Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe (2024)

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This incredibly flavorful gluten free meatloaf recipe can be made two ways, loaf style, or as mini meatloaves. You are going to love all of the Italian flavors in every bite! Even your picky eaters will be asking you for seconds!

Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe (1)

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Meatloaf has gotten a bad rap over the years and I have been determined to create the perfect meatloaf to prove this wrong!

This gluten free meatloaf recipe is juicy and full of delicious Italian flavors. It is delicious for dinner, and it is even better the next day! Serve it with mashed potatoes, or serve it as a burger on a bun. You can’t go wrong any way you eat this moist and tender meatloaf!

If you love Italian recipes, try this Gluten Free One Pot Italian Pasta too.

Why This Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe Is Great:

  1. You can make this gluten free meatloaf with any ground meat!
  2. This recipe has flavor baked into every bite!
  3. Make this in a loaf pan for a big meatloaf, or bake this meatloaf as mini meatloaves in a muffin pan.
  4. For my ketchup lovers like Mr. Fearless Dining, bake this loaf with a ketchup glaze, or skip the glaze if you want to make this recipe sugar-free.

Ingredient Notes:

Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe (2)
  • Ground Meat – I used ground beef. Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
  • Gluten Free Bread Crumbs – You can buy gluten free bread crumbs or panko or make homemade Gluten Free Bread Crumbs with this simple recipe.
  • Parmesan Cheese – I love adding some parmesan for added flavor and juiciness. You can also use a dairy-free parmesan cheese like the one by the VioLife brand.
  • Italian Seasonings – I used dried basil and oregano in this recipe.
  • Onion – I prefer to use sweet yellow onion.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes – I like sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil as they are softer. I added a tablespoon of the seasoned oil into the recipe, then diced the sun-dried tomatoes. Trader Joe’s has this, but I am sure other grocery stores will also carry this ingredient.
  • Egg – I add one large egg for added moisture. If you use ground turkey breast, consider adding two eggs.
  • Ketchup – I love adding a ketchup glaze to the top of my meatloaf. Check to be sure your ketchup is gluten free!

Don’t let the gluten free title scare you, this was the best meatloaf I’ve ever made!! Delicious!”

Poppy F., Pinterest

Recipe Step-By-Step Directions:

You will love how easy this recipe is. There is no need to pre-cook anything! Preheat your oven to 350º F and place the oven rack in the middle setting.

Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe (3)

Step 1: On a cutting board, dice your onion. Add the ground meat, gluten free bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, sun-dried tomatoes, oil, seasonings, and the egg to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Use a fork to mix the ingredients together. This helps mix in the flavors into the meat so the flavor bakes in really well.

Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe (4)

Step 3: Place the meatloaf mixture into a prepared loaf pan, or muffin pan. I used a spray of avocado oil to prevent sticking. If your loaf pan is non-stick, you will not need to do this.

Step 4: Spread the optional ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. Not only does this add even more flavor, but it helps keep the moisture in while the meatloaf is baking!

My Pick

Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe (5)

8.5"x4.5" Cast Iron Loaf Pan

I recently bought this cast iron bread loaf pan, and it has made my bread bake much more evenly than my old metal pan. This cast iron pan is easy to clean.

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Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe (6)

Step 5: Bake the meatloaf for 30-40 minutes until it is done. The actual time will depend on the size of your loaf pan and the depth of the meatloaf.

You will know your meatloaf is done baking when it has an internal temperature of 160º F. (If you are using turkey or chicken you want the internal temperature to read 165º F on a digital meat thermometer.)

If you want a lower-fat version, you will love this Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf or this Gluten Free Meatloaf With Oats recipe!!

To Make As Mini Meat Loaves:

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Spread the meat mixture out in a muffin tin to bake. Whip up this easy cream cheese mashed potatoes recipe, and you can put it on top of the meatloaves to look like your frosting.

Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe (8)

I updated this post from an older May 2015 post, as you can see in the above photo. I had created this recipe in a muffin tin for an April Fool’s Day joke on my family. Nobody was fooled for long, but it was fun. Feel free to make this meatloaf as one large meatloaf or smaller muffins.

You may also love these Gluten Free Smothered Pork Chops.

Tips and Recipe FAQ:

Can you freeze this meatloaf?

You can easily freeze this meatloaf. I recommend freezing this meatloaf in slices because it is easier to thaw. To thaw, bake the whole meatloaf in the oven at 325º F for 20-25 minutes or for a slice 10 minutes. You can also thaw it quickly in the microwave oven.

How do you store this meatloaf?

Store the leftover meatloaf in an air-tight container.

How long will this meatloaf keep fresh?

This meatloaf will keep fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 months in the freezer.

Can you make this meatloaf with vegan meat?

You can make this recipe with vegan meat, and I think Impossible meat tends to work best.

Meatloaf Side Dishes:

Make it a full meal with one of these delicious side dish recipes!

  • Cinnamon Brown Sugar Carrots
  • Grandma’s Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
  • Kid-Friendly Kale and Apple Salad (Yes, kids do love this!)
  • Pan-Fried Sweet Potatoes with Honey

Click here to see all of the dinner recipes on this blog.

Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe (10)

Gluten Free Meatloaf

Sandi Gaertner

This is an incredibly easy gluten free meatloaf recipe. It is delicious and even your picky eaters will love it!

5 from 18 votes

Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe (11)

Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe (12)

Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe (13)

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 17 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Gluten Free Dinner Recipes

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 493 kcal

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef * see note
  • ½ cup gluten free bread crumbs * see note
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • cup diced onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil * see note
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
  • ½ cup ketchup optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350º F.

  • In a large bowl, add all of the meatloaf ingredients.

  • Mix well using a fork so the seasonings can really blend in.

