I didn’t grow up eating meatloaf.  I think my mom made it once or twice.  Maybe because that what moms are supposed to do.  But I don’t think she was a meatloaf fan, and let’s face it.  Your average meatloaf is, well….MEH.

My husband is a connoisseur of meatloaf and he makes a mean one.  He always makes it extra flavorful.  And, I’ve heard that my brother-in-law makes a bourbon glaze on his that I definitely need to try.

This is my go-to recipe – and it’s not your average meatloaf.  I make them in mini loaf pans so they cook quicker.  Adding the cream cheese in the mixture really sends it over the top.  You’ll definitely want to bookmark this recipe!

I look for sales on grass-fed beef and lamb and stock up your freezer so I can always have the ingredients for this recipe on hand.  My friend, Amanda, reminded me recently that The Fresh Market has a grass-fed beef sale day each week (Tuesday, maybe?) and Sprouts has it on sale every three weeks or so.  The farmer’s market is also a great place to locate local grass-fed beef.

This recipe is great with mac and cheese (gluten-free for us), mashed potatoes, or even just a salad!

Gluten-Free Mini Meatloaves

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs grass-fed ground beef or mixture of beef and lamb (85/15)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbs tomato paste
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup gluten free quick oats (I like Bob’s Red Mill)
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp onion
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 Tbsp dried oregano
• 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan

For the topping:

• 1 cup of your favorite jarred sauce (organic and low sugar, if possible – Rao’s is a good brand)
• 1/2 cup of your favorite shredded soft cheese (such a gouda, fontina, or a soft cheddar)

Add all loaf ingredients to a large bowl and fully incorporate all ingredients together with your hand (disposable food prep gloves are great for this).  You could also do this in a food processor.

Press into a loaf pan or mini loaf pan.  Top each loaf with marinara sauce and then shredded cheese.  Bake at 350º for about 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 195º.  If you are doing one large meatloaf adjust your cooking time (45-50 min) or until it reaches temp.

Serve over Gluten Free Mac and Cheese or mashed potatoes.

Enjoy!

<3

Shannon