Meatloaf without breadcrumbs is gluten-free. Ground beef is paired with chopped carrots, celery, parmesan cheese and an easy tomato sauce topping. This recipe is healthier than traditional meatloaf – its keto-friendly, paleo, and diabetic friendly.
Ready for a delicious gluten-free meatloaf recipe!? Its actually quite easy to make gluten-free meatloaf from scratch. The process is the same as you would a traditional meatloaf – but without the breadcrumbs.
This meatloaf is denser and a bit more crumbly than what you might be used to. But its healthier and delicious! Theres no ketchup – instead the sauce is made with a mixture of tomato paste and coconut aminos (you could also use soy sauce).
These kinds of small tweaks to ingredients can make a big difference to your overall health! The result is an easy, delicious meal youll feel good eating and sharing with your family.
Making meatloaf without breadcrumbs may seem challenging, but it’s actually quite easy with the right ingredients and techniques. The key is to find alternatives that will keep the meatloaf moist and bind the ingredients together. With a few simple swaps, you can make hearty, delicious meatloaf that’s just as good, if not better, than versions made with breadcrumbs.
Why Make Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs?
There are a few good reasons to skip the breadcrumbs:
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You may be looking for a gluten-free or low-carb option. Breadcrumbs have carbs and gluten, so leaving them out creates a meatloaf that works for restricted diets.
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You want a more tender, moist meatloaf. Breadcrumbs can absorb moisture and make meatloaf drier. Omitting them helps keep it juicier.
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You don’t have breadcrumbs on hand. With a well-stocked pantry, you can make meatloaf without running to the store.
Meatloaf Ingredients to Use Instead of Breadcrumbs
Here are some excellent ingredients to use in place of breadcrumbs:
1. Eggs
Eggs act as a binder to hold the meatloaf together. Use 1-2 eggs per pound of ground meat. Beaten eggs also add moisture for a juicier meatloaf.
2. Cheese
Grated hard cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, or Swiss add great flavor The proteins in cheese help bind the meat Use around 1/2 cup cheese per pound of meat.
3. Crushed Crackers
Crush saltine crackers, Ritz crackers, or similar to make “crumb” like texture without gluten. Use about 3/4 cup crushed crackers for 1 pound ground meat.
4. Quick Oats
Uncooked regular or quick oats blended into the meat mixture absorb moisture and add binding power without bread Use 1/2 to 3/4 cup per pound of meat
5. Mushrooms
Chopped mushrooms add moisture, texture, and savory flavor to meatloaf. Use about 1 cup chopped mushrooms per pound of meat.
6. Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast flakes have a savory, cheesy umami taste that enhances flavor. 2-3 tablespoons per pound of meat works well.
Tips for Making Moist Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs
Follow these tips for moist, hold-together-able meatloaf without breadcrumbs:
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Use fattier ground meat. Choose ground beef with a fat content around 80/20 or 85/15 for added moisture and richness. Avoid extra lean meat which can dry out.
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Don’t overmix. Gently mix just until combined so meat doesn’t get dense and rubbery.
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Let it rest before slicing. Allowing the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking lets juices redistribute for moister sliced meatloaf.
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Make a loaf shape. Forming into a standard loaf pan helps the meatloaf hold together better than a round shape.
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Brush with sauce. Basting meatloaf with ketchup, barbecue sauce, or other glaze adds sweet moisture as it bakes.
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Cook covered at first. Starting covered with foil helps meatloaf cook up moist, then remove foil to brown.
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Use fatty toppings. Toppings like bacon add fat that bastes the meatloaf as it renders.
Meatloaf Recipe Without Breadcrumbs
This easy recipe uses eggs, oats, and Parmesan cheese instead of breadcrumbs for a moist and delicious meatloaf.