  • Add the meatloaf mixture to a prepared loaf pan.

  • Optional, spread ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.

  • Bake for 30 minutes, or until the meatloaf has an internal temperature of 160º F for ground beef or 165º F for ground turkey or chicken.

Notes

  1. Feel free to use any ground meat or vegan meat in this simple Italian meatloaf recipe.
  2. You can use gluten free bread crumbs or panko.
  3. I used sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil. I used this olive oil in the recipe as well as the sun-dried tomatoes.
  4. This meatloaf will keep fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an air-tight container.

SPECIAL NOTE

Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn’t test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 493kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 567mgPotassium: 577mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 252IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 105mgIron: 4mg

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @FearlessDining or tag #FearlessDining!

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.

Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe (14)
Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a gluten free substitute for breadcrumbs in meatloaf? ›

What is a gluten-free substitute for breadcrumbs in meatloaf? As seen in this meatloaf with breadcrumbs, I use almond flour and pork panko. These are excellent gluten-free substitutes that are also low-carb and keto friendly.

What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart? ›

Binders like eggs or breadcrumbs will certainly help to keep your meatloaf together.

What can I use as a binder in meatloaf instead of breadcrumbs? ›

If you don't have any bread, you can substitute it for breadcrumbs, crackers, cereal grains, oatmeal, instant rice, instant barley, or even potato flakes!

What happens if you don't add milk to meatloaf? ›

Milk adds richness and moisture, while the bread helps keep the meatloaf texture softer. So, omitting milk would omit some creaminess and moisture. Those can be easily subbed out by many other ingredients like chicken stock, cream, butter, etc.

What is a gluten-free substitute for bread crumbs? ›

Almond Meal or Almond Flour: Ground almonds, often referred to as almond meal or almond flour, can add a pleasant nutty flavor and a bit of crunch to your dishes. They work well as a coating for fried or baked foods. Coconut Flour: Coconut flour is another gluten-free option that can be used for breading.

What can I use to bind instead of breadcrumbs? ›

Nuts Or Seeds

Sunflower seeds, almonds, and sesame seeds are all great breadcrumb alternatives. Chop larger nuts finely in a food processor. Seeds like sesame are already small enough and can be used as is. Use a variety of nuts as a coating for chicken, fish, or pork; just pulse them finely so they will stick.

What is the best binder for meatloaf? ›

The most traditional meatloaf binder is probably torn up bread soaked in milk, but you can also use bread crumbs, Panko, dehydrated potato (instant mashed potatoes), or just about any other grain.

What happens if you put too many eggs in meatloaf? ›

Fewer eggs will create a denser and firmer meatloaf that will be more compact and easier to slice, but more eggs can create a more tender and light texture that allows the meatloaf to melt in your mouth.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs in meatballs gluten free? ›

Rolled oats are the perfect gluten-free binding ingredient, replacing breadcrumbs in meatballs or meatloaf and many more recipes when you need to bind meat and eggs. Rolled oats are best not used as a coating agent as they tend to go soggy.

Is oatmeal better than bread crumbs in meatloaf? ›

Oats are the perfect substitutes for breadcrumbs in meatballs or meatloaf. While they aren't ideal for a crispy coating, they add the right amount of texture to bind meat, eggs and flavorings together into a delicious Italian-inspired feast.

Are panko breadcrumbs gluten free? ›

Yes. Providing Panko Breadcrumbs are made with gluten free bread and are processed and cooked in a gluten-clean environment, they are safe for people with Coeliac Disease (Celiac) and other gluten or wheat avoidant conditions.

What is the basic meatloaf formula? ›

The Basic Meatloaf Formula

All recipes for meatloaf start with the same basic formula: 2 pounds of ground meat and a “panade” made of bread or crackers soaked in milk. Along with a few eggs, this panade helps to hold the ground meat together and adds some essential moisture to the mix.

How to make a Bobby Flay meatloaf? ›

directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over high heat. ...
  3. Whisk together the eggs and herbs in a large bowl. ...
  4. Whisk together the remaining ketchup and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl then brush the mixture over the entire loaf.
  5. Bake the meatloaf for approximately 1 to 1 1/4 hours.

What if I don't have brown sugar for meatloaf? ›

  1. White sugar plus molasses. A combination of white sugar and molasses is your best bet for a brown sugar substitute, as that's exactly what brown sugar is made of (1). ...
  2. White sugar plus maple syrup. ...
  3. Coconut sugar. ...
  4. Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. ...
  5. Raw sugars. ...
  6. Muscovado sugar. ...
  7. Plain white sugar. ...
  8. The bottom line.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs in meatballs gluten-free? ›

Rolled oats are the perfect gluten-free binding ingredient, replacing breadcrumbs in meatballs or meatloaf and many more recipes when you need to bind meat and eggs. Rolled oats are best not used as a coating agent as they tend to go soggy.

What is a good gluten-free breading? ›

Other Ideas for Gluten-Free Breading:

Sweet rice flour. Brown rice flour. Crushed corn chips (or potato chips) Crushed Brown Rice Crispy Cereal.

What is a gluten-free substitute for panko bread crumbs? ›

11 Easy Gluten Free Panko Alternatives
  • Almond Flour: Almond flour can make the coating heavier instead of light. ...
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese can add a cheesy and crispy element.
  • Quinoa Flakes: Quinoa flakes are gluten free and can be used as a substitute for a yummy crunch.
Sep 20, 2023

Is panko gluten-free? ›

Yes. Providing Panko Breadcrumbs are made with gluten free bread and are processed and cooked in a gluten-clean environment, they are safe for people with Coeliac Disease (Celiac) and other gluten or wheat avoidant conditions.

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