The Best Easy Paleo Meatloaf Recipe | Wicked Spatula (2024)

Learn how to make the BEST easy paleo meatloaf recipe (grain-free meatloaf) with just 10 common ingredients! Paleo Italian meatloaf is healthy comfort food the whole family will love.

by Maya Last Updated on May 29, 2020 23 Comments

A little sweet and a whole lot of savory, this is the BEST paleo meatloaf recipe out there. Delicious doesn’t even begin to cover it. When you’re in the mood for comfort food, this easy paleo Italian meatloaf is it. Packed with protein, it takes just 15 minutes to prep. And of course, it’s a grain-free meatloaf, so no matter who you are serving, it’s a great option for everyone.

You can make paleo meatloaf with almond flour like this, but for the version I’m sharing today, I made the meatloaf recipe without breadcrumbs altogether. It’s actually still very tender and flavorful!

We love this paleo Italian meatloaf. The sauce has the perfect amount of sweetness to balance out the savory beef and onions. It was a breeze to throw together, not to mention it’s a pretty budget-friendly meal as well. Even with using grass-fed beef, this meal is inexpensive.

How To Make Paleo Meatloaf

This easy paleo meatloaf recipe is super simple, and the hardest part is waiting for it to finish baking! HA! It’s tough because it makes the whole house smell SO good. You’re just a few steps away from the easy, flavorful, and healthy meatloaf you have been dreaming of…

• Brown the onions and garlic in olive oil, with red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning. This helps them get a deep flavor and hint of sweetness.
• Combine all of the paleo meatloaf ingredients and mix. These include the ground beef, sauteed onion mixture, egg, salt and pepper.

TIP #1: Don’t overmix the grain-free meatloaf, this will cause it to become tough.

TIP #2: Put some rolled-up pieces of aluminum foil on the bottom of the baking pan, under the easy paleo meatloaf. This way the grease and fat drippings to the bottom and doesn’t absorb back into the paleo Italian meatloaf. It doesn’t dry out the meatloaf, but it will prevent it from absorbing too much of the fat.

• Mix up the meatloaf sauce. It’s simply ketchup, mustard, and coconut sugar. (You can skip the coconut sugar for a low carb version!) Pour it over the meatloaf.
• Bake your delicious paleo Italian meatloaf!

How Do You Know When Meatloaf Is Done?

This easy paleo meatloaf recipe is done when you insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part and the temperature reads at least 160 degrees F. You don’t want to cook it until the temperature is much higher than 160 degrees F or it wills start to dry out instead of being moist and flavorful.

TIP: Let the meatloaf rest for 5 inutes before slicing. The temperature inside will rise another 5 degrees and it will lock in the moisture so that it’s not dry.

My paleo-friendly meatloaf takes approximately 1 hour to cook, but it will vary between ovens.

Why Does My Meatloaf Look Pink?

Sometimes grain-free meatloaf can have a slightly pink color to it even when it’s thoroughly cooked. This can happen because onions and garlic are root vegetables, and they happen to be naturally high in nitrates. Due to the nitrates, it can cause this healthy meatloaf recipe to have a pink center still.

You might be tempted to cook the easy paleo meatloaf for a lot longer hoping that the center will turn brown. I advise against that because the result will be a dry and unappealing gluten-free meatloaf.

How To Make Mini Meatloaf

If you want to make paleo mini meatloaf, it’s easy to do so (and perfect for grabbing on the go or appeasing a group of hungry kids!). Simply use muffin tins to make mini meatloaves.

Follow the instructions as directed, but instead of putting the meatloaf in a regular baking dish, use a large cookie scoop to put the mixture in the cupcake tin. Then top with sauce and bake for 18-20 minutes.

Can You Make This Paleo Meatloaf Recipe Ahead?

Yes, you can make this paleo meatloaf recipe ahead. It’s super easy; you simply make the grain-free meatloaf as directed, then allow it to cool. Place the paleo Italian meatloaf in an airtight container and refrigerate. On average, this paleo meatloaf recipe will last 3-4 days in the fridge.

To reheat, warm the grain-free meatloaf up in a baking dish in the oven. For the best paleo meatloaf, cover it so it doesn’t dry out, and if it seems dried out, add a little bit more sauce. Bake at 250 degrees for 15-20 minutes. You don’t want to heat it too fast because it will become dry.

Can You Freeze Paleo Italian Meatloaf?

Yes, absolutely you can freeze paleo Italian meatloaf wrapped in plastic or foil. This will keep it protected from freezer burn. After it’s covered, place it in an airtight container or freezer safe zip lock bag.

Grain-free meatloaf is ideal for meal prepping because you can easily store it in individual sized servings. Then grab it and go!

To thaw this paleo meatloaf recipe, place it in the fridge the night before you want to serve it. Then place it in the microwave with a paper towel and heat it until it’s hot. You can also heat it up in the oven if you have a more significant portion, or by using a hot skillet.

What To Serve With Grain-Free Meatloaf

The best paleo meatloaf pairs perfectly with potatoes or vegetables. Try some of these simple paleo side dishes with it:

• Easy Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Brussels sprouts are always a good idea.
• Easy Crock Pot Slow Cooker Potatoes – These seriously go with almost anything and are so good!
• Baked Roasted Radishes – If you’re watching carbs, these are a great alternative to potatoes.

You can also try Mexican meatloaf for a different twist on paleo meatloaf.