This Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf is a makeover of one of the first recipes I posted when I first started blogging. It’s a family favorite and a great way to stretch a pound of ground meat! I’ve updated it for a number of reasons. First of all, I wanted to make it gluten free.
Second, the original recipe used a stuffing mix, which isn’t really necessary if you just use dried bread cubes and poultry seasoning. (This post was originally on August 26, 2017. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn commission on qualifying purchases.)
My mom never made meatloaf when I was growing up, so the first time I ever had this was in my late 20’s. It’s so delicious, I generally make a double batch because the first one is inhaled by the family and I do like to “cook once, eat twice”! It’s a great budget dish too, as a pound and a half of ground meat will serve 4-6. I pump up the flavor in both the meatloaf and gravy with a bouillon paste, like this one.
What makes this turkey meatloaf so light and fluffy?
The “secret” ingredient in this turkey meatloaf is club soda! The club soda makes it very light and fluffy. A pound and a half of ground turkey makes enough meatloaf to serve 4 to 6.
What makes this turkey meatloaf recipe gluten free?
Instead of regular bread crumbs, use your favorite gluten free bread to make the bread cubes. While this is an extra step, I save the small bits and the heels in the freezer for just this sort of recipe. To make the bread cubes, just cube the My family likes this meatloaf with mushroom gravy and mashed potatoes.
No ketchup meatloaf!
This is the only turkey meatloaf recipe I will eat, as I’m not a fan of ketchup, and it seems most meatloaf has ketchup in, or on it. So it’s definitely more savory than some meatloaf recipes. Since it’s made with ground turkey, there’s more of a poultry flavor.
Gluten Free Turkey Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion chopped, about 2 cups
- 2/3 cup celery chopped
- 3 ounces gluten free bread cubes about 2 cups, diced
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillion
- 1/2 cup plain club soda
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Put bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in oven until golden and crisp, about 10 minutes.
- In a saute pan, heat oil. Add chopped onion and celery and cook 3-4 minutes, until translucent. Add garlic and cook and additional minute, just until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, toasted bread cubes, eggs, sauteed vegetables, spices, and club soda. (I use my hands).
- Fill a lightly greased 9"x6" loaf pan with meatloaf mixture. Do not pack. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Meatloaf should be hot and bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes for juices to set.
Notes
Nutrition
If you’re looking for other ways to change up your pound of ground meat, how about Chinese Lettuce Wraps or Indian Samosas?
Here are some of the items used in this post for your convenience at no additional cost.
Christina says
As a rule, I abhor meatloaf. I don’t know where I had it, but it was like eating a roof shingle. My mother made an Italian meatloaf once, with dry cured italian sausage through the center and it was delicious, but for some reason she (nor I) ever made it again!
Your meatloaf looks totally different than those dry “ketchup filled” bricks. I’m sure I’d love this version, especially with the mushroom gravy! YUM!!
Cynthia says
You know how I feel about ketchup…that’s why I love this recipe!
Andi says
I love this recipe, I’m going to have my hubby try this with low carb bread crumbs – we’re always looking for new dinners to make that are low carb.
Cynthia says
I just save up bits of our GF bread heels.
Kristine says
This turkey meatloaf sounds incredible! And the mushroom gravy is the best idea ever! Yummy!
Cynthia says
thank you Kristine!
Luci's Morsels says
Yummy! This looks great and I have never considered making gluten free meatloaf. I have got to try this soon!
Cynthia says
Thank you Luci!
zouhair fiorino najjar says
Hi..wish you very happy new week..awesome recipe..shared and uploaded to my social accounts..With regard to Turkey meat ,my experience showed me that our Turkey meat is not juicy .like Lamb or beef..somebody suggested me to mix that meat with White Meat of Lamb”FAT”,,would you kindly comment on this with many thanks to you.Zouhair
Cynthia says
good point Zouhair. The ground turkey here in the states has some fat in in. Ground lamb is not as readily available and is much more expensive.
Jagruti says
Nice photography thanks for sharing
Cynthia says
thank you!
Amy @ The Cook Report says
I’ve never really made meatloaf before but this looks like a great recipe
Cynthia says
thank you Amy!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
I’ll have to give this idea to my mom! Her and my dad both really like turkey and we always have leftovers after Thanksgivng!
Cynthia says
this calls for ground turkey, which is available year round too!
Mimi says
Did you say you use club soda in the recipe? I didn’t see it on the list, but I’m really curious how you use it! I like meatloaf because everyone loves it!
Cynthia says
Yes, Mimi,
1/2 cup plain club soda. I’ve amended the recipe.
Mary says
Your instructions show club soda bit it is not listed in your ingredients. Can you please tell me how much to add to the mixture?
Cynthia says
Thanks for catching that! 1/2 cup plain club soda! I’ve amended the recipe card.
Deb A. says
I could not find a baking time for this recipe.
Cynthia says
sorry deb! It’s 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Check to see that it’s hot and bubbly.
Cynthia says
I just went back and checked the instructions. It looks like the last part of the instructions got cut off. I fixed it. Thanks!
Dorothy Meeks says
Where is the gravy recipe?
Cynthia says
I will do a gravy recipe…It is just a basic brown gravy with mushrooms, but I will certainly update it!