Moist and Delicious Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf

Name: Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey (* see note); 1/3 cup gluten free panko (* see note); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 large egg; 1/4 cup chopped fire-roasted red peppers (* see note); 3 tablespoons grated parmesan; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese; 3 tablespoons fresh basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper

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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 throw together on those busy days save my sanity!

a fork pulling a bite out with stretchy cheese

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Why you should try this:
Ingredient notes:
Recipe step-by-step directions:
Optional tips:
Which gluten free breadcrumbs?
Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ:
Side dish ideas:
📖 Recipe
Fearless Dining
💬 Comments

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!

When you taste this healthy gluten free meatloaf, your taste buds will dance! Each bite contains juicy ground turkey, Mexican cheese, panko bread crumbs, sweet diced tomatoes, and seasonings.

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 do 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 many 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:

gluten free turkey meatloaf ingredients including panko and eggs in a bowl

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 at 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.

gluten free turkey meatloaf read to bake

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. When done baking, the turkey meatloaf temp should be 165º F with a meat thermometer.

two mini cast iron skillets with baked turkey meatloaf inside.

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 many 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:

Can I substitute the egg?

Yes, you can substitute the egg if you have dietary restrictions or can’t tolerate it. I recommend replacing it with beef broth or tomato sauce. Use a ¼ cup, and you probably won’t even notice the difference.

How can I tell if this is done baking?

You can tell if the turkey meatloaf is done in 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.

Can I freeze meatloaf?

Yes, you can freeze skillet turkey meatloaf. Cool any leftovers and then place them in an airtight container. Keeping the turkey meatloaf in an airtight container will prevent freezer burn and preserve the flavors.

How do you thaw frozen meatloaf?

When you are ready to use, thaw out in the fridge overnight. Then you can heat it in the oven or microwave.

a fork pulling turkey meatloaf with melted cheese hanging down

I have made a couple of guides that I would like to tell you about if you are 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!