1poundground beefI prefer to use some that includes some fat, like an 85/15....it is still good with lean, but not much crispiness!
1 1/2cupscooked brown rice or quinoa. Replace with another 1lb ground meat for Whole30, paleo, and keto version
1/2cupalmond flourOR pork rind crumbs OR gluten free bread crumbs
1smallsweet potatopeeled, chunked. Omit for keto
1smallzucchinichunked
1smallonionchunked
3clovesgarlic
1/4cupany milkI use So Delicious Unsweetened Coconut Milk
4tablespoonsketchupmay use any homemade or store bought unsweetened or keto versions
1eggoptional, I have made this without eggs with no issues!
1teaspoonthyme
1teaspoonsaltincrease to 1 1/2t if using additional ground meat
Topping
1/3cupketchupcan use more if you like
2teaspoonsmustard
1tablespoonSriracha or other hot sauceoptional
1tablespoonpalm sugaroptional, omit for Whole30, replace with erythritol for a keto version.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
In a food processor, make your bread crumbs with 2-3 slices gluten free bread or pork rinds if necessary, and then pour into a large bowl, set aside.
In the same food processor bowl, add the sweet potato, zucchini, onion, and garlic and pulse until everything is finely minced (kids won't detect the vegetables this way!).
Mix the minced vegetables with the crumbs, along with all the remaining meatloaf ingredients (through the 3 tablespoons ketchup).
Mix well with your hands. But careful not to over-handle the meat as it will toughen it.
Stir together glaze ingredients.: 1/3 cup ketchup, mustard, and the optional Sriacha and palm sugar if using.
Form 8 mini loaves on a greased cookie sheet. Alternately, place into a loaf pan.
Spread the glaze evenly over the tops of each loaf.
Bake in a 400 degree oven for 30-45 minutes, until the desired crunchy edges (or lack thereof) suit your fancy and the meat is cooked through. If cooking one large loaf, increase cook time to apx 60 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
Notes
**Nutrition info in calculated for the first listed ingredients. If you make the keto version, approximate carbohydrate count is 4 grams per serving.