Easy Gluten-Free Meatloaf

Written by
Teri Gruss, MS
Freelance writer and nutrition expert Teri Lee Gruss, M.S. has written hundreds of recipes focusing on healthy gluten-free cooking.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Teri Gruss, MS
Updated 09/19/20
Meatloaf on a platter
The Spruce
  • Total: 75 mins
  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 60 mins
  • Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
397 Calories
23g Fat
14g Carbs
33g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 8
Amount per serving
Calories 397
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 23g 29%
Saturated Fat 8g 41%
Cholesterol 147mg 49%
Sodium 455mg 20%
Total Carbohydrate 14g 5%
Dietary Fiber 0g 2%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 33g
Vitamin C 5mg 26%
Calcium 56mg 4%
Iron 4mg 21%
Potassium 578mg 12%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Meatloaf is one of those ultimate no-fail comfort foods: hearty and filling, simple to prepare, and loaded with flavor. Meatloaf is a staple in many households and, with a few small changes, it still can be enjoyed by anyone following a gluten-free lifestyle. In place of regular breadcrumbs, gluten-free cracker crumbs are used, offering, along with eggs, the necessary binding ingredients to keep the meatloaf together.

This no-fuss gluten-free meatloaf recipe makes a big loaf, which usually means meatloaf leftovers. If you've never enjoyed it before, try a thick slab of leftover meatloaf between two pieces of gluten-free bread spread with a mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup.

1:02

Click Play to See This Easy, Gluten-Free Meatloaf Recipe Come Together

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/4 cup applesauce

  • 1 cup gluten-free cracker crumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)

  • 1 medium onion (chopped)

  • 1/4 cup chopped green pepper

  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (gluten free)

  • 1 cup ketchup (gluten free, divided)

  • Optional:

    Milk or water (if needed to moisten mixture)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. 

    Gluten-free meatloaf ingredients.
     The Spruce 

  2. Preheat oven to 400 F/204 C.

  3. To a large mixing bowl, add ground beef, eggs, applesauce, cracker crumbs, onion, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 cup ketchup.

    Ground beef, eggs, applesauce, breadcrumbs, onion, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup in a bowl
     The Spruce

  4. Use your hands to thoroughly blend the mixture. You can use disposable gloves if you like.

    Meatloaf ingredients added together
    The Spruce

  5. Add a small amount of milk or water, if necessary, to moisten the mixture.

    Milk pouring into meatloaf mixture
    The Spruce

  6. Use a large spatula to scoop the meat mixture into a 9 by 5 by 3-inch loaf pan. Press down and smooth the top.

    Meatloaf in a pan, spatula and glass bowl
    The Spruce

  7. Bake for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the pan and pour off any excess fat.

    Pour excess fat out of baked meatloaf
    The Spruce

  8. Spread the remaining 1/2 cup ketchup over the top of the loaf.

    Spread ketchup over meatloaf
    The Spruce

  9. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes.

    Gluten-free meatloaf
    The Spruce

  10. Serve and enjoy!

Tips

  • To avoid a dry meatloaf, use ground meat with a bit of fat, like 80/20. The applesauce in this recipe will also assure a moist meatloaf.
  • Keep a batch or two of homemade gluten-free breadcrumbs in the freezer and you'll be set to make gluten-free meatloaf anytime you want.
  • When purchasing Worcestershire and ketchup for this recipe, be sure to check the labels as some brands include gluten. Annie's Naturals Organic Ketchup is a delicious gluten-free ketchup option. 
  • Always make sure your work surfaces, utensils, pans, and tools are free of gluten.
  • Always read product labels. Manufacturers can change product formulations without notice. When in doubt, do not buy or use a product before contacting the manufacturer for verification that the product is free of gluten.

Recipe Variations

  • To lighten up this recipe, swap ground turkey in place of ground beef.
  • To add a little heat to your meatloaf, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

Related Articles