Gluten-Free Meatloaf {Dairy-Free Option}

Name: Gluten-Free Meatloaf {Dairy-Free Option}
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% or leaner); 1 large egg, whisked; 1 cup gluten-free bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons gluten-free Worcestershire sauce (I use Lea & Perrins); 1/4 cup milk (, dairy-free use almond, cashew or coconut milk); 2 tablespoons dried chopped onion; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 3/4 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard

By Audrey Roberts

5 from 39 votes

Oct 12, 2019

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This gluten-free meatloaf is perfectly spiced, juicy and tender. This traditional meatloaf recipe is just like mom used to make with a sweet and tangy glaze topping. The recipe also has a dairy-free option.

Gluten-Free Meatloaf

Gluten-Free Meatloaf is one of my family’s favorite meals! (especially my oldest son) Meatloaf was one of the meals that my Mom made all of the time, and it was one of my favorite meals too.

I have been making meatloaf since I was a teen, and I am happy to share my tried and true recipe for classic meatloaf made gluten-free with you.

My gluten-free meatloaf recipe is super easy to make. It’s perfectly seasoned and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. You won’t get a dry and flavorless meatloaf with my recipe!

You can see just how easy this gluten-free meatloaf is to make in the recipe video.

How To Make Gluten-Free Meatloaf

There are only a few easy steps to make this gluten-free meatloaf!

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8 x 4-inch glass loaf pan with parchment paper if you do not want to slice the meatloaf in the pan.
In a large bowl, stir together the whisked egg, breadcrumbs, seasoning mix, Worcestershire sauce, and milk and let sit for 2-3 minutes. (photo 1)
Add the ground beef to the breadcrumb mixture, and use your hands to together to fully combine. Do not overmix the meat or the meatloaf will be tough. (photo 2)
Add the meat mixture to a loaf pan. Pat the meat down into an even layer. (photo 3)
In a small bowl, stir together the glaze ingredients. (photo 4)
Pour the glaze on top of the meatloaf and spread it into an even layer. (photo 5)
Bake on the middle rack for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
The meatloaf can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

What Type Of Pan Is Best To Cook The Meatloaf In?

My mom cooked her meatloaf in an 8 x 4-inch glass loaf pan, so that’s the type of loaf pan I have always cooked my meatloaf in. I also tested this gluten-free meatloaf recipe in a 9 x 5-inch metal loaf pan. I preferred the results of the 8 x 4-inch glass loaf pan.

If you are going to use a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan, please check your meatloaf after cooking for 1-hour. The 9 x 5-inch loaf pan makes a wider, but flatter loaf and it may need less cooking time. My husband likes his meatloaf well done, so I still cook it for the full 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Can I Make The Meatloaf On A Baking Sheet?

I have tested this recipe baking on a lined baking sheet and in a loaf pan. I prefer to use a loaf pan.

I like my meatloaf to taste a look just like the meatloaf my mom made, so the loaf pan works best for that. I feel that the loaf pan keeps all the glaze in place perfectly and that the meat is juicier baked in the loaf pan.

If you want to bake your meatloaf on a baking sheet, shape the meatloaf into a loaf shape, top with the glaze, and bake as normal.

What Are The Best Type Of Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs To Use For The Meatloaf?

Since this meatloaf has it’s own seasoning blend, I like using unseasoned gluten-free bread crumbs. You can even use gluten-free Panko bread crumbs in this recipe.

Tips For Making The Best Gluten-Free Meatloaf

Use 90% or leaner ground beef. The leaner ground beef will help keep your meatloaf from being too greasy.
Allow the breadcrumb mixture to sit for 2-3 minutes before adding the beef. This step helps keep your meatloaf from being too dry.
If you do not want to cut the meatloaf in the pan, line the loaf pan with a folded piece of parchment paper. (see recipe video)

Can I Make The Meatloaf Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the meatloaf as directed except for adding the glaze. Cover the meatloaf with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. When ready, remove for the refrigerator, add the glaze to the top of the loaf and bake as directed.

Can I Freeze The Meatloaf?

You can freeze the meatloaf before you bake it or after it is finished baking.

If you are freezing the meatloaf unbaked, wrap with foil or plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. The meatloaf can be frozen up to 3 months. Allow the meatloaf to defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. It’s best to add the glaze topping before baking.

If you are freezing the meatloaf after it is baked, do not wrap the loaf until it is completely cooled. Once completely cooled, wrap with foil or plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag.

The meatloaf can be frozen up to 3 months. Allow the meatloaf to defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the microwave or oven.

Why Does Meatloaf Fall Apart?

It’s important to use gluten-free breadcrumbs as the binding ingredient in this recipe. I have not tested this recipe with gluten-free oats.

Also, if you sliced it while it was still too hot, it may fall apart. I always let my meatloaf cool for 10 minutes before slicing it.

How Can I Tell When The Meatloaf Is Done?

The meatloaf is fully cooked when the internal temperature of 160°F. If your meatloaf a little pink but is 160°F, the meatloaf is ready to eat.

Dairy-Free Cooking

I have included a dairy-free option for this gluten-free meatloaf recipe. My husband, myself and my youngest son are also dairy-free. So, now you too can enjoy a gluten-free and dairy-free meatloaf.

For the dairy-free option, I used gluten-free and dairy-free breadcrumbs and coconut milk beverage (carton, not canned). Milk is added in this meatloaf recipe to soak up the bread crumbs, and it adds moisture to the meatloaf.

I promise this gluten-free meatloaf is just as moist using a dairy-free milk subsite like almond, cashew or coconut milk.

Some of my favorite dairy-free alternatives that I like to cook with are almond, cashew or coconut milk. I also like cooking with olive oil, coconut oil or Smart Balance butter.

What Can I Serve With Gluten-Free Meatloaf?

Here are some of my favorite side dishes to serve with meatloaf.

More Gluten-Free Dinner Recipes To Try!

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Categorized as:
Dairy-Free, Dinner, Kid-Friendly

About Audrey Roberts

I'm Audrey Roberts, a busy mama of four and I love sharing the recipes that I make for my family. I make gluten-free family-friendly recipes that are simple and delicious that you can too! I use easy to find ingredients that won't break your budget. You will also find dairy-free options and Paleo recipes. I am also the author of The Everything Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Cookbook, which is an Amazon Best Selling Cookbook in the US and Internationally. Living gluten-free since 2010. I hope by me sharing my journey it may help you with yours.