Best Gluten-Free Turkey Meatloaf Recipe: So Moist!
Last Update: 01/08/2025
This meatloaf recipe is ALWAYS a winner! In fact, my meal prep clients consistently chose it as one of their most favorite dinners!
It happens to be a gluten-free turkey meatloaf recipe, but it is hands down the most delicious turkey meatloaf recipe of any kind!
Why You’ll Love This GluteN-Free Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
It’s Delicious
It’s a meal the whole family will love! What makes this the best turkey meatloaf recipe? It’s the super-moist consistency—and I’ll tell you my secret.
It’s the same secret that I use for my Italian turkey meatball recipe and Urfa kebab recipe.
It’s Healthy
As one of America’s classic comfort foods, most meatloaves are the opposite of healthy—but you can eat this one guilt-free!
Made with ground turkey instead of ground beef, it’s lower in fat and cholesterol. And with oats instead of bread crumbs, it’s higher in fiber than your traditional meatloaf recipe.
It’s So Easy
You don’t even need a loaf pan! But feel free to use one if you prefer. I just use a baking sheet!
Gluten-Free Turkey Meatloaf Ingredients
Although this gluten-free meatloaf recipe uses simple ingredients found in most grocery stores, I’d like to offer some tips and options for you.
Eggs
If you’re really watching your fat intake and cholesterol, you can use 1 cup of liquid egg whites instead of whole eggs. But the extra fat from a genuine egg yolk does improve the moistness. There’s about a half whole egg per portion of meatloaf.
Ketchup
You can substitute tomato puree or even tomato sauce for ketchup, but I think ketchup works best for the loaf itself and for the sauce on top.
Worcestershire Sauce
The original recipe for Worcestershire sauce includes barley malt vinegar, which is not good if you have celiac disease. However, if you don’t have a gluten sensitivity, you do not need to purchase a special Worcestershire sauce for this recipe.
Other options to use in place of oatmeal include gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. But for the best flavor, stick to the oats.
Onion
This is one of the secrets to making moist meatloaf. I use a food processor and go beyond mincing the onion until it’s more like a pulp or puree. One medium onion makes about 1½ cups of pureed onion.
Do not use red onions; they will turn gray!
Carrots
I also us the processor to mince the carrots fine. You’ll need about 2 large carrots to make ¾ of a cup of minced carrots.
Oatmeal
This meatloaf is made with oatmeal, so if you do need it to be gluten free, be sure to use gluten-free oats. If you don’t need your recipe to be gluten free, any quick-cooking or instant oats will do.
Ground Turkey
I like to use lean ground turkey for health reasons, but you can use ground beef if you prefer it.
Meatloaf Sauce
The meatloaf sauce recipe couldn’t be more simple. Just mix together:
½ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Pro tip: Make a double batch of the sauce to serve with your meatloaf.
Sauce variation: For a change of pace, replace the meatloaf sauce with barbecue sauce in the meatloaf mixture. Brush the BBQ sauce on top of your meatloaf as well.
GLUTEN-FREE TURKEY MEATLOAF RECIPE
Servings: 8
Ingredients
5 whole eggs
½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons chili powder
1½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1½ cups onion, minced or processed
¾ cup carrot, minced or processed
1½ cups quick-cooking gluten-free oats
2 pounds lean ground turkey
1 recipe meatloaf sauce (see above)
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs.
2. Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the large bowl, and whisk well.
3. Stir in onions and carrots.
4. Add oats, stir, and let sit for at least 10 minutes.
5. Add in turkey, and thoroughly mix all ingredients together.
6. Let the meat mixture sit another 30 minutes in the refrigerator. During this time, heat your oven to 350°, and prepare your baking sheet or loaf pans.
For easy clean up, line two sheet pans with parchment paper or aluminum foil and then spay with olive oil cooking spray.
7. Divide the meatloaf mixture in two. Form two loaves of identical shape and size on your sheet pans. To avoid dry ends, make sure each loaf shape has flat rather than pointy ends.
8. Bake 30 minutes.
9. Take out of the oven and brush the top of the meatloaves with meatloaf sauce. Return loaves to the oven.
10. Bake another 15 minutes until internal temperature of your meatloaves is 165°. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut a loaf in the center and make sure it is cooked through.
11. Once you’re certain the meatloaves are cooked through, let them rest 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to serve.
Tips for Meal Prep and Storing
1. Gluten-free turkey meatloaf holds well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
2. I make this full recipe for 4 people because I love leftovers, and the leftovers freeze well.
3. If you freeze your turkey meatloaf, slice it first before putting it in an airtight container to store in your freezer.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH GLUTEN-FREE TURKEY MEATLOAF
This yummy recipe is sure to be a family favorite! Lots of veggies pair well with it, as do most potato preparations for both Idaho and sweet potatoes. Below are a few great side dishes for your turkey meatloaf meal.
Serve your meatloaf with our Low-Fat Mashed Potatoes for the perfect American dinner. You can even meal prep the ground turkey meatloaf ahead of time to make things super easy!
Nutty Coleslaw is especially nice during summer nights, and gives the meatloaf dinner a lighter touch.
Kale and Quinoa with Orange Dressing can be served hot or cold as a delicious side dish.
Mexican-food lovers, you’ll flip for Cilantro Lime Corn and Zucchini.
If you prefer to stay traditional, green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts are always a good option.
No matter what sides you decide on, I hope you love this turkey meatloaf!
