by reducing bone broth with butter and a touch of gelatin for thickness. Drizzle over sliced meatloaf for added moisture and nutrients.
6. Serve with Crispy Bacon: Add extra animal fat to your plate by serving your carnivore diet meatloaf recipe with thick-cut bacon strips on the side. The textural contrast enhances the meal.
7. Top with Fried Eggs: Crown each slice with a perfectly fried egg (runny yolk preferred). The yolk creates a natural, rich sauce that elevates this simple dish into something restaurant-worthy.
7 Expert Tips for Perfect Carnivore Meatloaf
1. Choose the Right Fat Ratio: The 80/20 ground beef blend is crucial for a moist carnivore meatloaf. Leaner beef will result in a dry, crumbly texture. If you only have lean beef, add extra heavy cream or mix in some ground pork for fat content.
2. Don’t Overmix Your Meat: Once you add the ground beef to your wet ingredients, mix only until combined. Overworking the meat develops too much protein structure, making your carnivore meat loaf dense and tough rather than tender.
3. Crush Pork Rinds Finely: For the best binding action, crush your pork rinds into a texture similar to breadcrumbs. Use a food processor or place them in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin. Larger pieces won’t distribute evenly throughout your carnivore diet meatloaf.
4. Use a Meat Thermometer: Don’t guess on doneness. A meat thermometer ensures your carnivore meatloaf recipe reaches the safe internal temperature of 160°F without overcooking. Insert it into the center of the loaf for an accurate reading.
5. Free-Form for Crispy Edges: While a loaf pan is convenient, forming your meatloaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet allows heat to circulate around all sides, creating delicious crispy edges while the fat drips away for a less greasy result.
6. Let It Rest Completely: Those 10 minutes of resting aren’t optional. Cutting into your carnivore diet meatloaf too early causes all the juices to run out, leaving you with dry slices. Patience pays off with moist, cohesive slices.
7. Save the Drippings: The rendered fat and juices at the bottom of your pan are liquid gold. Don’t discard them! Use these drippings to baste leftover slices when reheating, or save them for cooking eggs or searing steaks later in the week.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store leftover carnivore meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in a skillet with butter over medium heat, or microwave for 60-90 seconds. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months wrap slices individually for easy portioning.
Carnivore Diet Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend is ideal for moisture and flavor
- 4 large eggs acts as binder and adds richness
- 1/2 cup heavy cream keeps the meatloaf incredibly moist
- 1/4 cup crushed pork rinds carnivore-friendly binder
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth
- 1 tablespoon salt enhances natural beef flavor
- 1 teaspoon black pepper subtle heat
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional, omit for strict carnivore
- 1 teaspoon onion powder optional, omit for strict carnivore
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning optional
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare your carnivore meatloaf mixture. This ensures even cooking from the moment the meatloaf enters the oven.
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 4 eggs and whisk them together with the 1/2 cup heavy cream until well blended. This creates the moisture base for your carnivore diet meatloaf.
- To the egg mixture, add the crushed pork rinds, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir these ingredients together so the pork rinds begin absorbing the liquid, creating a binding paste.
- Add the 2 lbs of ground beef to the bowl. Using your hands or a large spoon, gently mix all ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make your carnivore meat loaf tough and dense. Mix only until you no longer see streaks of egg or dry pork rinds.
- Transfer the mixture to either a loaf pan or a parchment-lined baking sheet. If using a loaf pan, press the mixture evenly into the pan. If free-forming on a baking sheet, shape it into a loaf approximately 9 inches long and 4 inches wide, smoothing the top and sides for even cooking.
- Place the carnivore meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes. The exact time depends on your oven and the thickness of your loaf. The meatloaf is done when an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached at the center. Check the temperature at the 45-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is moist and doesn’t fall apart.
Video
Notes
Common Queries and FAQs
Can I make carnivore meatloaf without pork rinds?
Yes! While pork rinds are the most popular carnivore-friendly binder, you can substitute with almond flour if you tolerate nuts, or simply use extra eggs. Some carnivore dieters make meatloaf with just beef, eggs, and cream it will be slightly more delicate but still delicious. You might also try finely ground freeze-dried liver for a nutrient boost and binding properties.
Is Worcestershire sauce allowed on the carnivore diet?
Traditional Worcestershire sauce contains sugar and plant ingredients, making it technically not strict carnivore. However, many people following a relaxed carnivore approach use small amounts since the quantity per serving is minimal. For strict carnivore, simply omit it or use fish sauce as a substitute for that umami flavor without the sugar.
Why is my carnivore meatloaf falling apart?
A crumbly carnivore meat loaf typically results from too little fat or insufficient binding. Make sure you’re using ground beef with at least 20% fat content, and don’t skip the eggs or heavy cream. Also ensure your pork rinds are finely crushed so they can properly absorb moisture and bind. Finally, let the meatloaf rest fully before slicing cutting too early prevents the proteins from setting.
Can I add bacon to this carnivore diet meatloaf recipe?
Absolutely! Bacon is a fantastic addition. You can either mix crumbled cooked bacon into the meat mixture before forming the loaf, or wrap the entire loaf in bacon strips before baking. The bacon adds wonderful smoky flavor and extra fat. If wrapping, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
How do I make my carnivore meatloaf more moist?
Moisture comes from fat content and proper cooking. First, never use lean ground beef stick with 80/20 or even 75/25. Don’t overbake; pull it from the oven as soon as it reaches 160°F internally. The heavy cream in this recipe already maximizes moisture, but you can increase it to 3/4 cup if desired. Some people also add a few tablespoons of melted butter to the mixture.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover carnivore meatloaf?
For the best texture, reheat slices in a skillet with butter over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side. This crisps the exterior while warming the interior without drying it out. Avoid high microwave settings, which can make the meat tough. If microwaving, use 50% power and add a pat of butter on top to maintain moisture.
Can I meal prep this carnivore diet meatloaf?
Yes, this carnivore meatloaf recipe is excellent for meal prep! Bake it on Sunday, let it cool completely, then slice and store in individual containers for quick weekday meals. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the raw mixture and freeze it before baking thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Do I need to drain the fat while cooking?
Generally, no. The fat that renders during baking bastes the carnivore meat loaf and keeps it moist. If using very fatty ground beef (75/25 or fattier) and you notice excessive pooling, you can carefully pour off some fat halfway through cooking, but most of the time this isn’t necessary, especially if free-forming on a baking sheet where fat naturally drains away.
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
You can, but the result will be quite different. Poultry is much leaner, so your carnivore meatloaf will be drier and less flavorful unless you add significant extra fat. If using poultry, increase the heavy cream to 3/4 cup and add 4-6 tablespoons of melted butter to the mixture. Ground lamb or bison work better as beef substitutes while maintaining moisture.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely! This carnivore diet meatloaf recipe is naturally keto-friendly with virtually zero carbs. The only potential carbs come from the small amount of Worcestershire sauce (about 1g per tablespoon) and any trace amounts in seasonings. Total carbs per serving are typically under 1-2 grams, making it perfect for ketogenic diets, low-carb eating, or strict carnivore approaches.
This carnivore diet meatloaf recipe proves that simple, animal-based eating can be absolutely delicious and satisfying. With just beef, eggs, cream, and a few basic seasonings, you’ve created a zero-carb comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
Whether you’re new to carnivore eating or a seasoned pro looking for meal variety, this carnivore meatloaf delivers the hearty, protein-rich satisfaction your body craves.
Give it a try tonight and discover how surprisingly easy and incredibly tasty carnivore cooking can be!
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