Beef, Dinner, Food, Recipes, Vegetables

Meatloaf and Baked Brussels Sprouts

This meal was a HUGE hit with my family!!

meatloaf

Meatloaf

1 diced red onion

2 lbs of grass fed ground beef

1 cup almond meal

2 eggs

1 can tomato paste

1 tbsp crushed garlic

1/2 tbsp sea salt

2 tbsp dried basil

1 tsp marjoram

cracked black pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients by hand in a large mixing bowl. Place meat mixture into a large glass baking pan and form into a loaf.  Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until meat is no longer pink in the middle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baked Brussels Sprouts

1 lb Brussels Sprouts

6 cooked and diced bacon strips

1 tbsp dried dill weed

olive oil to taste

black pepper to taste

Steam Brussels sprouts for 4 minutes and quarter.  Mix with all other ingredients, spread evenly in a glass baking dish and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.  Stir once half way through cooking time.

Sarah Fragoso

Sarah Fragoso is an international best selling author of 6 books, co-owner of the Chico, CA based gym JS Strength and Conditioning, and founder of the Everyday Paleo franchise. Sarah is the co-host of the popular Sarah and Dr. Brooke Show podcast and she also conducts workshops and retreats on the subjects of nutrition, lifestyle and fitness.

Her message is from the heart and she carries a genuine desire to help other families looking for guidance. These attributes have contributed to her successes and provide the drive to keep the discoveries coming.

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97 Comments

  1. I am so glad I found your site. It is so helpful as far as creativity goes. Thanks a million

  2. Nicole says:

    Just a few days ago I subscribed to Robb Wolf’s podcast. I have been listening to them every chance I get to catch up! In the first episode he mentioned you and your blog you started. I have been struggling with the paleo diet for the last few months due to lack of creativity. I also am interested in beginning CrossFit as well. Your page has really helped inspire me to see Paleo from a different angle and start the journey in CrossFit. For the past few hours I have been browsing your page and your meals look AWESOME! You have now become a part of my daily website check. Keep up the great work!

  3. Kristin S. says:

    Love it! I cant wait to make this for my family! Thank you for your posts, please please please keep writing! As a wife of a deployed Marine and a mother of 2 boys I was stuck in a rut of eating what was easiest…fast food…Now that I have found you, I have NO excuses! Thank you! The moms on my street are amazed at what my 2 year old eats now!

  4. Hi as a crossfitter and one who follows somewhat of a zone/paleo diet (now leaning toward 100% paleo) I have beeen wondering at the fact that no one seems to mention wild game recipies. Wild game is as organic as it gets. As a group of people looking to rewind the clock i trully find being a hunter gatherer very fullfilling and my family really enjoys eating what i bring home from the wild. Just some thoughts as i said dont see very much mentioned not sure if its to pc thanks for your thoughts.

    1. I think eating wild game ROCKS! But, for the majority of us wild game is not always a logistical, available, attainable or affordable option. Good luck!!

  5. Delicious! Thanks for sharing your recipes – I’ve been looking for paleo meatloaf for awhile.

  6. Sarah-
    I just came across your site from Robb W.

    In browsing over your site, I know this is going to be a big help to me (lousy cook) and to my clients.
    Thanks for doing this,
    Coop

  7. Thank you so much for taking time to share with us! I am a mom of 2 boys under five and trying really hard to get them on “Paleo” too. I always made it too hard. Thank you for the wake up call that it really can be realatively easy. Keep up the good work!

  8. I must say I truly enjoy your site and recipes. I tired the meatloaf (laid it out on a cookie sheet) and it was VERY GOOD!! I’m new to eating grassfed beef and I am very impressed, of course your recipes help! Thank you for sharing.

  9. Just found your site, great reciepes.

    Quick question about this post. Whats the orange thing at the front? Sorry I’m new to paleo and have never really ate veggies before.

    Ta Jon

    1. Sarah says:

      Hey Jon! It’s a baked yam cut in half.

  10. Thank you for you site!! Such a great idea! Just found it today:) I’ve been looking for Paleo recipes, I just started the diet a week ago for health reasons. I’m finding it hard to be creative though and I really do like to cook. I have the book Paleo Diet by Loren Cordian but there wasn’t anything for meat loaf. I’m going to try this recipe out tonight and check out your others.

