Easy Gluten-Free Meatloaf Recipe

The Spruce
  • 75 mins
  • Prep: 15 mins,
  • Cook: 60 mins
  • Yield: 6 to 8 Servings
Ratings (61)

By Teri Gruss, MS

Updated 06/12/18

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.

This no-fuss gluten-free meatloaf recipe makes a big loaf, which means meatloaf leftovers. If you've never had a thick slab of leftover meatloaf between two pieces of gluten-free bread, you should try it.

To make meatloaf gluten-free, simply swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs. Also, confirm the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce used in this recipe are ones that do not contain gluten.

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. Easy and convenient.

When purchasing sauces for this recipe, be sure to check labels as some brands include gluten. Annie's Naturals Organic Ketchup is a delicious gluten-free ketchup option. 

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

What You'll Need

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 ounces applesauce
  • 1 cup gluten-free cracker crumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup green pepper (chopped)
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free)
  • 1 cup ketchup (gluten-free, divided)

How to Make It

  1. Heat oven to 400 F (204 C)
  2. To a large mixing bowl, add ground beef, eggs, applesauce, breadcrumbs, onion, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce and 1/2 cup ketchup.
  3. Use your hands to thoroughly blend the mixture. You can use disposable gloves if you like.
  4. Add a small amount of milk or water, if necessary, to moisten the mixture.
  5. Use a large spatula to scoop the meat mixture into a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan. Press down and smooth the top.
  1. Bake in heated oven for 30 minutes. Carefully remove pan and pour off excess fat.
  2. Spread remaining 1/2 cup ketchup over the top of the loaf, return to oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes.

Reminder

  • 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.
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
Calories 360
Total Fat 14 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Unsaturated Fat 6 g
Cholesterol 154 mg
Sodium 482 mg
Carbohydrates 21 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Protein 37 g
(The nutrition information on our recipes is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. Individual results may vary.)