Description

This Juicy Gluten-Free Meatloaf recipe delivers the comforting, nostalgic flavors of mom’s classic meatloaf but adapted to be entirely gluten-free. With a moist and tender texture, rich seasoning, and a flavorful tomato glaze, this dish makes a perfect family dinner that everyone will love. The recipe uses gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensures every bite is packed with satisfying taste and heartiness without compromising on dietary needs.

Ingredients

Meatloaf

1 ½ pounds ground beef (80% lean)
¾ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
½ cup milk (dairy or dairy-free alternative)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Glaze

½ cup tomato ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for the meatloaf to bake evenly.
Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, gluten-free breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are just combined without overmixing, which keeps the meatloaf tender.
Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to a lined or lightly greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensuring an even shape helps it cook uniformly.
Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. This glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish that caramelizes beautifully.
Apply the glaze: Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf before baking, reserving the rest for later to add more flavor.
Bake the meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Halfway through baking, brush the remaining glaze on top to keep it moist and flavorful.
Rest and serve: Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicy slice. Slice and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the recipe’s gluten-free integrity.
You can substitute ground beef with a mix of beef and pork for added flavor.
Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing ensures better texture and juiciness.
For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk.
Check Worcestershire sauce ingredients to ensure it’s gluten-free.