Easy Gluten-Free Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs
This easy, gluten-free meatloaf is packed with grass-fed ground beef, shredded carrots, Italian seasoning, and pork Panko and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze topping. It tastes just like the kind mom used to make with healthy swaps that make it dairy-free, Whole30, paleo, keto, and low-carb!
What Makes This Recipe Great
I grew up loving my mom’s meatloaf recipe. Meatloaf is comfort food at its finest! But, as is the case with many traditional recipes, it’s not gluten-free!
So, I set out to re-make another classic recipe, but without gluten, dairy, or carbs. I have to say, it’s AMAZING! Introducing my recipe for the ultimate Whole30, keto, paleo, and gluten-free meatloaf (without breadcrumbs)!
This tender and flavorful gluten-free meatloaf is packed with grass-fed ground beef, shredded carrots, Italian seasoning, and pork Panko and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. Serve with Keto Green Bean Casserole or Dairy Free Whole30 Mashed Potatoes and enjoy a cozy and delicious dinner.
Ingredient Notes
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients.
Ground Beef: You will need 2 lbs of ground beef for this gluten-free meatloaf recipe. I like to use organic ground beef, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
Pork Panko: This is basically crushed-up pork rinds. You can get it on Amazon. It replaces regular Panko or regular breadcrumbs, making an easy gluten-free breadcrumbs substitute.
Ketchup: Some great Whole30 ketchup brands are Tessemae’s and Primal Kitchen!
Coconut Aminos: I use this as a Whole30 substitute for Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. It has all the same sweet and tangy flavors but is a gluten-free option.
Recipe Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 350. Lightly grease a 9×5 loaf pan.
- Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix well using your hands.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the pan and push it down to even it out and ensure there are no air bubbles. Bake for 30 minutes.
- While it’s baking, make the glaze topping (if you’re using it). When the meatloaf comes out of the oven, spread the topping on top evenly.
- Place back into the oven for 30-35 minutes. Check your meatloaf for an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
- Let the meatloaf cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
Mary’s Tips & Tricks
Breadcrumb Substitute: If preferred, you can substitute the pork panko with Almond Flour, Gluten Free All Purpose Flour, or Coconut Flour. Use the same ratios for the GF flour and almond flour, but only 1/3 of the amount of coconut flour.
Eggless Meatloaf: Making this paleo meatloaf eggless is totally possible. I recommend making two chia eggs. To make one chia egg you mix 1 tbsp chia seeds + 2.5 tbsp water. Double the recipe for two!
Ketchup: If you are eating Whole30 be sure to check the label for compliant, sugar-free ketchup. There are also some great low-carb brands out there like True Foods that make delicious keto ketchup. I don’t recommend tomato paste, as there just isn’t enough sweetness to make this meatloaf taste like the classic we all love.
Nut-Free: To make this recipe nut free, you can substitute gluten-free flour for almond flour. Using this flour, however, would mean this meatloaf is not keto or Whole30 compliant.
Storage: Store your leftover gluten-free meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Recipe FAQs
As seen in this meatloaf with breadcrumbs, I use almond flour and pork panko. These are excellent gluten-free substitutes that are also low-carb and keto friendly. You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Using an instant-read meat thermometer, stick the thermometer about halfway down the center of the meatloaf. When it’s done, the meatloaf’s internal temperature should be 160F. You’ll know once it’s reached this internal temp that it is safe to eat.
Slicing the meatloaf when it is too hot can have this effect. Let it rest, then slice. Make sure you use eggs, pork panko, almond flour, or flour substitute as a binding agent.
This Whole30 and paleo meatloaf can be frozen fully cooked or raw and stored for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap your meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum and store it in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to defrost the meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Easy Gluten-Free Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- ¼ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup Pork Panko , or crushed up pork rinds – if you don't have this or don't want to use it, just use another 1/4 cup almond flour in it's place.
- 2 eggs
- ½ onion, diced fine
- ¼ cup grated carrot
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp Whole30 friendly ketchup
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1.5 tsp sea salt
Topping
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350. Lightly grease a 9×5 loaf baking pan. Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well using your hands.
- Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan and push down to even it out and ensure there are no air bubbles. Bake for 30 minutes.
- While it's baking, making the topping (if you're using it).
- When the meatloaf comes out of the oven, spread the topping on top evenly.
- Place back into the oven for 30-35 minutes.
- Let the meatloaf cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was published December 3, 2021. and updated with new photos and content on December 20, 2022.
43 Comments on “Easy Gluten-Free Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs”
Love this recipe! Delicious.
Thank you, Jori!
I made this meatloaf (with no substitutes) several days ago and it was the best tasting meatloaf I’ve ever had. Even my picky husband loved it. I am gluten and dairy free for several years now, and can no longer use my standard recipe. No worries, this is even better! Perhaps the pork panko adds a lot of the rich flavor in this meatloaf. It’s seriously yummy!
So glad you enjoyed it!!
I grew up disliking my mom and grandmothers meatloaf. This meatloaf is a favorite in my house. We are obsessed with it! My partner says if I didn’t like meatloaf we wouldn’t be together. He says this meatloaf is responsible for us staying together. (Among a million other reasons). Thank you! So good!
haha well I am glad you both love it!!
I made this for the first time last night and it is the first and only meatloaf that stays together when I cut it. All the others I tried crumble even after resting for 15-20 minutes. It tasted great and will definitely be the only one I make from now on. Thanks Mary!
This recipe is delicious! My husband is a meatloaf lover and could eat the whole thing. It is also great warmed up. Thanks for this easy and tasty recipe.
This is by FAR my favorite meatloaf recipe! It’s not crazy complicated, which I love & it’s is such a comforting meal! The whole family loves it!
Everyone in the family loved this one and had seconds!
This is hands down the easiest and most savory meatloaf I have ever made. Easy and quick to make. The topping definitely gives the final touch. This recipe is definitely going to my book of favorites.
Delish- even my 4 year old enjoyed it. Thanks again, Mary!
So delicious, and quick to make. It’s definitely kid approved, my 4 year old ate two huge servings!
Made this last night for the first time, and it was delicious! But the highest compliment possible came from my 13 year old. Unsolicited, he said half way through dinner…this is the best meatloaf I’ve EVER had! Definite winner!
Absolutely love this! I make this every few weeks for meal prep. This is one of my favorite paleo beef recipes! I’ve tried several recipes but THIS ONE IS THE BEST!
Not a big fan of beef, but I made this for hubby. WOW! This is delicious and the only beef dish I have wholeheartedly included in my meal prepping from now on! I absolutely loved it. Made it exactly as given recipe.
Thank you.
So glad you all enjoyed it, Mirna!
Our favorite recipe! When I ask the kids what they want to plan for dinner, they ALWAYS say this recipe! So good and full of so much flavor!