This Dairy-Free Meatloaf is tender and tasty, made with ground meat and plenty of spices. It’s a great home-cooked dish that everyone will love, even without the dairy!
I like to serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or veggies. Trust me, it’ll have you going for seconds! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: Beef is a classic choice, but you can easily swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or any plant-based ground meat. I’ve tried a blend of beef and pork for extra flavor, and it was great!
Bread Crumbs: Unsweetened dairy-free bread crumbs work best. If you don’t have them, you can use crushed gluten-free crackers, or even oats for a different texture.
Dairy-Free Milk: Almond or oat milk are my go-to options. Coconut milk also gives a nice creaminess. Just ensure it’s unsweetened so it doesn’t affect the flavor.
Coconut Aminos: If you need a soy-free option, coconut aminos are fantastic. Regular soy sauce can be a substitute if you aren’t avoiding soy. It adds a nice umami flavor, which I love!
How Do I Make Sure My Meatloaf is Tender and Moist?
To keep your meatloaf juicy and prevent it from being dry, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. This helps to keep the texture light. Here are a few additional tips:
- Soak the bread crumbs in the milk just until absorbed—don’t overdo it.
- Add a bit more dairy-free milk if the mixture feels too dry.
- Letting your meatloaf rest after baking before slicing is crucial; it helps retain moisture.
This way, your meatloaf will come out perfectly tender every time!
Dairy-Free Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup unsweetened dairy-free bread crumbs (gluten-free if needed)
- 3/4 cup dairy-free milk alternative (such as almond milk or oat milk)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos or soy sauce (ensure soy-free if needed)
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Glaze:
- 1/3 cup tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 1 hour to cook, totaling around 1 hour and 15 minutes. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and will leave your kitchen smelling amazing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, prepare your loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light grease with oil.
2. Soak the Bread Crumbs:
In a small bowl, take your dairy-free bread crumbs and soak them in the dairy-free milk alternative. Let them sit for about 3-5 minutes until they are fully absorbed and moist.
3. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground meat, soaked bread crumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, eggs, tomato paste, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently together using your hands or a spoon—just until combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatloaf tough.
4. Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan and pat it down evenly to ensure it holds its shape while baking.
5. Prepare the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, maple syrup (or brown sugar), and apple cider vinegar until well combined. This will create a delicious tangy glaze!
6. Bake the Meatloaf:
Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Place it in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. After this time, remove it from the oven and spread the remaining glaze over the top.
7. Finish Baking:
Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). This ensures it’s cooked through and safe to eat.
8. Let it Rest:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps it moist!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with some fresh parsley and serve warm. Pair it with your favorite sides like steamed green beans or hearty mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal!
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful dairy-free meatloaf! It’s sure to be a hit around the dinner table!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. Just be mindful that it may result in a slightly different texture, so consider adding a bit more moisture if needed.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
Yes, just use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular bread crumbs. This will ensure the meatloaf remains delicious and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Freeze the Meatloaf?
Yes! After baking and cooling, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
