The Best Gluten-free Meatloaf Recipe
Introduction
This gluten-free meatloaf is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting family dinner. Made with lean beef and a tangy ketchup glaze, it’s both simple to prepare and delicious. Even those avoiding gluten will enjoy this classic dish.

Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅔ cup certified gluten-free oats
- 2 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup + 3 Tbsp. gluten-free ketchup, divided
- 1 Tbsp. gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 and ½ tsp. ground mustard, divided
- ¾ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, allowing it to overhang the long sides for easy removal. Lightly spray the pan with cooking spray.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and diced onion. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, then remove from heat and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Step 3: Pulse the gluten-free oats in a food processor a few times until they are coarsely ground but not flour-like. Transfer oats to a large mixing bowl along with the cooled onion mixture, ground beef, egg, 3 tablespoons of the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4: Using your hands, gently mix all ingredients until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the remaining ⅓ cup ketchup, brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon ground mustard to make the glaze. Set aside.
- Step 6: Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, spread the glaze evenly over the top, and return to bake for another 30 minutes or until fully cooked through. Let cool for 10 minutes before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a lighter version.
- If you don’t have gluten-free oats, crushed gluten-free crackers can be a good alternative binder.
- Let the meatloaf rest after baking to make slicing easier and to keep it juicy.
Storage
Store leftover meatloaf tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave or oven until heated through. This meatloaf can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when ready to eat for best texture and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for people with gluten intolerance?
Absolutely. All ingredients are gluten-free, and certified gluten-free oats ensure the meatloaf is safe for those avoiding gluten.
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The Best Gluten-free Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This gluten-free meatloaf recipe combines lean ground beef with gluten-free oats and a flavorful blend of spices, onions, and a tangy ketchup glaze. Perfectly baked and easy to prepare, it offers a hearty, comforting meal that’s suitable for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅔ cup certified gluten-free oats
- 2 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 3 Tbsp. gluten-free ketchup
- 1 Tbsp. gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 and ½ tsp. ground mustard (divided)
- ¾ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
Glaze
- ⅓ cup gluten-free ketchup
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
- ½ tsp. ground mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, allowing for an overhang on the long sides to facilitate easy removal later. Lightly spray the pan with cooking spray.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sauté diced yellow onion, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove from heat and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Process Oats: Place gluten-free oats in a food processor and pulse lightly a few times until ground but not toward a flour consistency. Transfer oats to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: Add the cooled onion and garlic mixture, lean ground beef, egg, 3 tablespoons gluten-free ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, salt, and black pepper to the oats in the bowl. Using your hands, gently mix until ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the remaining ⅓ cup gluten-free ketchup, brown sugar, and the remaining ½ teaspoon ground mustard. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Bake Initially: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Apply Glaze and Continue Baking: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly spread the prepared ketchup glaze over the top. Return the loaf to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Use the parchment or foil overhang to lift the loaf from the pan. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Using gluten-free oats instead of breadcrumbs ensures the recipe remains gluten-free while adding texture.
- Allow the onion and garlic mixture to cool before mixing with raw meat to prevent premature cooking of the meat.
- The parchment or foil overhang provides an easy way to lift the meatloaf out of the pan without sticking.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking enhances juiciness and makes slicing easier.
- Ground mustard adds a subtle tang and depth without overwhelming the flavor.
- You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: gluten-free meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, gluten-free dinner, baked meatloaf, lean beef meatloaf

