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The whole family will love these fun and easy BBQ Meatloaf Skewers. Who can say no to grilled keto meatloaf on a stick?
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats keto meatloaf. But when it’s high summer, that kind of heavy meal may not be high on your list.
Well I’ve got the solution right here. BBQ meatloaf skewers to the rescue! Grab your skewers and fire up the grill.
Funny story: I had every intention of grilling these for my family a few weeks ago. But we had a chilly, rainy stretch and I just wasn’t up for standing in the rain. So I decided to air-fry them instead.
They turned out perfectly and so I’ve included both air-fryer and grilling instructions!
Why you will love this recipe
These fun skewers make meatloaf a perfect summer meal. They’re juicy, full of flavor, and easy to make. And kids love eating from a stick. Doesn’t everyone?
They are great for summer entertaining too. Think Fourth of July, graduation parties, and backyard barbecues. You can make a big batch, refrigerate, and grill them as needed.
A good slather of my sugar-free BBQ sauce is really all they need to look and taste their best. I brushed some on before cooking, and then more right after they finished. It gives the meatloaf skewers a lusciously inviting look.
And each skewer has only 3.1g carbs per serving!
Ingredients you need
- Ground beef: I used moderately lean 85/15 ground beef for my skewers to get a little more protein. You can easily use 80/20, but watch for flaring if you grill them!
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds great flavor.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder and salt.
- Egg: Meatloaf holds together best when you use eggs as the binder.
- BBQ Sauce: I use my easy Keto BBQ Sauce but you can also store-bought. Many are made with aspartame or sucralose, which I find unpalatable. A few good choices are Yo Mama’s No Sugar Added BBQ Sauce and Keto Primo.
Step-by-step directions
1. Prep the skewers: If you are using bamboo skewers, soak them for one hour to keep them from burning. If air-frying, trim the skewers to fit in your air fryer. You can also purchase air-fryer length skewers. .
2. Make the meatloaf mix: Combine the beef, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and egg. Mix well with your hands until fully combined.
3. Form the meatloaf skewers. This recipe makes about 8 skewers, so divide the mixture evenly and roll into balls. Form the balls into oval logs around each skewer.
4. Brush with sauce: Place half of the BBQ sauce in a separate bowl, and brush the remaining sauce over the meatloaf skewers.
5. Cook the skewers: Air fry at 400ºF for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145ºF on an instant read thermometer. Or grill over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 145ºF.
6. Baste and serve: Brush the skewers with the remaining BBQ Sauce and serve.
Tips for success
You will note that unlike regular meatloaf, I did not use any filler like almond flour or pork rinds here. It’s unnecessary for these skewers, and in fact they hold together better without it. It allows them to shrink a little more and adhere better to the stick.
You can easily make these skewers bigger and heartier, especially if you are grilling them. Try making 6 servings instead of 8, and making them longer.
You can also make these with other ground meats like turkey or chicken. Be aware that they will dry out faster so you want to keep your eye on them as they are cooking. I would recommend even brushing them with a little oil or adding a bit of oil to the meatloaf mix.
Frequently asked questions
Most barbecue sauce has sugar and can have upwards of 8g of carbs per serving. My homemade sugar free sauce has no sugar and has only 3g of carbohydrate for two tablespoons.
Store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the finished, cooked meatloaf. Wrap it up tightly to avoid freezer burn and freeze for up to two months.
This meatloaf skewer recipe has 3g of carbs per serving.
What to serve with BBQ Meatloaf Skewers
Meatloaf Skewers Recipe
The whole family will love these fun and easy BBQ Meatloaf Skewers. Who can say no to grilled keto meatloaf on a stick?
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 273kcal
Instructions
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Soak the skewers for one hour if you are using bamboo. If air-frying, trim the skewers to fit in your air fryer.
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Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF or the grill to medium high.
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In a large bowl, combine the beef, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and egg. Mix well with your hands until fully combined.
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Form the mixture into 8 even balls, then form the balls into oval logs around the skewers. Place half of the BBQ sauce in a separate bowl, and brush the remaining sauce over the meatloaf skewers.
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Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145ºF on an instant read thermometer. Or grill about 5 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 145ºF.
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Brush the skewers with the remaining BBQ Sauce and serve.
Notes
Storage Information: Store the meatloaf skewers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 2 months.
Nutrition Facts
Meatloaf Skewers Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 skewer)
Calories 273
Calories from Fat 134
% Daily Value*
Fat 14.9g23%
Carbohydrates 3.1g1%
Fiber 0.4g2%
Protein 22g44%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