  11. Hey Sarah! Just wanted to let you know I tried the meatloaf and my Husband and I LOVED IT!!!! I don’t even miss the old recipe of meatloaf that my Mom always made with oatmeal. I did mess up the first time I made it though, I couldn’t find almond meal and got flax seed instead. It was way too strong tasting(do not recommend it). Second time I did it right and bought the almond meal and it was just YUM:) Can’t wait to try out some of your other recipes!

  12. Robin says:

    This recipe looks great. Any suggestions (other than the flax seed meal mentioned above) as a paleo alternative to almond meal, I’m allergic.

    1. Sarah says:

      You could just leave it out, I have made this meatloaf without it and it turns out just fine! : )

  13. Katie says:

    I made this last night for my husband and one of his friends…..they loved it!! Then I had leftover meatloaf this morning with my eggs. So yummy! Thanks again 🙂

  14. Gigi says:

    Is there a nut-free replacement for the almond flour in this and other recipes? I have 2 children with nut allergies. Can’t wait to try meatloaf and brussel sprouts recipes. Thanks for this awesome site!

    1. Sarah says:

      I would just leave the almond meal out all together and maybe one less egg. I have made this without the almond meal and it turns out fine. : )

  15. Melanie says:

    This is the first recipe I have made from your blog and it was absolutely delicious!! Even my picky daughter loved it. Thank you!!

  16. Tennille says:

    I’ve made this 3 times now! It’s my favorite:-) Thank you so much posting your recipes … I love them!!

  17. Are there any cheeses that are ok on paleo?

    1. Sarah says:

      Hi Tracie,
      Dairy is really not considered paleo unfortunately. If you do any dairy, usually goats milk or goats cheese is best or cheese made from grass fed cows is preferable as well. I think of dairy as a treat and eat it now and then but personally, if I over do the dairy i tend to break out and gain weight…

  18. Becky says:

    Hi Sarah,

    I have a question about the brussel sprouts. I see that you steam them and then bake them for 30 minutes. Is the point to make them crispy like the Okra recipe or soft? thanks for your input. I have a whole bunch of brussel sprouts in my refrigerator and this recipe looks good.

  19. Catrina says:

    Could I sub anything else for the marjoram? Thanks!

    1. Hi Catrina, Try using some dried Thyme in place of the marjoram!

  20. Taebum Kim says:

    Made this one last night and it turned out great!! Kids loved them.

    Thanks again Sarah. Keep up the good work!!!!

  21. This meatloaf is so, so good. Thanks very much!

  22. Kyla Teasley says:

    This recipe was delicious…. I couldnt find almond meal so I substituted for finely chopped raw almonds and it came out fantastic. Very hardy and satisfying.

  23. sharon says:

    I just made this and I might have done something wrong because it fell completely apart after I cooked it. I used a regular yellow onion and put it in the food processor and it got very wet. Maybe that is why? I also used a 6 oz can of tomato paste. You don’t say what size can so I had to guess. I’m sure I messed up with something, just not sure what. I skimped a little with the almond flour because it’s so expensive. I will definitley try this recipe again to see if I can do better. Great flavors!

    1. Sarah says:

      Hi Sharon! You used the right size tomato paste, I’ll fix that – oops!! It does sound like you got it too wet, maybe with the onions, because it should hold together pretty well! I’m sorry!!

  24. Thanks for all the wonderful recipes. I was in need of some paleo inspiration….gotten into a bit of a rut. I have a question about the brussel sprouts. Do you really used already cooked bacon? Doesn’t it just burn up?

    1. Sarah says:

      Hi Jennifer, Yes I really use already cooked bacon and it’s fine!! : )

  25. Sarah, Just finished our paleo meatloaf! Big hit at our House ! I did have to grind my own almonds ,for the almond meal. I also used Robb Wolf’s ” El Pato” tomato sauce, it gave it just a little bite. The Family loved it. Thanks for all your work ! I enjoy the website and the “Facebook” posts! Keep it up!

    1. Sarah says:

      Hi Rich! Awesome – thank you! Meatloaf is totally on my menu for the week as well!

  26. Hey Sarah,

    Awesome site! I wish to make a meatloaf this week. This sounds like a fantastic recipe but we do not have almond meal. Do you think coconut flour would be a suitable replacement? If not, what about pecan meal? Or, could I possibly skip the nut meals altogether and add something else?

    I linked to this recipe in my link love!

