Delicious and Easy Turkey Meatloaf (Gluten Free)
If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and healthy dinner option, then my gluten-free turkey meatloaf recipe is just what you need. Packed with Italian inspired flavors and made with gluten-free panko, this dish is perfect for those seeking a nutritious meal without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re managing a gluten intolerance or simply exploring new recipes, this turkey meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and makes for great leftovers, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. Read on to discover the secrets to making the best gluten-free turkey meatloaf!
Like my Bison Meatloaf , this meatloaf is packed with protein, amazing flavors and it’s so cozy for the Fall season. You can pair this with my Cumin Sweet Potatoes, Root Vegetable Mash or my Whole 30 Brussel Sprouts.
Why this recipe works
- It’s gluten free and uses gluten free panko.
- Meatloaf might look intimidating but it’s quite easy to make!
- Ground turkey is a great protein source.
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Other Ground Turkey recipes to check out: Ground Turkey Shakshuka , Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats, and Ground Turkey Pesto Pasta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather what you’ll need to create this delicious, gluten-free turkey meatloaf:
- Ground turkey. I suggest 85/15. If you use 99 percent fat free, it may effect the texture. The extra fat keeps the meatloaf moist.
- Gluten free panko. You can also use any gluten free breadcrumbs.
- Milk.
- Egg
- Onion.
- Celery.
- Mozzerella.
- Ketchup. You will use this for the meatloaf mixture and also for the top of the meatloaf.
- Fresh basil and fresh parlsey.
- Salt and pepper.
- Dried herbs for the meatloaf and to season the bread crumbs. If you don’t have all the herbs already, regular Italian seasoning will work great.
- Olive oil for the loaf pan.
How to Make Gluten Free Meatloaf
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Loaf Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. While the oven heats up, prepare your loaf pan. For best results, line the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Turkey Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey along with 1/2 of the ketchup and the rest of the ingredients Use a food processor if you prefer a finer texture, but mixing by hand works just as well. This meat mixture should be well combined but not overmixed to avoid a dense texture.
3. Shape the Meatloaf
Grease the loaf pan with olive oil.Transfer the turkey mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Using your hands, form the meat mixture into a loaf shape, pressing it gently into the pan to ensure it holds together during baking.
3. Bake to Perfection
Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the loaf. This is crucial to ensure your gluten-free turkey meatloaf is cooked through but still juicy.
5. Add the Ketchup Glaze
After 40 minutes, spread the remaining ketchup over the top and place it back in the oven for another 10 minutes. Turkey meatloaf is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. This ketchup glaze is what gives the meatloaf its signature flavor, so don’t skip this step!
6. Let It Rest
Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice and more flavorful.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Slice the meatloaf into even portions and serve it with your favorite side dishes like sweet potatoes, green beans, or cauliflower mash. This gluten-free turkey meatloaf pairs well with almost any vegetable, making it a great addition to your weekly meal prep.
Tips and Variations for this Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf
- Make a Double Batch: This recipe is easily doubled if you want to have leftovers for the next day. Leftover turkey meatloaf is just as tasty and can be enjoyed in sandwiches or alongside a salad.
- Low Carb Option: Swap out the gluten-free breadcrumbs for ground flax or free oats to lower the carb content without sacrificing flavor.
- Tangy Glaze Alternatives: Experiment with different delicious sauces like a homemade tomato sauce, sugar-free ketchup, tomato free ketchup or a mix of tomato paste and brown sugar for varying levels of sweetness and tang. You can also add sugar to the ketchup you are putting on top of the meatloaf but ketchup is already sweet so it’s not needed.
- Gloves: Use gloves to mix the meatloaf.
- Instant Read Thermometer: Use this for best temperature accuracy.
- Food Processor: This will make your life easy when chopping the onions and celery.
Meal Prep and Storage
This gluten-free turkey meatloaf is an excellent choice for meal prep. Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick, healthy food option on busy days.
FAQ
How long should meatloaf rest before cutting?
Let the meatloaf rest for about 10-15 minutes before removing from the pan
Storing leftovers
Store leftover in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave on high for one minute.
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Whether you’re making this gluten-free turkey meatloaf for the first time or it’s already a part of your go-to recipes, it’s sure to be a hit with the entire family. The combination of lean ground turkey, simple ingredients, and a simple ketchup glaze creates a dish that’s full of great flavor and perfect for any occasion. Try it out, and you might just find that this is the best meatloaf recipe you’ve ever made!
Delicious and Easy Turkey Meatloaf (Gluten Free)
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Equipment
- loaf pan
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey 85/15 is best
- 1 cup gluten free panko seasoned (see below)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 onion 1/2 of a medium/small onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup celery chopped, about 2 celery sticks
- 1/2 cup mozzarrella shredded
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup ketchup divided, 1/2 for mixing and half for the top
- salt and pepper as needed
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Seasoning for the Panko
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Start with seasoning the gluten free panko. In a small bowl, add the panko along with the seasonings. Mix with whisk to combine.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey along with 1/2 of the ketchup and all the other ingredients. Save the remaining ketchup for the topping.
- Grease the loaf pan with olive oil.
- Place meatloaf into the pan. Put the loaf pan on a baking sheet and place in the oven for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, spread the remaining ketchup over the top. Place back in the oven for additional 10 minutes.
- Turkey meatloaf is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- When meatloaf is done, let it rest for about 15 minutes before cutting. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top to serve.
Notes
- Having gloves to mix the meatloaf.
- Using a thermometer to temp it.
- You can add sugar to the ketchup you are putting on top of the meatloaf but ketchup is already sweet so it’s not needed.
- Making meatloaf the night before and serving it the next day helps the flavors mold together and also with slicing the meatloaf.
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Use a food processor for the onions and celery.
FAQ How long should meatloaf rest before cutting? Let the meatloaf rest for about 10-15 minutes before removing from the pan. Storing leftovers Store leftover in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave on high for about 1 minute .
