This is the BEST gluten-free meatloaf around! It is so simple to prepare and the whole family will love it. It is a classic recipe that will be great to pass down for generations.
With gluten-free oats, this is a very hearty and healthy meatloaf. But the best part is nobody would ever know! And if you prefer, you can easily still use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
BEST Gluten-Free Meatloaf
I love this BEST gluten-free meatloaf recipe because it is a quick and easy dinner that is also delicious. Plus, it is perfectly moist and not dry at all.
I’ve always really enjoyed meatloaf since I was little girl. However, my mom didn’t like it so it wasn’t a meal we got often.
I’m not complaining though she’s made tons of other meals that we all loved like tacos and her fluffy gluten-free biscuits that just happen to go great with this meatloaf too!
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I knew though that one day, I would include meatloaf in the dinners I made, even if it was only a couple times a year.
What can I substitute for bread in meatloaf?
You can certainly use gluten-free bread or gluten-free breadcrumbs/crushed crackers in this meatloaf. However, the wholesome aspect of this meatloaf comes from gluten-free oats.
If you are looking to eliminate grains entirely from your meatloaf, I recommend giving this paleo honey sesame turkey meatloaf a go.
How to make the BEST meatloaf…
It couldn’t be easier to make this meatloaf, only TWO steps. Here goes…
- Mix everything together in a bowl
2. Press the mixed ingredients into a loaf pan and bake
Yep, that’s it! It really is so simple that the kids can even help make it all.
Optional: you can add on a layer of ketchup the last 15 minutes of baking for a nice broiled layer that screams classic meatloaf.
What mix-ins do you recommend for gluten-free meatloaf?
There are so many varieties of traditional meatloaf recipes out there now including bacon wrapped and spiced. I like the classic homemade flavor of this best gluten-free meatloaf though.
It is loaded with delicious herbs like parsley, oregano and basil. I also love using dried onion because it lends great flavor without having to chop those darn onions.
To me, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce are meant to be in meatloaf. A nice broiled layer of ketchup on top is another key for me in the tastiest meatloaf and truly is the best part of the bite. If you like it sweeter, you can add some brown sugar.
You can also use tomato paste instead of ketchup to the meat mixture if you like it less sweet. For a keto option, replace the oats or bread crumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. If you can’t have egg, using a chia egg will work. Whichever way you make it, it’s sure to be one of your favorite comfort foods.
Can you make meatloaf with ground turkey instead of ground beef?
This gluten-free version of meatloaf works great with ground turkey or ground beef. Heck, you can even do half beef and half ground pork. Really it comes down to a personal preference. My friend Brianna at Flippin Delicious also has a great gluten-free turkey meatloaf recipe!
Serve it up with piping hot mashed potatoes topped with a pad of real butter and our gluten-free green bean casserole and you have a homestyle meal that everyone will love!
And if you are looking for a good ground beef recipe other than meatloaf, these homemade sloppy joes from A Mindful Mom are great!
Does this freeze well and how do you store leftovers?
This is the best meatloaf because it also freezes fantastic! Just wrap it up in aluminum foil then place it in a freezer bag. You can pull slices out as needed and microwave the for 2-3 minutes.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
If you love this recipe, please let us know below. Consider leaving a comment, a rating or sharing on social media. We are so grateful for wonderful readers like YOU! Here are some other great beef recipes…
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Best Gluten-Free Meatloaf (Homestyle)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (you can use lean ground beef or higher fat, whichever you prefer)
- 2 eggs
- 1 C crushed gluten-free oats or oatmeal (or gluten-free breadcrumbs if you prefer)
- 1/4 C ketchup plus more for topping
- 2 T gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
- 1 T dried onion
- 1 T dried parsley
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Combine all ingredients well with clean hands in a large bowl
- Press into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees using a meat thermometer
- Turn oven to broil
- On top of the meatloaf add more ketchup and broil 2-3 minutes
Notes
Nutrition
Update Notes: This post was originally published November 17, 2017, but was republished with new step by step instructions and photos, tips, and FAQs in June 2022.
Daria says
This recipe is so good! My kids said they like this recipe more than my regular one that has gluten!!
Lyn says
We made this for Sunday dinner and it was amazing! Loved the topping especially. I’ll definitely use this recipe again!
Sydney Wynne says
I’m not a huge meatloaf fan but love this recipe! It’s so hearty and perfect for the fall and winter months😋
Sam says
YUM I love a good meatloaf. I love how you made it gluten-free with quinoa. Will have to try this one soon!
Daniela says
Love how informative your meatloaf post is! Thanks so much for sharing :).
Chandice says
Thanks Daniela, so glad to hear it helped you. 🙂
Jenny says
Nothing beats a good meatloaf and yours looks amazing. I love the substitutes for bread, never thought of using breakfast oats or quinoa, what a great idea. I always used almond meal, time to up my game! Thanks for the great recipe, I will try it very soon.
Chandice says
Thanks Jenny, I appreciate your kind words. 🙂
Sara says
I think I would like this recipe better than traditional meatloaf! All of the comforting, delicious flavors that meatloaf should have – just with that awesome swap for the breakfast packets. I’m so excited to try this!
Chandice says
Aw, thanks Sara! 🙂
Debbie says
Everyone needs a good meatloaf recipe in their recipe box and now I have the perfect gluten free version for my Mother. I would have never thought about quinoa., genius !
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
I think I just heard my tummy growl. lol! Must print the recipe right now.
Chandice says
Thanks, I hope you love it as much as we do!
Amy Liu Dong says
Wow,this is so amazing and you give an idea of cooking my ground beef in a different way. Delicious!
Sylia says
What an awesome meatloaf. Brilliant recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Chandice says
Thanks Sylia, so glad you loved it!
Paula Montenegro says
I’m such a fan of meatloaf, and this one looks delicious! How interesting that you added quinoa and from breakfast packets. Can’t wait to try this.
sara says
This looks like a really good meatloaf! I came looking for a recipe because I have never made meatloaf before, but am craving it. I think this will be the one I make tonight.
Chandice says
I am so happy to hear this, thanks Sara!
Eva says
Sorry to hear that you didn’t get all the meatloaf you wanted as a little girl, but the awesome thing is that you can catch up with your craving now. Very creative idea to mix in this breakfast mixture into the meatloaf in place of regular gf breadcrumbs!