Ingredients:
- 1 1⁄2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 1⁄2 cup quick oats
- 2 eggs
- 1⁄2 cup shredded Parmesan
- 1⁄2 cup ketchup, divided
- 1⁄4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1⁄2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, mix together beef, oats, eggs, Parmesan, 1⁄4 cup ketchup, onions, garlic, and seasonings until just combined.
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Transfer meat mixture to a loaf pan and shape into a loaf. Spread remaining 1⁄4 cup ketchup over the top.
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Bake for 45-60 minutes until meatloaf reaches 160°F internally. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing to serve.
This easy meatloaf recipe makes for a hearty, family-friendly meal, and reheats very well for leftovers later in the week. The simple ingredients ensure it stays moist and delicious straight through to the last slice, even without breadcrumbs. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a comforting, satisfying dinner.
More Tips for Flavorful Meatloaf Minus Breadcrumbs
Don’t be afraid to add flavor boosters and moistness agents to make your no-breadcrumb meatloaf tasty. Consider stirring in any of the following:
- Diced onions, shallots, or leeks
- Minced garlic or garlic powder
- Worcestershire, steak, or soy sauce
- Tomato sauce or tomato paste
- Barbecue sauce or ketchup
- Chicken or beef broth
- Finely chopped parsley, cilantro, basil, or other fresh herbs
- Spices like paprika, chili powder, cumin, thyme
- Ground nuts for texture and moisture
- Crumbled cooked bacon or sausage
- Grated carrots or zucchini
Can You Freeze Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs?
Freezing uncooked meatloaf is totally possible even without breadcrumbs. Prepare meatloaf mixture through shaping loaf but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before unwrapping and baking as recipe directs. For cooked meatloaf, let cool completely then wrap well and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat thawed meatloaf pieces in oven at 350°F until hot throughout. Glaze with sauce for added moisture.
Satisfying Meatloaf Meals Without Bread Filler
Serving sliced meatloaf alongside flavorful sides makes for a hearty, comforting dinner the whole family will love:
- Meatloaf with creamed spinach and roasted red potatoes
- Meatloaf with green beans and buttery mashed potatoes
- Meatloaf with side salad topped with blue cheese crumbles
- Meatloaf with roasted carrots and parsnips
- Meatloaf with ratatouille or roasted eggplant
- Meatloaf sandwiches on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, and mayo
So don’t let the lack of breadcrumbs stop you from whipping up a deliciously moist meatloaf for dinner. With a few simple ingredient swaps and cooking tips, you can enjoy tasty homemade meatloaf even if you don’t have breadcrumbs or want to avoid them. Meatloaf without breadcrumbs can be just as comforting, crave-worthy, and satisfying.
Meatloaf Without Breadcrumbs Ingredients
Heres what youll need to make the meatloaf:
- Extra Lean Ground Beef – I highly recommend using extra lean ground beef. You’ll get less grease which will make this meatloaf healthier. You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken for this recipe.
- Vegetables – This recipe uses chopped carrots and celery
- Coconut Aminos – This sauce is gluten-free and soy-free. Its used to season both the meatloaf and the sauce. A substitution can be made by using soy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated parmesan cheese is used.
- Egg – One egg is used to help hold the meatloaf together.
- Spices – To flavor the meatloaf youll need onion powder, garlic powder, and ground pepper.
- Meatloaf Sauce – The sauce is poured on top after the meatloaf is cooked. Its made with tomato paste and coconut aminos (or soy sauce). You can optionally add maple syrup or honey to sweeten it a bit.
Keto Meatloaf Tips and Tricks
- Use Extra Lean Ground Beef – Leaner ground beef will contain less fat and produce less grease while cooking.
- Spray The Loaf Pan – Before packing the raw meatloaf into the loaf pan, spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray. I like to use avocado oil spray. This will make it easy for the meatloaf to slip out.
- Large Wooden Spatula – To transfer the cooked meatloaf onto a serving dish, scoop a large wooden spatula underneath the entire loaf. This will hold it sturdy and prevent breaking as you transfer.
