Keto BBQ Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published January 17, 2020 • Updated February 1, 2026

Reader Rating
4.9 Stars (26 Reviews)

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

An easy keto meatloaf recipe your whole family will love! This meatloaf combines the kid favorite flavors of BBQ sauce and cheeseburger to create a cheesy, smoky meatloaf.

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Keto BBQ Cheeseburger Meatloaf

4.9 (26) Prep 10m Cook 50m Total 60m 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1/4 cup keto approved BBQ sauce
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups ground pork rinds
  • 2 cups Colby jack Cheese
  • 1/2 cup nut milk or heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Step by Step Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1
Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

350 degree oven
2
Saute onions and garlic

In a skillet, saute onion and garlic over medium-high in avocado oil until softened. Set aside to cool.

soften onions and garlic in a skillet
3
Add ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients, including the onion and garlic mixture.

meatloaf ingredients in a large metal bowl
4
Mix the meatloaf

Mix together until fully combined using clean hands or a spoon.

mixing meatloaf with hands
5
Bake

Press into a lightly greased loaf pan or mold into a meatloaf shape on a foil lined baking tray. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Remove from oven and let cool before serving. Brush with additional BBQ sauce and top with more cheese if desired. To cook from frozen, bake at 350 degrees for 90 to 120 minutes.

raw meatloaf in a pan
Nutrition Per Serving
675 Calories
52.3g Fat
49.2g Protein
3.5g Net Carbs
4g Total Carbs
6 Servings
Nutrition disclaimer

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

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Low Carb BBQ Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

sliced keto meatloaf on a plate for dinner Most kids don’t care for meatloaf; however, my kids love this BBQ Cheeseburger Meatloaf. I think because it combines two of their favorites, BBQ sauce and cheeseburgers. This is an easy low carb dinner recipe that I can make up for them and know they will finish their whole plates. They love the sweet, tangy BBQ sauce flavor coated over the gooey, cheesy meatloaf. This is a guaranteed family pleaser and it’s very easy to prepare. I list some meal prep ideas down below to make weeknight dinner even easier.

Homemade BBQ Sauce

homemade keto bbq sauce in a small bowl I prefer to make my own keto BBQ sauce. It is less expensive and I know all the ingredients are whole ingredients and low carb approved. Plus it takes less than 5 minutes to make. It’s something you can easily make up right before you make the meatloaf. If you don’t want to make your own, there are a couple of store-bought low carb BBQ sauces available. The two brands of BBQ sauce that I recommend are by Lillie’s Q and Primal Kitchen’s.

Keto Breadcrumbs

bowl of meatloaf with keto breadcrumbs Traditionally, meatloaf is made with bread crumbs which provide moisture and help to lighten the texture of the meatloaf. Along with eggs, they also serve to help bind the meatloaf together. Since I’m not using bread crumbs in this recipe, I provide moisture by adding sautéed onion and garlic. Ground pork rinds are added in place of the bread crumbs to provide texture and help bind the meatloaf together. bag of pork panko Ground pork rinds can be made by grinding up pork rinds in a food processor or you can buy them online already ground. The brand I prefer is Pork Panko by Bacon’s Heir.

Meatloaf Pans

perforated meatloaf pan Making meatloaf can be as simple as molding it into a log shape on a foil lined baking tray. I like to use meatloaf pans to make this dish. Meatloaf pans contain perforations to help catch the excess fluid and grease that drips so you aren’t left with a soggy meatloaf.

Meal Prep Tips

Making this meatloaf is even easier than you think. You can prep your sautéed onion and garlic the night before or on your meal prep day. The morning you want to have the cheeseburger meatloaf, combine all the ingredients and mold or place in a loaf pan. Wrap with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This meatloaf is freezer friendly. Prepare your meatloaf ahead of time on your meal prep day. Freeze unbaked in a loaf pan. Thaw meatloaf in the refrigerator the morning of or to heat meatloaf from frozen, bake at 350 degrees for 90-120 minutes.
Keto BBQ Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly, so consider adjusting the seasonings to your taste.

What can I use as a substitute for pork rinds?

If you're looking for a pork rind substitute, try using crushed almonds or sunflower seeds. They will change the flavor a bit, but they'll still help bind the meatloaf.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn!

Is this meatloaf suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this BBQ cheeseburger meatloaf is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, slice it, and store individual portions in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! To make it dairy-free, simply use a dairy-free cheese alternative and substitute the nut milk for a non-dairy milk of your choice. Just ensure that the BBQ sauce you choose is also dairy-free.

About the Author
Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis, she has over 14 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism.

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4.9 Stars (26 Reviews)
  1. S
    Sophia M Mar 21, 2025

    I used heavy cream instead of nut milk and it turned out moist and flavorful. The BBQ and cheese combo makes it a winner.

  2. D
    Derek P. Mar 7, 2025

    I used chipotle BBQ sauce and it added a nice smoky kick. The texture turned out better than I expected for a low carb meatloaf. Will make again.

  3. C
    Crystal Jan 20, 2024

    Can you do this as sheet pan?

    1. Annie Lampella
      Annie Jan 22, 2024

      Yes, just follow the temperature and baking time in this recipe: https://www.ketofocus.com/recipes/keto-sheet-pan-meatloaf/

  4. S
    Suzanne Mar 30, 2023

    So full of flavor! I used pork, beef, and veal because it's what I had on hand. I didn't use fresh onions as they make me spike so I used dried onions instead (1 tablespoon). Other than that, I followed the directions. I served it with a side salad and stayed on plan. We will make this again and soon!

  5. M
    Marieke Nov 10, 2022

    It is so good! so yammy.
    I also made your recepy BBQ sause.

  6. N
    Natasha Sep 2, 2022

    This is my ride or die meatloaf recipe it’s soooo good and the whole family loves it. The bbq and cheese give it such a great flavor. Definitely the best one I have tried. I do prefer to do the log method than in a meatloaf pan cuz it makes it less soggy. I usually make it with the pork rinds but I’ll try the almond flower per the other comments just to see. I think coconut flour may be good idea since it does absorb liquid similar to bread crumbs

  7. C
    Celtic Flame Aug 31, 2022

    Made this dish tonight, we don't have the Colby jacks cheese here in Ireland so I just used cheddar. Absolutely delicious!

  8. D
    Dana R Feb 28, 2022

    Delicious and fairly easy keto recipe but it took quite a bit longer to cook than the 45-60 minutes. Plan on closer to an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half to be fully done. Still, worth the wait.

  9. L
    Leslie Nov 10, 2021

    This was sneaky good! I don’t eat pork so I substituted 1/2 cup of almond flour for the pork pinko and the meatloaf was super moist and flavorful. I didn’t have Colby jack so I used a shredded Mexican blend I had bought on a whim at Trader Joe’s. I can’t wait to have the leftovers after the flavors have had a chance to meld in the fridge!

    Every one of your recipes has been unbelievably delicious, easy to make and has very well balanced flavors and seasoning. For anyone who’s getting bored on keto, your recipes are the solution!

    1. J
      Julie JOY! Jan 2, 2022

      I had just left a question on the YouTube recipe asking about substitutions for pork rinds. I will definitely try this!

    2. A
      Ahlam Soliman Oct 9, 2022

      Thanks for your comment! Because I was wondering what the alternative for pork rinds is. I do not eat pork either

    3. J
      Judy Feb 27, 2025

      Thanks I was just going to ask what a sub could be for the pork rinds as I don't eat pork either. Your tip was just what I needed!

  10. R
    Robin Oct 17, 2021

    Delicious!

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