The Best Paleo Meatloaf Recipes
I wasn’t a big fan of meatloaf until I came to the US – in fact, I don’t even recall having it before then. But, now I love how I can make this one dish for dinner and have leftovers for lunch the next day (2 meals for just mixing some ingredients together and sticking it into the oven? Yeah – why wouldn’t you love meatloaf??) And it’s so easy to make Paleo meatloaf as you’ll see from the 49 fantastic Paleo meatloaf recipes below!
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Where did Meatloaf originate from?
Wikipedia tells me that meatloaf is a traditionally German and Belgian dish and that the American version has its origins in scrapple. I often think the Germans don’t get enough praise for their cuisine, because it’s resulted in some pretty tasty (and very Paleo) foods, including wurst and sauerkraut! But I digress…back to Paleo meatloaf recipes!
How are Paleo Meatloaf Recipes different to Traditional Meatloaf Recipes?
As many of you know, traditionally, meatloaf is made with ground beef and vegetables, and it’s all held together by eggs and bread crumbs (sometimes larger chunks of bread). There’s also usually some type of tomato sauce (often BBQ sauce or ketchup) that’s added to the meatloaf for extra flavor. Obviously, the bread part is problematic for Paleo, so Paleo meatloaf recipes omit bread crumbs – sometimes Paleo bread crumbs or Paleo flours (like coconut flour) are used instead. The BBQ sauce or ketchup is another issue for Paleo since most store bought brands contain non-Paleo ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup! So, most Paleo meatloaf recipes will use homemade sauces (which I personally think taste way way way better!).
The Different Categories of Paleo Meatloaf Recipes in this List
I’ve divided this list into various categories to help you navigate the huge variety of Paleo meatloaf recipes out there! I’ve basically arranged them by type of meat used in the recipe – and there’s one that’s egg-free for those of you that are allergic to eggs.
QUICK TIPS!!
- Don’t forget that you can generally use whatever meat you have handy to make these Paleo meatloaf recipes.
- You can also change most recipes to make mini meatloaves instead of a large loaf.
- Plus these meatloaf mixtures can be used to make fantastic meatballs!
The Top 3 Paleo Meatloaf Recipes
I like to start my recipe roundups with my top 3 recipes. So, here they are:
1. Cavegirl Meatloaf
I’m a big fan of Paleo meatloaf recipes that use both beef and pork together, which this recipe does. But what makes this one really fantastic is the great spices in this recipe (yay for smoked paprika!). I also really love the simple sauce that goes with this recipe made with just tomato sauce and yellow mustard. And in case you’re wondering, there’s an egg and some almond flour holding the meatloaf together (instead of the traditional bread crumbs). Thanks to Michelle from Cave Girl Cuisine for the great photo too – doesn’t looking at the meatloaf just make you want to make this recipe right now??
2. Meatloaf Cupcakes with Sweet Potato Frosting
There’s no need to really describe this recipe because the title says it all. These Meatloaf Cupcakes are so cute and are perfect for kids! It’s another genius recipe from Jan. Note that this Paleo meatloaf recipe calls for Mrs. Dash steak seasoning, which contains mostly Paleo ingredients although it does also contain “natural grill flavor (from vegetable oil).”
3. The Domestic Man’s Meatloaf
This recipe reminds me of a traditional meatloaf recipe with ground beef as the meat. As Russ helpfully points out in his post, you most definitely don’t need bread crumbs to make meatloaf, and his meatloaf recipe uses mushrooms as the binder instead. What I love about this recipe is the “2 squirts” of Tabasco sauce Russ adds – I’m pretty sure that’ll liven this Paleo meatloaf recipe up!
My Paleo Meatloaf Recipe
I have to say that I really really love my own Paleo meatloaf recipe. I just can’t help it! It tastes remarkably like traditional meatloaf, and it’s really moist (because I made some quick Paleo bread crumbs to use in the recipe)! And for the sauce, I slathered it with my Paleo ketchup recipe, which takes just 10 minutes to make!
Top 11 Beef Paleo Meatloaf Recipes
1. Meatloaf in a Bell Pepper
Each mini meatloaf sits in a bell pepper and is topped with 2 half slices of bacon! It’s beautiful to look at and delicious to eat (this recipe is loaded with a ton, and I really mean a ton, of fantastic spices!). These are perfect for parties as well as regular dinners.
2.Western Meatloaf
Here’s a Paleo meatloaf recipe with a Western Burger feel – there’s homemade barbeque sauce and bacon, and the meatloaf is topped with crispy onion strings. Sounds yummy right?
3. Paleo, Gluten-Free Meatloaf
With just 7 ingredients, this classic meatloaf recipe rocks! Plus, I love the addition of a red apple to keep it moist and the coconut aminos to make it tasty.
