Sweet Maple Meatloaf
(nightshade free)
Prep Time: 15 min. Cook Time: 35-40 min.
Rest Time: 5-10 min.
Total Time: 55-60 min.
Makes: 4-6 pieces
Macronutrients: 62g protein · 14g carb · 32g fat*
*(based on 1 piece, total 5 pieces)
For a visual, see my instagram video here!
About the Dish:
Meatloaf is such a traditional American dish. You can find versions of meat loaves dating back to Roman times, but the first American meatloaf dates to the late 1800’s after the invention of the meat grinder!
Traditional meatloaf recipes contain gluten filled breadcrumbs, tomato pastes, BBQ sauces, and other not so gut friendly fillers.
I really like meatloaf and I wanted to come up with a tasty animal-based friendly version that is easier on you digestion, and I actually prefer the sweet flavors of this one compared to the traditional acidic tomato versions!
About Coconut Aminos:
Coconut aminos are a dark brown, sweet sauce that is made from fermenting coconut palm sap with sea salt. Many people use coconut aminos to replace soy based sauces, as it has a similar taste but is free from soy and gluten.
A big benefit regarding coconut aminos is that the product is fermented. This could aid in a healthier gut biome, preventing common intestinal bacterial infections.
I am not going to pretend to be an expert regarding coconut aminos or act like they are AMAZING for you because let’s face it, every sauce is a processed product. However, I do believe that soy can be bad for you and I choose to not have any in my diet (except for my occasional sushi treat). Soy contains high levels of GMO and it has estrogen-like effects that can cause breast cancer risk, decrease testosterone, and effect digestion, sexual maturation, and thyroid health.
These are some brands with simple ingredients that I like using… especially the mix of apple cider vinegar (which I am a huge fan of) and the sweetness of the coconut aminos go so well together.
Epic pork rinds
I love this company and what they stand for.
They actually invented EPIC products after being vegetarians and following the long believed “low fat, high carb diet”. When this way of eating made them ill and undernourished, they created grass-fed animal products with no unnecessary ingredients!
Their products are 100% grade fed and they strive to convert ranchers to pasture-raised farming. They overall try to improve animal welfare and promote building better farming ecosystems.
The only ingredients are pork skin and salt!
They also come in many other flavors such as salt & pepper, BBQ, Chili Lime, and salt & vinegar.
For this recipe and most always I use the traditional pink Himalayan sea salt.
Follow any of the links to view a list of all of the foods or kitchen items that I recommend. It will provide an Amazon link to purchase if you wish.
As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Equipment:
Ingredients:
Loaf:
2lb ground beef
4 eggs
1 bag (2.5oz) EPIC pork rinds- blended
2 tsp. Salt
2 Tbsp. dehydrated onions (or 1 small fresh) (optional)
Sauce:
1/4 cup coconut aminos
1/4 cup maple syrup
Steps:
Pre-heat oven to 375°F
In a blender or food processor, blend 1 bag of Epic Pork Rinds on high for 1 minute until very fine.
In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mix ground beef, eggs, blended pork rinds, salt, and onions.
Place meat mixture into 9x9 glass pan and spread evenly.
Place your meatloaf in the pre-heated oven for 20 minutes and start to prepare your sauce.
Prepare your sauce by mixing the coconut aminos and maple syrup together in a small bowl.
When the meatloaf has cooked for 20 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and pour the sauce evenly over the top of the entire meatloaf.
Place back in the oven until the meatloaf has an internal temp of 160-165°F (usually 15-20 more minutes).
Remove from oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
For a visual, see my instagram video here!
Changes/Substitutions:
Check out my sweet balsamic meatloaf if you would like a different flavor profile! I use honey instead of maple syrup and balsamic vinegar instead of coconut aminos.
I personally avoided nightshades because I have acid reflux. However, I used to add Primal Kitchen BBQ sauce to this recipe (6 Tbsp. BBQ, 1/4 cup coconut aminos, and 1/4 cup maple syrup). It is VERY good, but not something I indulge in very often because this BBQ sauce contains tomato paste and other irritating spices.
You could omit the onions for the same reason, it is not recommended on animal-based and it can be gut irritating/ bad for acid reflux. I do fine with onions, especially dehydrated because they do not contain the oils that irritate my acid reflux.
Do you prefer a PLAIN carnivore meatloaf (just meat, eggs, and salt)? See my carnivore meatloaf recipe that I meal prep every week!
Sadie creates naturally sweetened and savory dishes with an animal-based way of eating in mind.
Meal prep is her specialty.
She likes to make traditional recipes that are inclusive to everyones palate and lifestyle, while showcasing natural alternatives.
Learn more in “About me”
Please checkout my instagram account for videos of me making these recipes!
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