Meatloaf without breadcrumbs is gluten-free. Ground beef is paired with chopped carrots, celery, parmesan cheese and an easy tomato sauce topping. This recipe is healthier than traditional meatloaf – its keto-friendly, paleo, and diabetic friendly.
Ready for a delicious gluten-free meatloaf recipe!? Its actually quite easy to make gluten-free meatloaf from scratch. The process is the same as you would a traditional meatloaf – but without the breadcrumbs.
This meatloaf is denser and a bit more crumbly than what you might be used to. But its healthier and delicious! Theres no ketchup – instead the sauce is made with a mixture of tomato paste and coconut aminos (you could also use soy sauce).
These kinds of small tweaks to ingredients can make a big difference to your overall health! The result is an easy, delicious meal youll feel good eating and sharing with your family.
As a busy home cook I’m always looking for ways to simplify dinner while still delivering delicious flavors. One of my family’s favorite comfort foods is classic meatloaf but traditional recipes call for breadcrumbs as a binder. When you’re avoiding carbs or gluten, or just want a simpler recipe, meatloaf without breadcrumbs is a great option. I’ve discovered some easy tricks and ingredient swaps so you can make irresistibly moist meatloaf minus the breadcrumbs.
Why Make Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs?
There are a few good reasons to skip the breadcrumbs when preparing meatloaf
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It allows the natural beefy flavor to shine through more since breadcrumbs can dilute the meat taste.
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The texture is richer and more tender without having breadcrumbs act as filler.
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It’s lower carb and works well for low-carb, keto, paleo and gluten-free diets.
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You skip an extra trip to the store if you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand.
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You control exactly what goes into your meatloaf without pre-made breadcrumb fillers.
Secrets to Keeping Meatloaf Moist Without Breadcrumbs
Making moist, flavorful meatloaf without using breadcrumbs is easier than you think. Here are my top tips:
Bind with Eggs
Eggs act as a natural binder and add moisture. I recommend 1-2 eggs per pound of ground beef.
Add Dairy
A small amount of milk, cream, yogurt or sour cream included in the meat mixture keeps the meatloaf deliciously moist. Go for 2-4 tablespoons per pound of meat.
Sauté Aromatics
Cook diced onions, garlic, mushrooms or other veggies first to enhance flavor. As they release moisture while cooking, they’ll help keep the meatloaf juicy.
Mix in Finely Shredded Cheese
Cheeses like cheddar, parmesan or Monterey jack blend into the meat to add delicious flavor. The cheese melts during cooking to keep the meatloaf extra moist and tender.
Coat with Sauce
Spreading ketchup, barbecue sauce or gravy over the meatloaf gives it a boost of flavor and moisture. As it cooks, the sauce seeps into the meat.
Bake Low and Slow
Cooking at a moderate temp like 325-350°F rather than high heat prevents the exterior from overcooking before the inside cooks through. Slow baking equals better moisture retention.
Let It Rest
After baking, always allow the meatloaf to rest at least 5 minutes before slicing. This lets juices redistribute back into the meatloaf for maximum juiciness.
5 Simple Meatloaf Recipes Without Breadcrumbs
Armed with those tips, you can easily adapt any meatloaf recipe. But to get you started, here are a few of my favorite easy meatloaf recipes that skip the breadcrumbs:
1. Cheesy Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (for topping)
2. Italian Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (for topping)
3. Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 3 slices chopped bacon
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (for topping)
4. Tex-Mex Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
5. Mushroom Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup finely diced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
Cooking Tips for Keeping Meatloaf Moist
Beyond ingredient selection, proper cooking technique is key for moist meatloaf without breadcrumbs. Follow these tips:
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Place meatloaf on a rimmed baking sheet to catch drippings as it cooks. Baste with the pan juices.
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Cook at a moderate 325-350°F oven temp rather than higher heat to prevent drying out.
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Brush generously with sauce near the end of cooking time to keep the exterior moist.
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For best texture, bake until just cooked through without overbaking. Check temperature to avoid overcooking.
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Tent foil over the meatloaf but leave sides open so moisture can escape.
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Let meatloaf rest at least 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to absorb back into the meat.
Ready to Make Delicious Meatloaf Minus the Breadcrumbs?
With a combination of binding ingredients, flavor boosters and the right cooking techniques, you can make incredibly moist, delicious meatloaf without missing the breadcrumbs at all. Plus you’ll enjoy all the natural flavors of the beef and mix-ins coming through. Skip the fillers and enjoy next level homemade meatloaf on your table soon!
Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs Ingredients
Heres what youll need to make the meatloaf:
- Extra Lean Ground Beef – I highly recommend using extra lean ground beef. You’ll get less grease which will make this meatloaf healthier. You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken for this recipe.
- Vegetables – This recipe uses chopped carrots and celery
- Coconut Aminos – This sauce is gluten-free and soy-free. Its used to season both the meatloaf and the sauce. A substitution can be made by using soy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated parmesan cheese is used.
