Easy Gluten-Free Meatloaf Recipe

By Teri Gruss, MS

Updated 09/30/18

The Spruce
Ratings (69)
  • Total: 75 mins
  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 60 mins
  • Yield: 6 to 8 Servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
360 Calories
14g Fat
21g Carbs
37g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 8 Servings
Amount per serving
Calories 360
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 5g 26%
Cholesterol 154mg 51%
Sodium 482mg 21%
Total Carbohydrate 21g 8%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Protein 37g
Calcium 58mg 4%
*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.

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.

Ingredients

  • 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)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. 

    Gluten-free meatloaf ingredients.

  2. Heat oven to 400 F (204 C)

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

    Add ground beef, eggs, applesauce, breadcrumbs, onion, green pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup
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  4. Use your hands to thoroughly blend the mixture. You can use disposable gloves if you like.

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

    Add milk or water to moisten mixture
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  6. Use a large spatula to scoop the meat mixture into a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan. Press down and smooth the top.

    Add meatloaf to pan using spatula
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  7. Bake in heated oven for 30 minutes. Carefully remove pan and pour off excess fat.

    Pour excess fat out of baked meatloaf
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  8. Spread remaining 1/2 cup ketchup over the top of the loaf.

    Spread ketchup over meatloaf
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  9. Return to oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes.

    Finished gluten-free meatloaf
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  10. Serve and enjoy!

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.