Looking for a family favorite recipe that those who are gluten-free can enjoy? Look no further because this Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf will come to your rescue.
First off, is meatloaf healthy?
Yes, it is when you make it with a few simple swaps!
First things first, let’s talk about the meat. While you can certainly make a vegetarian meatloaf with lentils, I know my grandmother would be rolling her eyes right now in her grave by just saying that.
To redeem myself, I’m going to show you how to make a lean meatloaf that’s high in protein using ground turkey and a whole grain like red rice.
I still use a whole egg in the recipe as you don’t want to toss that yolk! Remember, the yolk is where the nutrition is (and helps to hold your meatloaf together).
But, truth be told, I can’t take credit for this recipe. It was inspired by the wonderful Katie Cavuto and her latest cookbook, Whole Cooking and Nutrition.
What can I swap in this Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf?
Seriously, anything!
Okay, well, almost anything.
You see, I went to make the quinoa meatloaf from Katie’s book I mentioned above and didn’t have quinoa.
But, we did have a plethora of fresh peppers from the garden and red rice.
Nevertheless, I knew the flavor profile could be altered slightly using the ingredients I had on hand but still keeping true in form her original recipe.
Seriously, that’s why I love cooking!
The great chefs behind these fantastic cookbooks give you the courage, inspiration and power to get in your kitchen and create your own unique twists on those classic recipes they share with you.
I highly recommend you first try out her original recipe, then give it a second whirl adding your favorite spices and herbs too, like this Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf!
Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 medium red bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic peeled
- 1/4 small red onion chopped
- 1 medium carrot peeled and chopped
- 1 Thai chili seeded
- 1 Serrano pepper seeded
- 1/2 cup cooked red rice or quinoa, brown rice, alternative whole grain
- 16 ounces lean ground turkey
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375*F.
- In a food processor, process egg, bell pepper, garlic, red onion, carrot, Thai chili and serrano pepper. Process until smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combined pureed mixture with red rice, ground turkey and spices. Mix thoroughly together.
- In a 6 x 4 x 2-inch loaf pan sprayed with cooking spray (or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper), place turkey mixture and pat down. If using the baking sheet, form into a 6 x 2 x 2-inch loaf.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165*F.
- Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes prior to cutting.
- Top with desired sauce of choice.
Lorie says
Yay! this is gonna be the way I get Sam man to eat quinoa! So pumped!
Meme says
This meatloaf is so juicy and flavorful! Its one of my favorite recipes!
Tawnie Kroll says
Loved the serrano in this recipe! mmmm
Jen Brooks says
Hi Elizabeth, since I’m celiac am always looking for new gluten-free meals to add to my cookbook. Thanks to you, today I’ve added a new item into my not-so-big list. This recipe is very well explained and plenty of pictures to better understand the cooking process. I’m definitely giving this recipe a try. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thanks so much Jen! I hope you enjoy it!
Rebecca | NOURISHED. the blog says
Comfort food at its finest! I love the quinoa here – so creative!! And the flavour profile of this meatloaf would definitely be a winner with my family too.
Elizabeth Shaw says
Woohoo! I am so glad you like it Rebecca!
Taylor Kiser says
Love this healthier meatloaf! The cookbook sounds amazing. I need to look for a copy!
Elizabeth Shaw says
It’s amazing!! I am certain you won’t regret it!
Dee Johnson says
I love this cookbook! I shared on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/403283341616949315/
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thank you Dee!!!
Sonali- The Foodie Physician says
This meatloaf looks so tasty! I love the concept for this book, I’m so glad Katie wrote it! Yumming, stumbling and tweeting now 🙂
Elizabeth Shaw says
You are the best- thanks Sonali for the support!
GiGi Eats says
HELLOOOOOOO beauty!! 😀 Looks amazing!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thanks my friend!!
Ginger Hultin says
Yay Katie! So exciting – I want her book : )
Elizabeth Shaw says
You are entered to win my friend!! So many yummy veg recipes too!
Katy says
This meatloaf looks amazing and would be perfect for a cold day. I love some healthy comfort food! I’ve made a few recipes from Katie’s blog and all of them were winners.. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thanks so much Katy for entering and your comment! I love Katie’s work too!
Farrah says
Yay for cookbooks! That meatloaf looks all kinds of awesome–I’m going to have to try making it this weekend (I think I have almost all the ingredients to make it, or something like it depending on what I have lying around. 😛 ) Thank you for the giveaway!
Shared this on twitter!: https://twitter.com/fairyburger/status/793563341088288770
Elizabeth Shaw says
AWesome, thanks so much Farrah for entering! Let me know if you make it!!!
Brynn at The Domestic Dietitian says
Such a great meatloaf recipe, love any recipe that you can sub some ingredients you have on hand into!
Elizabeth Shaw says
It’s the beauty of recipe creation- I love it!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
This looks like total comfort food. Love that there is quinoa in the mix too 🙂
Elizabeth Shaw says
So true- Katie knows how to make magic happen in the kitchen!
Cara says
Awesome recipe and what a fun meetup story! It’s so fun to see dietitian and foodie friends in their element doing what they love 🙂
Elizabeth Shaw says
Totally agree Cara!!!