4. Paleo Balsamic Vegetable Mini Meatloaf
These tasty mini meatloaves are perfect as a quick snack or for parties! There’s added crunch from all the vegetables this recipe calls for (carrots, celery, zucchini, celery, and red bell pepper), and the recipe includes helpful freezing and reheating instructions.
5. Mini Meatloaves with Mushroom Gravy
The meatloaf part of this recipe is pretty standard and very simple, but what makes this recipe stand out is the amazing mushroom gravy (made with portabella mushrooms and coconut milk).
6.Sweet and Sour Meatloaf
This is another great meatloaf recipe from Jan. She calls this one a Paleo Chinese-American Sweet and Sour Meatloaf. There’s coconut sugar (and tomato sauce) to provide the sweetness and apple cider vinegar (and mustard) to provide the sourness.
7. Italian Meatloaf
I love how Juli starts this post: “I absolutely 100% completely adore meatloaf. In any form.” And you can tell she means it as she has an absolute ton of meatloaf recipes on her blog! This is a great simple meatloaf recipe with lots of Italian herbs in both the meatloaf and tomato sauce. And it’s such a popular recipe that are variations on it – like at Paleo In Practice.
8. Bacon Chorizo Chipotle Smothered Meatloaf
This recipe is another testament to Juli’s genius! Beef, bacon, chorizo, and homemade chipotle mayo…WOW!!
9. Buffalo and Mushroom Loaf with Caramelized Onions
This Buffalo Meatloaf recipe is simple and straightforward. The ingredients list contains a few spices and a few common vegetables, but nothing hard to find. And of course, if you don’t want to use buffalo, you can always switch to beef instead. But if you do use buffalo meat, then (as the recipe states) don’t overcook the buffalo meat. Buffalo has less fat than beef so it’ll make the meatloaf dry if you overcook it. But the vegetables and the caramelized onions should help to keep this meatloaf flavorful and moist.
10. Hidden Vegetable Mini Meatloaf
As the name suggests, this Paleo meatloaf recipe is perfect for kids who don’t like their vegetables.
11. Fun Size Meatloaf
If you’re looking to make some mini meatloaves as snacks, then this is a great recipe for it (with sweet potatoes in the meat mixture).
PLUS!! An Egg-Free Beef Meatloaf Recipe
Egg-Free Paleo Meatloaf
Pretty much all Paleo meatloaf recipes include eggs as an ingredient. I know – it’s a pain if you’re allergic to eggs! That’s why I was really excited to see this great Paleo meatloaf recipe from Cassidy at Cassidy’s Craveable Creations san eggs!
Top 4 Pork Paleo Meatloaf Recipes
1. Slow Cooker Breakfast Meatloaf
Meatloaf for breakfast anyone? I know it’s an odd concept, but somehow it works! The slice of meatloaf looks just like a slice of toast (take a look at the photo above, which was provided by Rach from Meatified)!! And of course, I love this recipe because it’s made in a slow cooker.
2. Super Porktastic Bacon-Topped Spinach and Mushroom Meatloaf
This recipe from Michelle at Nom Nom Paleo is amazing! It’s got a ton of veggies and is topped with bacon. In fact, it’s hard not to love it. 
3. Meatloaf!
This is a super simple Paleo meatloaf recipe with just 7 ingredients. So, if you’re looking for something to make for dinner tonight with ground pork, then this is it! Liz from Paleo On A Budget has kindly provided the great photo above and below of her 2 recipes (a large meatloaf and mini meatloaves). Also, her book is available on Amazon here (I love the description: “Shrink your waistline without stretching your wallet!”). 
4. Mini Meatloaf
These pork mini meatloaves are just so cute (this is another great recipe from Liz at Paleo On A Budget). With just a few spices, vegetables, and a muffin tray, you could be making these for dinner tonight.
Top 5 Turkey Paleo Meatloaf Recipes
I had no idea that there were so many Paleo meatloaf recipes using ground turkey as the main meat! Here are the top 5 (and there’s a really innovative chicken recipe and a flavorful lamb one at the bottom too).
1. Southwest Turkey Meatloaf
A very simple Southwest turkey meatloaf recipe with some veggies and spice mixes (store bought ones). Egg and coconut flour act as the binder. The recipe also suggests that chicken can be used instead of turkey.
2. Turkey Meatloaf with Flax Meal and Walnuts
I’m not usually a huge fan of flaxmeal (and some question whether it should be considered Paleo), but I wanted to include this recipe because flaxmeal can be a great alterative binder (in fact, it can be used instead of eggs in some recipes).
