BBQ Bacon Meatloaf | Paleo, Whole30, Keto


Recipe makeovers have become one of my new favorite things - because let's be real.  The picture is what's going to sell someone on making a recipe, or scrolling on by.

Photography has never been my strongest skill, but I never stop working towards improvement!

Lighting, angles, camera lenses, backgrounds, time of day, etc. - there's just so much that goes into it, and at the end of the day:  I want to cook!




But if a few prettier pictures are what's going to push you over the edge to *actually* making this killer meatloaf, then that's all I need to hear!

This recipe is SIMPLE, oh so simple.  But the flavors are big and the end result is something super comfort food style yet impressive for guests (or your spouse/kids/whoever you're feeding).  But did I mention simple?  It takes MINUTES to prep, an extra minute to slather with BBQ sauce (I use an easy homemade version but use whatever you like!) and tuck some bacon around it.



It all bakes in one dish, and I usually throw some carrots fries (or any veggie) in at the same time and work on some Garlic Ranch Mashed Potatoes on the stovetop while everything bakes.  It's an easy dinner that doesn't look or taste easy.  And the leftovers are the BEST.

I hope you love this simple comfort food dish - it's one of our favorites!  Dathan thanks me after every bite and always wants the leftovers for work the next day, so you can say it's a hit!







Makes 8 servings.
Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 10 oz uncooked, sliced bacon
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce*
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup chopped spinach (optional)
  • 1/3 cup almond flour
  • 1 tsp each:
    • garlic powder
    • onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp oregano (or your favorite dried herb blend)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Tools:

  • large mixing bowl
  • rimmed baking sheet
  • parchment paper

Directions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (foil works too) and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs then add the spinach, almond flour, and spices.  Use your fingers or a large fork to combine (don't overmix or it will get tough).  Transfer the mixture to the prepped baking dish, using your hands to form it into a "loaf" shape.
  3. Use a spoon, butter knife, or rubber spatula to spread the BBQ sauce over the top and down the sides of the meatloaf.  Then, cover the meatloaf with slices of bacon.  You can cut a couple of the slices in half lengthwise to make shorter pieces for the ends, or just tuck them under the loaf.  Gotta cover every square inch for maximum bacon flavor!
  4. Transfer to the oven and bake for 55 minutes, or until juices run clear and a meat thermometer inserted to the center reads 165ºF.
  5. Allow the meatloaf to "rest" for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.  I used the bacon strips as a guideline for slicing the meatloaf, and it made the perfect serving size.  Enjoy!

*Notes:
  • Coconut flour works in place of almond if you are nut-free, just reduce the amount to 1/4 cup.
  • You can make your own BBQ sauce, or find a jarred one that's low in refined sugar or Whole30 compliant depending on your needs.  Linking my recipe for Whole30 compliant BBQ sauce (you can omit the dates if keto/low carb and it tastes just as great!)


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