Easy Gluten-Free Meatloaf

By Teri Gruss, MS

Updated 06/06/19

Meatloaf on a platter
The Spruce
  • 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.

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
     The Spruce

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

    Use hands to blend ingredients
    The Spruce

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

    Add milk or water to moisten mixture
    The Spruce

  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
    The Spruce

  7. Bake in heated oven for 30 minutes. Carefully remove pan and pour off excess fat.

    Pour excess fat out of baked meatloaf
    The Spruce

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

    Spread ketchup over meatloaf
    The Spruce

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

    Finished gluten-free meatloaf
    The Spruce

  10. Serve and enjoy!

Tips

  • 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. 
  • 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 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.
  • 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.