    1. Sarah says:

      Hey Primal Toad! I think pecan flour would be awesome in the recipe!! Not so sure about the coconut flour, I think it would make the meatloaf to crumbly. You could also leave it out entirely, I have made it before without it but do not cook it as long. Check it around 40 minutes and see if it’s done, and then maybe go another 10 if you need to. : ) Thanks for linking to me!!
      Sarah

  27. ~giving this recipe a GO! tonight…looks delic! thanks 😉

  28. Justin says:

    Thanks for the recipe. I was already planning to have brussel sprouts with meatloaf. Searched Paleo meatloaf and this one came up first. Also, kudo’s on the podcast. I like that you are all parents like me and very concerned about feeding your families well. Keep up the good work.

  29. I finally got around to trying this recipe and OMG-soooo good! Both my husband and I hated meatloaf growing up, but for some reason this caught my eye. I made it exactly as your recipe is written (it’s rare that I don’t “tweak” things) and it was awesome! Even my 6 year old, who complained the entire afternoon that he wasn’t going to eat it, had seconds and had some leftovers for breakfast the next morning. (BTW, this is a child who still begs for cereal, even though we haven’t had it in the house for over a year! Truly astonishing!) This was such a hit that I pre-ordered your book, can’t wait! Thanks!

    1. Hurry Karen!! I love this meatloaf too, my kids ask for it at least once a week!!

  30. Is it possible to use ground turkey in this recipe and still have it turn out good?

    1. Hi Renae, I haven’t made it with ground turkey. I would try the same recipe but do meatballs maybe instead of meat loaf so it doesn’t dry out. Let me know what you decide to do and if it works so if someone else wants to use ground turkey instead we’ll know the outcome! Good luck! : )

      1. Made this with ground turkey last night! Delicious! Also I’ve heard subbing ground pork in for 1/4 of the meat you’ll be using gives your meatloaf a very interesting unique flavor. Haven’t tried it yet but it’s always good to keep your family’s taste buds guessing right? 🙂

  31. We made this meatloaf last night and it was amazing! My girlfriend had to stop me from eating 2 lbs of meat in one sitting. Looking forward to the leftovers later. Thanks!

  32. I made this recipe the other night and, hands down, it is the BEST meatloaf I’ve ever had! Thank you so much for making it available. My google search has lead me to a new favorite website, and what I’m sure will be a new favorite cookbook!

    All the best!

    Jen

    -ps- I paired the meatloaf with mashed cauliflower seasoned with garlic, oregano, basil and tarragon. It was a great combo. My husband and I both loved the meal..

  33. Since I’ve been doing my crossfit wods in the evening I love to have dinner prepared ahead of time for the family so they can eat while I’m gone. This is a PERFECT recipe for that. Making this tonight! 🙂

  34. Sheri says:

    I just made this. The meatloaf is fantastic! The brussel sprouts are awesome! A great meal! That’s all I need to say!!

  35. Shannah says:

    Made the meatloaf two nights ago and it was a HUGE hit with the DH and 5 year old. DH said it was MUCH better than my usual meatloaf (that included GF bread crumbs.) Thanks for the recipe.

  36. Donna says:

    This blog is exceptional!! Just what I was searching for (via Google) and your meatloaf is on the menu for our family this week! Is it possible to sign up to receive regular updates..or join as a member…You make Paleo fun and creative….Thank you in advance for the inspiration

    1. Sarah says:

      Hi Donna! So glad you are enjoying my blog! If you want email updates for when I post something new, just click on the little brown box with the little “rainbow” in it on the right hand side of my home page under the word “Follow”.

  37. I just want to say that this is, by far, the best meatloaf I’ve ever had! I’ll be making it for the third time since coming across the recipe in your book. I can’t wait to dig in tonight when it’s done. 🙂

    I never thought I would look forward to meatloaf.

  38. Brooke says:

    Just pulled this out of the oven and it’s delicious! I made the full recipe so I’d have leftovers all week long, but I’m not sure it will last as long as I had thought. 😉

  39. meredith says:

    I am not that great of a cook and need more exact amounts. how much olive oil do you think the brussel sprouts really take? thanks so much.

  40. Britt-Marie Trace says:

    This meatloaf recipe is amazing! I have NEVER made meatloaf, (I remember less than exciting meatloaf as a kid too) but am pretty handy in the kitchen. I substituted 1lb of fresh ground buffalo and used 1lb of extra lean ground sirloin on the first run through. I just put foil on a baking sheet and free formed it into a flat “football” ish loaf shape. It was sooooo good, tender, moist, and there were no leftovers past lunch the following day. I am making it again, and this time am adding diced chipotle peppers (the ones from a can in adobo sauce)–pretty sure this will be yummy with a kick! Can’t wait to share this recipe with my parents, so easy and so tasty.

