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)

Table of Contents

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:

Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe (7)

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.

Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe (9)

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.

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!

Love this recipe?Give it a star rating!

4.95 from 38 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.

Fearless Dining

Your go-to haven for gluten-free living, where I share hundreds of delicious, family-friendly recipes, helpful gluten-free resources, and allergen-friendly options for everyone!

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? ›

In meatloaf, this is most commonly the eggs and breadcrumbs. Your binding ingredient is only second to the meat itself in your recipe and the reason why meatloaf crumbles. When this happens, it's because you didn't use enough. Next time, try adding in an extra egg and/or some more breadcrumbs.

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

Rolled Oats

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.

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? ›

Rice Chex

Whether it's rice flour, rice noodles, or Rice Chex, rice lets you leave the gluten behind and enjoy your food. For bread crumbs in particular, Rice Chex is a standout option.

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 secret to a great meat loaf? ›

Use high-fat meat.

For a meatloaf made with a leaner beef or turkey, consider mixing in some ground pork and/or veal in order to achieve a moist, tender meatloaf. Chopping up bacon and adding it to the mix is always a great way to add fat. Oh, and covering it in bacon never hurts, either.

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? ›

For an average meat loaf, use 1/2 to 3/4 cup fresh, soft bread crumbs to every pound of meat. When using fine, dry crumbs, use half as much. Other Ingredients: Eggs bind the mixture, add flavor and increase browning, but too much egg will make a meat loaf tough and rubbery.

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? ›

The oats, equal in quantity to the bread crumbs, not only serve as an effective substitute but also provide the dish with added amounts of heartiness and nutrition.

How much mayonnaise is equal to one egg? ›

Mayonnaise. Eggs are a key ingredient in mayonnaise, so it makes sense that it can be a perfect substitute when you're out of eggs. Use 3 tablespoons of mayo as an egg substitute.

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

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). To make your own light brown sugar, mix 1 cup, or 200 grams (g), of granulated white sugar with 1 tablespoon (tbsp.), or 15 milliliters (mL), of molasses.

Why does my meatloaf taste bland? ›

You're Not Sufficiently Seasoning the Meat

Before you cook the meatloaf, it's not a bad idea to very quickly saute a small nub of the meat mixture and give it a taste. If you feel like it needs a bit more seasoning, then adjust as necessary before baking the entire loaf. Black pepper is up to your discretion.

What can I add to meatloaf so it's not dry? ›

Add one or two eggs per pound of meat for a moist texture. Make Use of Milk: Soak breadcrumbs in milk before adding them to your mixture. This will keep your meatloaf moist during baking. Slather on Sauce: Add a layer of ketchup, barbecue sauce, or a mixture of both on top of your meatloaf before baking.

What is a gluten-free alternative to breadcrumbs in meatballs? ›

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 can I use instead of panko for gluten-free? ›

Gluten-free alternatives:
  1. Grains: Quinoa, brown rice, millet, amaranth, teff, sorghum, oats (certified gluten-free for celiac disease).
  2. Pseudo-cereals: Buckwheat, chia seeds.
  3. Flours: Almond flour, coconut flour, chickpea flour (gram flour), tapioca flour, potato flour.
  4. Starches: Arrowroot starch, potato starch.
Oct 5, 2023

Can I substitute flour for bread crumbs in meatloaf? ›

This is a recipe for a country-style meatloaf, which uses flour instead of breadcrumbs or crackers for the binding agent. The addition of mushrooms, carrots, celery, and onions make this classic comfort food so moist, full of flavor, and absolutely delicious.

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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