Name: Keto Meatloaf Brasciole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 lb ground pork; 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup almond flour or crushed pork rinds; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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If you’re a keto enthusiast or just someone craving a hearty, flavorful dinner that feels like a hug from the inside, let me introduce you to Keto Meatloaf Brasciole. Imagine all the love of a traditional Italian brasciole—thin beef rolled around a savory filling—but reimagined as a low-carb meatloaf. It’s like a comfort food upgrade, with all the Italian charm and zero guilt. Whether you’re meal-prepping, impressing your family, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is about to become your new favorite.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this cheesy, meaty goodness.

What Is Brasciole? And Why Meatloaf?

Brasciole (or braciola, depending on which nonna you ask) is a classic Italian dish made by stuffing thin slices of beef with a flavorful filling—think breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs—rolling them up, and slow-cooking them in a rich tomato sauce.

But here’s the thing: breadcrumbs don’t exactly scream keto. That’s where the meatloaf twist comes in. Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, we’re using low-carb substitutes, and instead of rolling individual pieces, we’re turning this beauty into a shareable loaf that’s way easier to prepare. It’s a win-win: all the flavor, none of the carbs, and minimal hassle.

The Secret to the Best Keto Meatloaf Brasciole

Here’s the kicker: traditional meatloaf can be dense and dry. Not this one. By combining ground meats, a creamy cheese filling, and just the right amount of keto-friendly binders, you’re left with a meatloaf that’s tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The trick is balance—don’t skimp on the fats (hello, mozzarella and parmesan), and don’t overmix the meat, or you’ll end up with something closer to a brick than a loaf.

Ingredients for Keto Meatloaf Brasciole

This recipe is all about bold, Italian-inspired flavors, so the ingredient list is a mix of pantry staples and a few fresh items. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Meatloaf Base:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 is ideal for a juicy loaf)
1 pound ground pork (for extra flavor)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup almond flour (or crushed pork rinds for zero carbs)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Filling:

1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce (look for one with no added sugar—Rao’s is a great option)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh basil leaves
More grated Parmesan
A drizzle of olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan or baking dish. If you’re using a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper to catch any drips.

Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, eggs, almond flour, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands (yes, it’s messy, but worth it) to gently mix everything until just combined. Overmixing will make the meatloaf tough, so keep it light and airy.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, and salt until smooth. This creamy filling is the heart of your brasciole-inspired meatloaf, so don’t skimp on the cheese!

Step 4: Assemble the Meatloaf

Lay a large sheet of parchment paper on your countertop and flatten the meat mixture into a rectangle, about 1/2-inch thick. Spread the cheese filling evenly over the meat, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

Now, here’s where it gets fun: starting from one of the short ends, roll the meat up like a jelly roll, using the parchment paper to guide you. Once rolled, pinch the seams closed and carefully transfer the loaf to your prepared pan, seam-side down.

Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf

Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.

Step 6: Add the Sauce

After 40 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and pour the marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil for extra richness. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 7: Rest and Slice

Let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial—it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your meatloaf moist and tender.

Tips for Perfect Keto Meatloaf Brasciole

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and garlic make a big difference in flavor. Don’t settle for dried here!
Check Your Marinara Sauce: Not all store-bought sauces are keto-friendly. Look for one with no added sugar or make your own at home.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Seriously, don’t. Cutting into the meatloaf too soon is like cutting into a cake right out of the oven—it’s just not ready.
Customize the Filling: Want to kick things up a notch? Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or even crumbled cooked bacon to the filling.

Serving Suggestions

Keto Meatloaf Brasciole is a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are a few keto-friendly sides that pair beautifully:

Garlic Cauliflower Mash: Creamy, buttery, and the perfect vehicle for extra marinara sauce.
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Tossed in olive oil and Parmesan, these noodles make a light, low-carb pasta alternative.
Italian Chopped Salad: Crisp romaine, olives, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette keep things fresh and balanced.

Storage and Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you. This meatloaf reheats like a dream and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Fridge: Store slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or zap in the microwave for a quick fix.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Low-Carb: At only a few net carbs per serving, it’s perfect for keto dieters.
High-Flavor: Packed with Italian spices, gooey cheese, and rich marinara, this dish doesn’t skimp on taste.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Make it ahead and enjoy all week long.
Family Approved: Even the carb-lovers in your house will be asking for seconds.

Conclusion

Keto Meatloaf Brasciole is more than just dinner—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel accomplished, whether you’re feeding a table full of hungry friends or treating yourself to a solo feast. And while it might look impressive (and taste even better), it’s surprisingly easy to whip up.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, crank up some Italian tunes, and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you. And hey, don’t forget to snap a picture for Pinterest—it’s practically art.