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Meatloaf is one of those nostalgic, classic dinners that instantly feels like home — and this version checks all the boxes for clean eating without skimping on flavor. Tender, juicy, and seasoned just right, this Classic Gluten-Free Meatloaf is simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for Sunday dinner.
A comforting, wholesome dinner the whole family will love — and gluten-free, dairy-free, Paleo & Whole30-friendly too!
Why This Meatloaf Really Works
It’s hard to believe it took us many years to develop a delicious, yet classic, meatloaf recipe. But this has been a favorite for many years, and we know without a doubt it will continue to be!
- Naturally gluten-free & paleo-friendly — no breadcrumbs needed.
- Dairy-free & Whole30 compatible — clean comfort food.
- Simple ingredients — pantry staples come together in a flavorful way.
- Juicy texture — thanks to almond flour and flavorful seasonings.
Whether you bake it in a loaf pan or shape it free-form, it pairs beautifully with your favorite sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
*Scroll down to the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and all details.
- Grass-fed Ground Beef: We prefer 85% or greater. We love buying ours here.
- Eggs: Binds everything together.
- Almond Flour: Or you can substitute ground flaxseed for nut-free.
- Tomato Paste: Adds richness and savory depth.
- Coconut Aminos: A savory, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhances the flavors in the recipe.
- Seasoning: Garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, and onion powder create a balanced seasoning.
Tips for Big Flavor
Traditional meatloaf uses breadcrumbs to help tenderize the meat. In our meatloaf recipe, we’re using almond flour instead. Almond flour not only helps hold the meatloaf together when mixed with eggs but also adds extra fat, which helps keep it tender. Because we wanted this meatloaf to be as simple as possible, while still being flavorful, we opted to use dried herbs and spices instead of fresh onion and garlic. We also add tomato paste and coconut aminos, which help build on the flavor and give it a deep umami flavor.
How to Make Gluten-Free Meatloaf
While we think this is a foolproof recipe, there are some tips and tricks to know if you want to make the best-tasting meatloaf!
- Preheat & prep: Heat your oven to 400°F.
- Mix: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, almond flour, tomato paste, coconut aminos, and spices. Add ground beef and gently combine until just mixed.
- Shape: Press the mixture evenly into an 8″ × 5″ loaf pan (or shape it free-form on a baking sheet).
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake about 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F.
- Rest: Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing — this helps keep it juicy.
Optional Glaze:
While this meatloaf is delicious as-is, you can add a glaze if you like:
- Brush ½ cup ketchup or barbecue sauce on top about halfway through baking so it caramelizes slightly in the oven.
Tips + Tools for Success
Don’t buy ground beef that’s too lean for this recipe.
Mix the meatloaf just until it’s combined, and then stop. If you overwork the dough, you’ll end up with a tougher, drier meatloaf.
Press evenly in the loaf pan.
Use a meat thermometer!
Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Use a serrated knife (like a bread knife) when slicing.
Customize The Recipe
This recipe is a great foundation for variations:
- Mix proteins: Try half beef, half turkey for a lighter version.
- Nut-free: Swap the almond flour for ground flaxseed.
- Flavor boost: Add fresh herbs or a touch of mustard to the mix.
Sides to Serve with Meatloaf:
- Classic Mashed Potatoes (Paleo + Vegan)
- Collard Greens with Bacon
- Garlicky Blistered Green Beans
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (Lightened Up)
- Healthy Creamed Spinach (Made Without Cream!)
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
If you like this classic gluten-free recipe, check out these others:
- The BEST Gluten-Free Lasagna
- Gluten Free Biscuits
- Deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie (Gluten Free)
- Ultimate Fried Chicken (Gluten-Free)
Classic Gluten Free Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup 44 grams almond flour (see note)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
- 1-1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 lb. grass-fed 85% ground beef
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400ºF.
- In a large bowl whisk together eggs, almond flour, tomato paste, coconut aminos and all spices. Add ground beef and mix together until completely combined.
- Evenly spread the meat mixture in a 8” x 5” loaf pan.
- Bake in the oven for for 50 minutes, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 155ºF.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before cutting with a serrated knife.
Absolutely delicious. I’m pregnant and was having a hard time finding healthy recipes since I was diagnosed with GD, but this one is delicious and everyone says tastes amazing. Follow the recipe to the T.
Recipe was spot on, not sure why I would ever make a meatloaf with bread crumbs again. Glazed with Primal Ketchup blended with some hot water and a date. Was delicious, my whole family loved it and this will now be on our rotating menu, thank you!
This recipe was AMAZING!! Super easy and so yummy. I added organic garlic bbq sauce half way through the bake. Paired with Brussel sprouts- perfect.
Do you have the nutrition information for this recipe?
Either lean groundbeef or half groundbeef half ground turkey, Using porkskins instead of bread crumbs, 2 eggs, fresh onions and tomato paste , garlic, salt and pepper to suite your taste, makes a great meatloaf with a slight “bacon” flavor.
Thanks for this recipe. I’m going to make it for my son later this week. I will let you know what he says.