Gluten Free Meatloaf You Won't Regret Trying

For as long as most of us can remember, meatloaf has been not only a staple in the American family diet but also a known comfort food.

But where did the idea of meatloaf come from?

Apparently with the industrialization of food in the early 1900s, ground beef became cheaper by being factory processed. In order to sell the public on trusting these companies to grind their meat, recipe booklets were given out with purchases. One of the booklets along the way had a recipe for a meat loaf casserole. But Meatloaf really took off during the late 40s and 50s as the once a week staple dinner which was affordable and filling.

So, how do you make a good Gluten Free Meatloaf?

I have tasted many a meatloaf in my time - Some good, some not so much. However, this meatloaf recipe has been hailed as so good that even people who aren't fond of meatloaf like it. It is also one of my standards which I know my child will eat and the greatest part is she even likes it cold as a sandwich the next day after. That means the planning for the next day's lunchbox is done as well.

Serve your meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans or green peas as sides for the traditional fare.

Gluten Free Meatloaf The Kids Will Love

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 large egg (you can leave this out if dairy or egg intolerant)

1 med yellow onion chopped

1 medium bell pepper chopped(I like red, but green or yellow works as well)

1 8oz. can of Muir Glen diced tomatoes

1/2 package of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix

1 cup of gluten free breadcrumbs (I use the end pieces of bread loafs in the food processer or else you can substitute 1/2 cup of flax meal for a little added nutritional punch)

Ketchup (we buy Annie's or Muir Glen organic ketchup which is GF)

*You can also add nutritional punches by adding creamed spinach or steamed cauliflower in - No one will know*

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Farenheit

Mix together all the ingredients except for ketchup and place into a large loaf pan which has been coated with non stick spray. Pat the mixture into loaf pan and place in oven to bake for about 40 minutes.

Take meatloaf out of oven and drain off any grease which may have collected in pan. Then squirt a topping of ketchup onto the meatloaf. Place back in oven for 5-10 minutes.

Makes about 8 servings.