Gluten-Free Italian Turkey Meatloaf
A healthier twist on classic meatloaf featuring lean ground turkey infused with Italian herbs and topped with a seasoned tomato sauce. The combination of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and aromatic spices creates a flavorful and moist loaf that's perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The gluten-free breadcrumbs make it accessible for those avoiding wheat, while the simple preparation and one-pan cooking method keeps cleanup minimal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- ½ cup gluten free breadcrumbsregular breadcrumbs1:1budget
contains gluten
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 4 teaspoons McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning, divided
- 1 teaspoon McCormick onion powder
- 1 teaspoon McCormick garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon McCormick ground black pepper
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- 2
Mix together turkey, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan, egg, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning and remaining seasonings
- 3
Mix well until combined
- 4
Shape into a loaf and place on a shallow baking pan
- 5
Stir together tomato sauce and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning in a small bowl
- 6
Pour sauce over the meatloaf
- 7
Bake for 60 minutes
- 8
Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese once out of the oven
- 9
Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing
Tips
Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute and make slicing cleaner.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container.
Can be assembled up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Serve hot with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense texture.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the turkey.
Let rest before slicing to prevent the loaf from falling apart.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
contains gluten
FAQ
Can I freeze this meatloaf?
Yes, wrap cooled cooked meatloaf tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
What if I don't have Italian seasoning?
Mix equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme with a pinch of garlic powder and rosemary as a substitute.
How do I know when it's fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the loaf.