3. Mama’s Meatloaf
This is a really easy Paleo meatloaf recipe, and Allison has helpfully provided step-by-step photos showing you every step of the recipe. You definitely can’t go wrong with this (and you can use ground beef instead of turkey).
4. Paleo Meatloaf Muffins
These meatloaf muffins remind me of the egg muffins I like to make for snacks. They’re easy, delicious, and a great way of hiding vegetables! There’s a whole 10oz of spinach in this recipe (for 12 muffins). So, if you have kids who dislike vegetables, then try feeding them these meatloaf muffins.
5. Bacon & Turkey Meatloaf
This is such a simple recipe with carrots, onions, and celery as the veggies. And Jenny’s suggestion of serving this with cauliflower mash and caramelized onion gravy sounds delicious!
Chicken Paleo Meatloaf Recipes
Tropical Chicken Meatloaf
This recipe is just so colorful and juicy! It’s got mangoes, bell peppers, coconut flakes, and jalapeños!
Lamb Paleo Meatloaf Recipes
Tandoori Lamb Meatloaf
Wow – this is definitely one of my favorite meatloaf recipes (even though I don’t like lamb!). There are some amazing spices in this recipe, ranging from cumin and turmeric powder to cinnamon and nutmeg! And to keep the meatloaf juicy, a simple “ketchup” is spread on top of the meatloaf.
Mixed Meat Paleo Meatloaf Recipes
There are a lot of Paleo meatloaf recipes that call for a mixture of different meats. I personally really like the beef and pork mixture (equal amounts of each), and that’s what I use in my Paleo meatloaf recipe.
1. Sundried Tomato Pesto Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Rounds
These amazing mini meatloaf rounds are wrapped with bacon and topped with sundried tomato pesto (recipe is included). So if you’re looking for a dish to impress your dinner guests with, this is it!
2.Mexican Meatloaf Cupcakes (beef and pork)
These cute Mexican meatloaf cupcakes are topped with guacamole and are simply perfect for parties. Spicy and tasty, these will surely leave your guests wanting for more.
3. Balsamic Spinach Meatloaf (beef, veal, and pork)
What do you do with too much spinach? Stick it into a meatloaf of course! This is a really simple recipe with a few spices, spinach, and Steve’s tomato balsamic sauce.
4. Paleo BBQ Meatloaf (beef and pork)
This has to be the simplest Paleo meatloaf recipe out there (there’s only 5 ingredients)
5. Paleo Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf (beef and pork)
This is a great combination of vegetables, beef, pork, and of course, bacon! You just can’t go wrong with bacon in meatloaves!
6. Farmers Market Meatloaf (bison and pork)
This is another simple Paleo meatloaf recipe. However, one ingredient in the recipe stands out – the pork rinds!
7. Meatloaf (bison or beef and beef liver)
As many of the above Paleo meatloaf recipes have suggested, meatloaf is a great place to hide vegetables. But it could also be a great place to hide organ meats like liver. So if you want to get more liver into your diet, try this meatloaf recipe.
8. Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with Reindeer and Red Currants
Meatloaf with a Scandinavian twist. Yes, you read the title of this recipe correctly – it does say reindeer! So, check out this recipe for a very non-traditional meatloaf.
9. Paleo Meatloaf (beef and pork)
This is a classic meatloaf recipe with lots of vegetables and a super thick slathering of sauce on top. In fact, the instructions direct you to “Frost the loaf with the sauce!”
10. Classic Meatloaf with Porcini Mushrooms (beef and pork)
The dried porcini mushrooms and dry white wine definitely make this Paleo meatloaf recipe special.
11. Ultimate Paleo Meatloaf (beef and pork)
This is a pretty classic beef and pork meatloaf recipe. The coconut milk and the jalapeños in the ingredients should help to keep this recipe moist and spicy!
12. French Pate Reincarnated as Modern Meatloaf (beef and chicken liver)
This is an innovative meatloaf recipe with ground beef, bacon, and chicken liver. I think Vivica’s description of her own recipe says it all: “If French Pate and American Meatloaf married and had a baby, this would be it!” Definitely another great organ meats recipe ?
13. Bacon Wrapped Mini Paleo Meatloaf (beef and pork)
These mini meatloaves wrapped with bacon slices would make great appetizers! They’re easy to eat and of course delicious!
14. Sweet Potato and Herb Meatloaf (beef and pork)
I love that this recipe adds shredded sweet potatoes to the meatloaf to give it a slightly sweet flavor. And I also love the idea of adding a layer of almond meal to the bottom of the meatloaf to prevent loss of moisture.
Which was your Favorite Paleo Meatloaf Recipe?
Please let me know in the comments below which one was your favorite!
Top Image: Copyright (c) Brent Hofacker from Fotolia. All other images provided courtesy of the bloggers.