Low-Carb Meatloaf with Pork Rinds Recipe

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Cook Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings.

• 1 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup crushed pork rinds
• cup grated Parmesan cheese
• cup tomato sauce
• cup chopped onion
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• teaspoon salt
• teaspoon ground black pepper
• teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed pork rinds, Parmesan cheese, tomato sauce, chopped onion, egg, parsley, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Press it down evenly to fill the pan.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the meat is browned and no longer pink in the center. To ensure the meatloaf is fully cooked, check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer it should read at least 160F (70C) when inserted into the center.

Recipe Tip

You can substitute half of the ground beef with ground pork for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 470
• Fat: 33g
• Carbs: 2g
• Protein: 45g

Nutrition Breakdown:

• Total Fat: 33g (42% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 12g (61% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 162mg (54% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 715mg (31% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 2g (1% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 0g (1% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 45g (89% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 3mg (4% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 93mg (7% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (13% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 316mg (7% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a beloved comfort food that has been a staple in American households for generations. Its origins can be traced back to the 5th century, where it was first mentioned in ancient Roman cuisine. Over time, variations of this dish appeared across Europe, notably in the form of meatloaf-like preparations in Germany, France, and England. By the 19th century, meatloaf had evolved in the United States as a frugal yet delicious dish, utilizing inexpensive ground meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.

In modern times, meatloaf recipes have adapted to cater to a variety of dietary needs, including low-carb and keto-friendly alternatives. The Low-Carb Meatloaf with Pork Rinds is a perfect example of this evolution, using pork rinds as a substitute for traditional breadcrumbs, making it suitable for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

Regional Variations

Across the United States, meatloaf recipes vary based on regional preferences and available ingredients. In the South, its common to find meatloaf recipes with a tangy tomato-based sauce or even BBQ sauce. In the Midwest, the meatloaf is often served with mashed potatoes, while in the Northeast, meatloaf might be accompanied by a rich gravy. The Low-Carb Meatloaf with Pork Rinds, however, reflects a growing trend in healthier, low-carb cooking, especially among those following the keto diet, which eliminates traditional fillers like breadcrumbs and focuses on high-protein, high-fat ingredients.

How It Differs from Traditional Meatloaf

The primary difference between traditional meatloaf and the Low-Carb Meatloaf with Pork Rinds lies in the ingredients used to bind the meat mixture. Traditional recipes often use breadcrumbs or oats to hold everything together. However, the Low-Carb Meatloaf uses crushed pork rinds, which are made from fried pork skin. This substitution reduces the carbohydrate content significantly, making it a perfect dish for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

Additionally, while many meatloaf recipes use sugar-laden ketchup or other sweet condiments, this recipe keeps things simple and low-carb by using tomato sauce and savory seasonings like garlic, onion, and parsley. The result is a savory, protein-packed meal without the excess carbs that come with traditional recipes.

Where Is It Usually Served?

Low-Carb Meatloaf with Pork Rinds is typically served in a casual family setting or as part of a low-carb or keto meal plan. This dish works wonderfully for dinner, paired with side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed cauliflower, or a fresh green salad. It is also ideal for meal prepping, as it can be cooked in advance and stored for several days, making it a convenient option for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle.

In terms of regional popularity, this type of meatloaf is especially favored in areas where low-carb and keto diets are common, such as health-conscious communities or regions with high numbers of people following specific dietary plans.

Interesting Facts About Pork Rinds

Pork rinds have been a part of culinary traditions in various cultures for centuries. In the U.S., they are often associated with Southern cooking, where they are deep-fried to make a crispy snack. Historically, pork rinds were a frugal food, made by using every part of the pig, including the skin, which would otherwise be discarded. They are now prized for their high protein content and are used in a variety of recipes beyond snacks, such as in the Low-Carb Meatloaf with Pork Rinds.

Fun fact: Pork rinds are also commonly used as a crunchy topping for dishes like salads or soups. They have gained popularity in recent years as a low-carb snack option, especially for people following keto or paleo diets. In fact, pork rinds contain zero carbohydrates, making them an excellent alternative to traditional carb-heavy breadcrumbs.

Conclusion

The Low-Carb Meatloaf with Pork Rinds offers a modern, low-carb twist on a classic dish, and it is an ideal meal for anyone looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake without sacrificing flavor. Whether youre following a ketogenic diet or just want to enjoy a healthier version of a comfort food classic, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. By using crushed pork rinds in place of breadcrumbs, this meatloaf maintains the savory, hearty texture of traditional meatloaf while keeping the carb count low.

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