No. These vegetables are chopped small in the food processor and then added raw to the meatloaf. They do not need to be cooked beforehand.
As you cook the meatloaf you will get grease and fat that drains out. For the healthiest version of meatloaf, you can transfer the meatloaf to a serving dish and discard the excess grease. You can also scrape it out of the baking sheet with a spatula.
Traditionally, many recipes use breadcrumbs soaked in milk. These are added to the meat which helps to keep it from feeling dry and crumbly. But for many of us who have food allergies, this isnt an option. Personally, Im ok with my meatloaf being more crumbly.
For Keto recipes, you can use arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, and eggs to help hold the meatloaf together. This recipe keeps things simple and just uses eggs, parmesan cheese and minced vegetables.
Meatloaf without bread crumbs (low carb)
FAQ
What can I put in meatloaf instead of breadcrumbs?
- ¼ cup crushed pretzels or crackers.
- ¼ cup crushed cornflakes.
- 2/3 cup rolled oats.
What is the secret to moist meatloaf?
- Soak the breadcrumbs in milk to lock in moisture. The crumbs can hold a lot of moisture that meat simply can’t.
- Cook to 160oF.
- And on that note, resting the meatloaf is also very important to let the juices reabsorb into the meat to make sure the meatloaf stays moist.
What happens if you don’t put breadcrumbs in meatloaf?
Breadcrumbs for meatloaf are used to absorb the juices and keep them in the meat while it cooks so that it stays moist; without the breadcrumbs, the meat would dry out in the oven. Breadcrumbs also add to the meatloaf’s tender texture so it’s more than a giant seasoned hamburger when you pull it out of the oven.
How do you bind without breadcrumbs?
Cooked rice is a great substitute for breadcrumbs when you need a binder, like in black bean burgers, meatballs, or meatloaf.Oct 21, 2021
What is easy classic meatloaf without breadcrumbs?
Easy classic meatloaf without breadcrumbs is a low-carb recipe that everyone will love. The dinner is a moist meatloaf that is a comforting meal for the entire family. We eat a lot of meatloaf around here, and we like to try new ways to make it so it has a bit of a different flavor. This is a new recipe for us and we all really enjoyed it.
Can you eat meatloaf without breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you don’t have to make an extra trip to the store. Here are some of the ingredients that help keep meatloaf moist and delicious without using breadcrumbs: Eggs: Eggs act as a binder to hold the meatloaf together. Use 1-2 eggs per 1 lb of meat. Milk or cream: The milk or cream keeps the meatloaf base moist.
How do you keep meatloaf moist without breadcrumbs?
Here are some of the ingredients that help keep meatloaf moist and delicious without using breadcrumbs: Eggs: Eggs act as a binder to hold the meatloaf together. Use 1-2 eggs per 1 lb of meat. Milk or cream: The milk or cream keeps the meatloaf base moist. Use 2-4 tablespoons per lb of meat.
Does meatloaf need a loaf pan?
Unlike your classic meatloaf recipe, this version is made without breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, or brown sugar and instead uses parmesan cheese and BBQ sauce for a juicy and flavourful meatloaf with minimal ingredients and prep time. Plus, this one pound meatloaf recipe doesn’t require a loaf pan.
Do you need breadcrumbs for meatloaf?
Breadcrumbs are normally added for this purpose as well, however, they are not needed. To properly bind the meatloaf without the use of breadcrumbs, we use an equal-parts mixture of wheat flour, cornstarch, liquid milk, and egg yolk. This will be enough to keep the meatloaf firm so you can cut it properly. 5. Make The Classic Meatloaf Sauce
Should meatloaf be covered?
Keep it covered! Nobody likes biting into a dry slice of meatloaf, so an easy way to make sure it comes out of the oven moist and juicy is to cover it with a piece of aluminum foil. Leave it covered for about half of the required cooking time, as this will help to prevent the juices from escaping.