- Egg – One egg is used to help hold the meatloaf together.
- Spices – To flavor the meatloaf youll need onion powder, garlic powder, and ground pepper.
- Meatloaf Sauce – The sauce is poured on top after the meatloaf is cooked. Its made with tomato paste and coconut aminos (or soy sauce). You can optionally add maple syrup or honey to sweeten it a bit.
Keto Meatloaf Tips and Tricks
- Use Extra Lean Ground Beef – Leaner ground beef will contain less fat and produce less grease while cooking.
- Spray The Loaf Pan – Before packing the raw meatloaf into the loaf pan, spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray. I like to use avocado oil spray. This will make it easy for the meatloaf to slip out.
- Large Wooden Spatula – To transfer the cooked meatloaf onto a serving dish, scoop a large wooden spatula underneath the entire loaf. This will hold it sturdy and prevent breaking as you transfer.
No. These vegetables are chopped small in the food processor and then added raw to the meatloaf. They do not need to be cooked beforehand.
As you cook the meatloaf you will get grease and fat that drains out. For the healthiest version of meatloaf, you can transfer the meatloaf to a serving dish and discard the excess grease. You can also scrape it out of the baking sheet with a spatula.
Traditionally, many recipes use breadcrumbs soaked in milk. These are added to the meat which helps to keep it from feeling dry and crumbly. But for many of us who have food allergies, this isnt an option. Personally, Im ok with my meatloaf being more crumbly.
For Keto recipes, you can use arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, and eggs to help hold the meatloaf together. This recipe keeps things simple and just uses eggs, parmesan cheese and minced vegetables.
Meatloaf without bread crumbs (low carb)
FAQ
What is the secret to moist meatloaf?
- Soak the breadcrumbs in milk to lock in moisture. The crumbs can hold a lot of moisture that meat simply can’t.
- Cook to 160oF.
- And on that note, resting the meatloaf is also very important to let the juices reabsorb into the meat to make sure the meatloaf stays moist.
What can you use instead of breadcrumbs in meatloaf?
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Function:Breadcrumbs primarily act as a binder in meatloaf, so the substitute needs to absorb moisture and hold the meat mixture together.
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Flavor variations:Depending on the cracker or nut you choose, you can add a subtle flavor variation to your meatloaf.
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Texture considerations:Some options like crushed pretzels might add a slightly different texture to your meatloaf compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
What happens if you don’t put breadcrumbs in meatloaf?
- Binding agent: Breadcrumbs absorb liquid from the meat, preventing it from becoming too watery and helping the meatloaf maintain its structure.
- Moisture retention: By soaking up excess juices, breadcrumbs contribute to a moist and tender meatloaf.
- Texture enhancement: Breadcrumbs add a slightly crumbly texture to the meatloaf.
How do you bind without breadcrumbs?
Cooked rice is a great substitute for breadcrumbs when you need a binder, like in black bean burgers, meatballs, or meatloaf.Oct 21, 2021
What is easy classic meatloaf without breadcrumbs?
Easy classic meatloaf without breadcrumbs is a low-carb recipe that everyone will love. The dinner is a moist meatloaf that is a comforting meal for the entire family. We eat a lot of meatloaf around here, and we like to try new ways to make it so it has a bit of a different flavor. This is a new recipe for us and we all really enjoyed it.
Can you eat meatloaf without breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you don’t have to make an extra trip to the store. Here are some of the ingredients that help keep meatloaf moist and delicious without using breadcrumbs: Eggs: Eggs act as a binder to hold the meatloaf together. Use 1-2 eggs per 1 lb of meat. Milk or cream: The milk or cream keeps the meatloaf base moist.
How do you keep meatloaf moist without breadcrumbs?
Here are some of the ingredients that help keep meatloaf moist and delicious without using breadcrumbs: Eggs: Eggs act as a binder to hold the meatloaf together. Use 1-2 eggs per 1 lb of meat. Milk or cream: The milk or cream keeps the meatloaf base moist. Use 2-4 tablespoons per lb of meat.
Does meatloaf need a loaf pan?
Unlike your classic meatloaf recipe, this version is made without breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, or brown sugar and instead uses parmesan cheese and BBQ sauce for a juicy and flavourful meatloaf with minimal ingredients and prep time. Plus, this one pound meatloaf recipe doesn’t require a loaf pan.
Are breadcrumbs good for meatloaf?
Traditionally, breadcrumbs are used as a binding agent in the recipe, helping to give the meatloaf its signature texture and shape. However, there are many instances where people seek an alternative to breadcrumbs, such as dietary restrictions or personal preference.
How do you cook ground beef meatloaf without breadcrumbs?
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and cooking spray. Add beef mixture to pan. Place meatloaf in preheated oven. Cook for one hour. Remove from oven and allow to rest for five minutes. Slice to serve. Classic ground beef meatloaf without breadcrumbs.