Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe

Name: Gluten Free Meatloaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef (* see note); 1/2 cup gluten free bread crumbs (* see note); 1/4 cup parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1/3 cup diced onion; 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes; 1 tablespoon olive oil (* see note); 2 teaspoons dried basil; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper; 1/2 cup ketchup (optional)

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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!

Sliced meatloaf on a wooden cutting board.

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Why This Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe Is Great:
Ingredient Notes:
Recipe Step-By-Step Directions:
To Make As Mini Meat Loaves:
Tips and Recipe FAQ:
Meatloaf Side Dishes:
More Gluten Free Dinner Recipe Ideas
📖 Recipe
Fearless Dining
💬 Comments

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:

You can make this gluten free meatloaf with any ground meat!
This recipe has flavor baked into every bite!
Make this in a loaf pan for a big meatloaf, or bake this meatloaf as mini meat loaves in a muffin pan.
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:

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 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 carry this ingredient as well.
Egg - I add one large egg for added moisture. If you are using ground turkey breast, you may 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.

Photos of steps one and two making the turkey meatloaf.

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.

Step 3: Place the meatloaf mixture into a prepared loaf pan, or muffin pan. I use a spray 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!

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 are looking for a healthier version, you will love this Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf recipe!!

To Make As Mini Meat Loaves:

Spread out the meatloaf meat in a muffin tin to bake. — I used mozzarella cheese and fresh basil in this version.

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 meat loaves to look like your frosting.

These mini Italian gluten free meat loaves on a platter. Mashed potatoes are piled on top of the meatloaves so they look like cupcakes

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.

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, I think Impossible meat tends to work best.