This gluten free turkey meatloaf is a hearty meal that tastes amazing! Not only does it taste delicious, but making this skillet meatloaf is also quick and easy! I always say that meals that I can just throw together on those busy days saves my sanity!
When you taste this healthy gluten free meatloaf, your taste buds will be dancing! Each bite is loaded with juicy ground turkey, Mexican cheese, panko bread crumbs, sweet diced tomatoes, and seasonings.
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This is one of those recipes I like to call a stealth dinner. What is this? It is when dinner tastes so good, your kids LOVE it, but they don't know it is healthy! Healthy turkey meatloaf is our secret!
Your kids will also love this easy Gluten Free Sloppy Joe's recipe. You can make it with ground turkey or beef!
Ground turkey meatloaf is a classic meal that never gets old in my house. Even my kids and Mr. Fearless Dining will ask me to make this frequently. If you love meatloaf too, give this Southwestern Meatloaf Burgers recipe a try too!
Why you should try this:
If you love meatloaf, but not all of the fat and calories, this easy healthy turkey meatloaf is the answer. Ground turkey is very lean and my recipe has lots of delicious ingredients to keep it moist and delicious!!
You can also make this recipe with a combination of ground beef and ground turkey to make this a beef and turkey meatloaf.
If you like a hearty breakfast, I highly recommend you try this easy Gluten Free Turkey Shakshuka recipe.
Ingredient notes:
- Ground turkey - You can use any ground meat including ground chicken, beef, or pork.
- Mozzarella - I used shredded mozzarella but you can also use fresh.
- Roasted red peppers - I used jarred red peppers but I include fire roasting directions below if you prefer to roast your own.
- Gluten free panko - You can use gluten free bread crumbs or even Trader Joe's Rice Crumbs.
Recipe step by step directions:
Step 1: Add all of your ingredients to a bowl including ground turkey meat, gluten free panko, eggs, roasted red peppers, basil, and seasonings. Mix well to blend.
If you don't have ground turkey, feel free to use another ground meat (or meat substitute!)
This is what your raw meatloaf mixture will look like.
Note: I used jarred roasted red peppers, but you can also fire roast your own on a grill, or in the oven. To fire roast on a grill, place washed whole red peppers on your grill. Cook on 400º F. As the skin chars, turn the peppers over. When the peppers are charred all around, remove them from the grill and allow them to cool. Peel off the charred skin and use the soft pepper in this recipe.
Step 2: Put it into mini cast iron skillets, one 10-inch cast-iron skillet, or a bread loaf time.
Step 3: Add cheese and bake at 350º F for 25-35 minutes. The actual baking time will depend on what size pan you bake this recipe in. The turkey meatloaf temp should be 165º F with a meat thermometer when done baking.
We love to eat turkey here so I have lots of other gluten free turkey recipes you can try!
Optional tips:
Here are a few ideas that you can do to adjust the flavor of your gluten free turkey meatloaf.
- Ketchup - Once it is finished cooking, drizzle ketchup on top.
- Barbecue sauce - Poor a little bit of barbecue sauce on top right before you are ready to serve.
- Mozzarella cheese - swap out the Mexican shredded cheese for Mozzarella for a different flavor.
This dish is very forgiving and versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to fit your tastes. You are going to love this mouthwatering meatloaf masterpiece!
Which gluten free breadcrumbs?
You can use gluten free panko breadcrumbs, but there are lots of other options too! You can use any items that you tolerate that is gluten free. Bread crumbs can be expensive so it is much cheaper to make your own gluten free bread crumbs!
Crackers, cereal, and tortilla chips (like in this Southwestern Meatloaf recipe) are a few other options as long as they are gluten free as well. I have also used crushed gluten free pretzels like in this gluten free chicken parmesan recipe.
Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ:
Yes, you can substitute the egg if you have dietary restrictions or can’t tolerate it. I recommend replacing with beef broth or tomato sauce. Use a ¼ cup, and you probably won’t even notice the difference.
You can tell if the turkey meatloaf is done a couple of ways. You can look at the color of the ground turkey and if it is cooked all the way through it is most likely done. You should also check the internal temperature by using a meat thermometer. It should be at least 165º F.
Yes, you can freeze skillet turkey meatloaf. Cool any leftovers and then place in an airtight container. Keeping the turkey meatloaf in an airtight container will prevent freezer burn and preserve the flavors.
When you are ready to use, simply thaw out in the fridge overnight. Then you can heat it in the oven or microwave.
I have made a couple of guides that I would like to tell you about if you are just starting out with gluten free eating. The Ultimate Walmart Gluten Free Shopping Guide and Gluten Free Costco Shopping Guide both give you lots of tips and ideas. Even if you are a pro at gluten free dining, it is worth checking them out!
Side dish ideas:
Here are some of my favorite side dishes to serve with gluten free turkey meatloaf:
📖 Recipe
Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey * see note
- ⅓ cup gluten free panko * see note
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup chopped fire-roasted red peppers * see note
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350º F.
- Add all of the ingredients except the mozzarella to a large bowl.
- Mix the ingredients well.
- Add the meatloaf mixture to a 8x8 baking dish, cast iron pan, or loaf pan
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes depending on the depth of the dish you use to bake this meatloaf recipe. I used mini cast iron pans and it took 25 minutes.
- Use a thermometer to make sure the internal temperature is 165º F to know it is done baking.
Notes
- You can use gluten free panko, gluten free bread crumbs, or the new Rice Crumbs from Trader Joe's. You can also make your own gluten free bread crumbs at a much lower price than store-bought.
- You can use ground turkey, chicken, beef, or pork in this recipe. You can also use a combination for more flavor.
- I used jarred roasted red peppers, but you can also fire roast your own on a grill, or in the oven. To fire roast on a grill, place washed whole red peppers on your grill. Cook on 400º F. As the skin chars, turn the peppers over. When the peppers are charred all around, remove them from the grill and allow them to cool. Peel off the charred skin and use the soft pepper in this recipe.
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
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.
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Sharon
This meatloaf looks delicious. A few questions. The shopping list mentions oregano but it is not mentioned in the list of ingredients. If so, is it minced or chopped and are the garlic and oregano minced or chopped. Thanks.
Sandi Gaertner
Hi Sharon, I add the basil into the meat but some prefer to sprinkle it on top. I minced the garlic, but chopping very finely works as well. Thank you!
Edyta
I love easy recipes like this, that you can just quickly whip up during the busy weeknights. It's a keeper!
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you so much Edyta 🙂