  41. Cathy says:

    Hey Sarah, a week or so ago Robb posted a blog about new research into fish oils as well as linoleic acid (high in almonds). I love cooking with almond flour for my kids, but it made me wonder about some other possible substitutes. Have you and he talked about this with regards to kids? With the recommendation of eating nuts like almonds only on occasion in mind, then imagining how many almonds make up a cup of ground almond meal, I’ve started to question using it all the time with my kids. I’ve experimented with coconut flour, not the same, and arrowroot powder. Any thoughts on this? Ideas?

  42. I made the meatloaf yesterday. I’m pretty sure it turned out how it was supposed to. It is extremely Italian tasting … really strong. I paired it with spaghetti squash and didn’t use any sauce and it still tasted like I was eating spaghetti. I do like spaghetti but do you have other seasoning suggestions as Italian isn’t my favorite.

    1. Hi, Amy!
      If you take out the basil, majoram, and crushed garlic and add cumin (2 tsp), chili powder (1 tsp), and garlic powder (1 tsp) – You’ll have a more latin flavored meatloaf.
      Alternatively, you could experiment with other spices that you like. For example: caraway, allspice, anise, and coriander. It all depends on what flavors you do enjoy – and if you know what those are, then switch the spices for the ones you like. [smile]
      Hope that helps!
      tql

  43. Liz Re says:

    Can’t wait to try the meatloaf, but brussel sprouts I just can’t eat, let along cook. They smell like dirty gym socks in the kitchen…kind of ruins eating them!

    1. Tricia says:

      Make sure you have the freshest brussel sprouts possible! The ones from a regular grocery store have been sitting too long and are really strong tasting. If you can get them from a produce store (where you can pick them individually) or even still on the stalk, they are much more mild in smell and taste.

      1. Sarah says:

        Great tip Tricia, thank you!!

  44. When I make this, I cut up green peppers, onions and whole mushrooms and spread them all around the meatloaf so that I have lots of veggies to go with the meatloaf–this mixture is great spread over mashed cauliflower “potatoes”!

    1. I tried it with the mashed cauliflower. It was delicious! 🙂

  45. Very good recipe.

    I added a half pound of ground pork and half of chopped red pepper. I also used half of a head of garlic.

    We are big garlic fans and the meat supports it well. The red pepper adds some flavor and sweetness. I only use red peppers – much healthier than green.

  46. Sarah this was AWESOME!! I cut the recipe in half since I’m only cooking for myself, but now I wish I hadn’t because it is SO tasty!! I didn’t think it was too Italian at all, the spices were perfect. I’m also going to try the brussel sprouts later tonight. But how can you go wrong with veggies and bacon? haha thanks again for another great recipe!! 🙂

    1. So glad you liked it Amy!

  47. Emily McCormack says:

    I just bought your book and I LOVE it! This was my first recipe and my husband’s response was, “wow… mmmm…. Wow!…. mmm…. WOW!! This is the best meatloaf I have ever had!” Similarly, my little one-year-old went nuts when she tried this and signed “more” over and over after the first bite. Needless to say I found a new staple in my family! Thanks for all you do Sarah and all the hard work you put in to helping the rest of us live out Paleo 🙂

    1. Sarah says:

      So happy to hear this Emily and thank you so much for your kind comment!

  48. Emily Seah says:

    Tried the meatloaf recipe last night and it was fantastic! I forgot to take all my ingredients out and missed the can of tomato paste, but it came out just fine and was flavorful and tender. Seems to be a forgiving recipe, even when you don’t follow it by the letter and forget things like I did. 🙂 Thank you! I look forward to making this again and playing around with variations.

    1. Kira says:

      I like that you forgot the tomato paste as my son is allergic to tomato’s so now I know it will be ok without. Going to try this recipe.

  49. I love this recipe!! Dont want tomato paste cuz it usually has sugar in it.
    Doing the 30-day Paleo so no sugar at all !!! Thanks

    1. Denise says:

      Tomato paste with sugar in it?! Never heard of that. Luckily, mine didn’t list any sugar. This was pretty tasty, but needed more kick for my family. I’ll probably play with the spices next time.

