Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight lifesaver – this carnivore meatloaf recipe! I stumbled upon it during my first attempt at a strict meat-only diet, and wow, did it deliver. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps – just pure, meaty goodness that satisfies like nothing else. The first time I pulled this golden-brown loaf from the oven, the rich aroma had my whole family hovering in the kitchen before I could even grab the meat thermometer.
What makes this carnivore meatloaf special? It’s shockingly simple (just 5 ingredients!) yet packed with flavor from the perfect blend of seasonings. I’ve made it dozens of times now – for quick dinners, meal prep, even special occasions when I want to impress my keto friends. The crust gets beautifully caramelized while the inside stays juicy and tender. Trust me, this isn’t your grandma’s meatloaf (though she’d probably love it too)!
Why You’ll Love This Carnivore Meatloaf Recipe
This isn’t just another meatloaf – it’s your new go-to for so many reasons:
- Crazy simple – Just mix, shape, and bake (no breadcrumbs, no fuss!)
- Protein powerhouse – Packed with 26g protein per serving to keep you full for hours
- Keto dream – With less than 1g carbs, it fits perfectly in low-carb diets
- Pantry-friendly – Uses basic seasonings you probably already have
I love how the rich beef flavor really shines through without any distractions. It’s meat in its purest, most delicious form!

Ingredients for Carnivore Meatloaf
Here’s the beautiful simplicity of this recipe – just five powerhouse ingredients that create magic together:
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 ratio) – Don’t skimp on fat! That 20% fat keeps it juicy
- 1 large egg – Our binder (farm-fresh if you can get it!)
- 1 tsp salt – I use pink Himalayan for extra minerals
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – Freshly cracked makes all the difference
- 1/2 tsp each garlic & onion powder – Trust me, this combo brings the flavor
That’s it! No fillers, no substitutes – just pure carnivore goodness. I’ve tried swapping ingredients before (bad idea) and learned the hard way that simplicity wins here.
How to Make Carnivore Meatloaf
Ready to make the easiest, most satisfying meatloaf of your life? Here’s how I do it – with all the little tricks I’ve picked up after making this dozens of times:
Mixing the Ingredients
First, grab a big bowl and get your hands dirty! I dump everything in together – beef, egg, all the seasonings. Then comes the fun part: squish it between your fingers just enough to combine. Stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of egg anymore – overmixing makes tough meatloaf!
Shaping and Baking
Now, shape that beautiful meat into a loaf right in your baking dish. I use a standard loaf pan, but any oven-safe dish works. Pro tip: leave some space around the edges because guess what? That glorious beef fat will render out and create the most amazing crispy bits!
Checking Doneness
Here’s where many go wrong – don’t eyeball it! Stick a meat thermometer dead center; it should hit 160°F. Anything less risks foodborne illness. When it’s done, let it rest 5 minutes (hardest part!) so the juices redistribute. Then slice into that meaty perfection!
Tips for the Best Carnivore Meatloaf
After making this recipe more times than I can count, here are my can’t-miss tips for carnivore meatloaf perfection:
- Fat is your friend – Stick with 80/20 ground beef (no lean stuff!) That 20% fat keeps every bite juicy and flavorful
- Let it rest – Resist cutting right away! Those 5 minutes post-oven make all the difference in texture
- Go big or go home – Double the batch because leftovers make killer quick meals (and it freezes beautifully!)
One bonus tip? Use your hands to mix – you’ll feel exactly when everything’s perfectly combined without overworking the meat!
Serving Suggestions for Carnivore Meatloaf
Let’s keep this pure and simple – the way carnivore eating should be! My favorite way to serve this meatloaf is sliced thick with a side of buttery roasted Brussels sprouts (they get all crispy in the rendered beef fat – yum!). If I’m feeling extra carnivore, I’ll just pair it with a steaming mug of rich bone broth for dunking. Sometimes, when I really want to go all out, I’ll fry up some bacon to crumble on top. Now that’s living the meaty dream!
Storing and Reheating Carnivore Meatloaf
Here’s the beautiful thing about this meatloaf – it tastes even better the next day! I always make extra because leftovers store like a dream. In the fridge, it keeps fresh for 3 days wrapped tight in foil. For longer storage, freeze slices individually – they’ll stay perfect for a month.
When reheating, skip the microwave (it dries it out). Instead, pop slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Pro tip: place them on a rack over a baking sheet so they heat evenly and stay crispy. Sometimes I’ll even crisp them up in a skillet with a pat of butter – absolute heaven!
Carnivore Meatloaf Recipe FAQ
I get asked these questions all the time, so let me save you some trial and error:
Can I use ground turkey instead? Nope – not if you’re doing strict carnivore! Turkey is poultry, and this recipe celebrates beef’s rich flavor. Plus, turkey’s lower fat content would make a dry loaf. Stick with beef for that perfect juicy texture.
What if I can’t have eggs? Sorry friend, there’s no good substitute here. The egg binds everything together – without it, you’ll end up with crumbly meat piles (ask me how I know!).
What’s the best fat ratio? Hands down, 80/20 ground beef. That 20% fat keeps every bite moist and flavorful. I’ve tried leaner blends, and they just can’t compete. Trust me – embrace the fat!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick heads up – these numbers are estimates based on my exact ingredients. Your carnivore meatloaf will give you about 320 calories per generous slice, with 26g protein to keep you fueled and 24g fat for that satisfying richness. The best part? Less than 1g carbs – pure meaty perfection! Remember, exact numbers can vary slightly depending on your beef’s fat content, but this gives you a great ballpark for your macros.
Alright, meat lovers – it’s your turn now! I want to see your carnivore meatloaf masterpieces. Whip up this recipe (it’s seriously so easy), then come back and tell me how it turned out. Did you add your own twist? Did your family go crazy for it? Snap a pic of that golden-brown beauty and tag me – I live for seeing your kitchen wins! Trust me, once you try this simple, protein-packed loaf, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it. Now get cooking and let’s celebrate some meaty goodness together!
Print
Juicy 5-Ingredient Carnivore Meatloaf Recipe for Ultimate Flavor
A simple and flavorful carnivore meatloaf made with just meat and seasonings. Perfect for a high-protein meal.
- Total Time: 60 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Shape into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use high-fat ground beef for best texture.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 125mg