  50. Jess says:

    I made this tonight and it turned out wonderful. I wasn’t sure how to make meatloaf gluten-free (actually, I’ve never even made meatloaf before). I used half ground beef and half ground chicken and instead of straight tomato paste I used the sauce from this website: http://www.paleomusings.com/2012/03/heavenly-paleo-meatloaf.html in the meatloaf and on top. Just wonderful. Thank you!

  51. Yummmmm. Tried this recipe last night for dinner and it was uh-mazing!! Thanks so much! I couldn’t find any sugar free bacon at Whole Check (last minute meal) so made due with grass fed/but with sugar:( Never knew regular bacon had sugar! So much to learn…

  52. Candi says:

    Making this tonight – its been in for 20 minutes and I just realised I missed out the eggs. Oooops!! Fingers crossed it still turns out ok 🙂

  53. Made this meatloaf for tonight’s dinner. Oven is currently broken, so I made it in the crockpot, and it came out great! BIG hit with a picky 3 year old and an even pickier wife! I love that it’s Whole30 compliant as well. This one is going into our regular rotation!

    1. Hurray! So glad to hear! : )

  54. Holly says:

    Oh my gosh! This is the best meatloaf ever! It is so juicy and flavorful! I could eat the whole pan!

  55. Jodie says:

    This was really good! My 4 year old loved it (even requested I make it again soon) and my 2 year old devoured it!

    1. Sarah says:

      Hurray Jodie! So glad they enjoyed it!

  56. Quinn says:

    Made the meatloaf last night & the hubby & 6 yr old loved it! So easy- I loved it! Was so worried about making meatloaf because my husband makes an awesome one & most recipes use ketchup (which my family doesn’t like), but your recipe was perfect! Rave reviews! Will make again! thank you!

    1. Sarah says:

      Hurray Quinn, so glad it was a hit!

  57. Jenn says:

    Just made these the other night in muffin cups for easy/quicker cooking. Loved the recipe! It was more savory than many of the other meatloaf recipes I’ve seen (I’m guessing due to tomato paste instead of ketchup), which I’m a fan of. Can’t wait for all the leftovers.

  58. Jocelyn says:

    How do you make this in the crockpot?

  59. Yazmin says:

    Hi Sarah, I’m new to crockpotting and paleo with your meatloaf description it states we can put in crockpot as well, do you have a recommended cooking time? Your recipes are awesome very excited to start making them.

    1. I would do 6-8 hours on low. : )

  60. Liz says:

    Ok seriously this is the best meatloaf I’ve ever had!! I made it once according to the recipe and then made it again with only 1/2 c almond flour and didn’t notice any difference. This is going to be a huge staple in my house. Thank you!!

    1. So glad you like the meatloaf, it’s one of our absolute favorites too. : )

  61. My kids really love the meatloaf. The only thing we do different is we make the loaf into muffins. Just make little meat balls and then throw them into a muffin pan. They seem to eat more when we make them this way. I guess doing it this way doesn’t really make them much different from a meatball, but hey meat muffins are fun to eat! Plus it takes about half the time to cook and they still taste great.

  62. Emily T says:

    Mine fell apart too. Do I need to add more almond meal? Or try to literally DRY the onions after chopping?

    1. I’m honestly not sure! Did it fall apart while baking or after you cut it? Did it TASTE good??? : )

  63. Emily T says:

    Oh and I also used a traditional glass loaf pan. Was the size an issue?

  64. Lee-Ann says:

    The meatloaf flavor was delicious, but I found that there was way too much onion. I will only be using 1/4 of a red onion next time. My husband also suggested that I saute the onions a little bit first next time. Thank you for the recipe!

  65. I love this recipe, along with my husband and kids. Do you happen to have the nutritional information for this recipe?

  66. Irene says:

    I needed a change from the paleo meatloaf recipe that I’ve been using the past few years. I’m so glad I found your recipe. The meatloaf was delicious! The whole family loved it! 🙂

    1. Thank you Irene! I think this might have actually been the very 1st “paleo” meatloaf out there – and I’m so glad you all liked it! It still remains one of our favorites as well.

  67. Been making this meatloaf for a couple years now and the entire family enjoys it. Had turned out well with ground beef as well as ground turkey. Tonight we’re trying it with ground lamb and realized I probably never left you the kiddos for a great recipe. Thank you!

    1. Thank you so much Quinn – so glad you’ve been enjoying the recipe, it’s one of our favorites in my family as well!

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