Category: Gluten Free Dinner Ideas

Gluten Free Beef Stir Fry

I love stir fry meals for busy weeknights!  When you get home from a long day at work, you don’t want to spend a lot of time making dinner.  This is one of my favorite Asian inspired recipes that is on the table in 30 minutes.  I used frozen veggies to make the prep even faster!  Use petite sirloin when possible and slice it yourself.  It will be far more tender and flavorful than the cuts usually sold as stir fry beef.

3-4 Servings

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 lb. petite sirloin cut into thin strips
  • 4 oz. gluten free Pad Thai rice noodles
  • 1 lb. bag frozen Asian stir fry vegetables
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1 baby Bok choy, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Mirin (rice wine)
  • 2 tbsp.  gluten free soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup gluten free chicken broth
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. ginger powder
  • 1 tbsp. cornstarch
  • olive oil
  • toasted sesame oil
  • additional gluten free soy sauce, to taste
  • ground pepper, to taste
  • scallions, for finishing (optional)
  • toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Preparation:

Toast sesame seeds in a small saucepan and set aside.

Whisk together the Mirin, soy sauce, chicken broth, garlic powder, ginger powder and cornstarch.  Set aside.  Boil water for the noodles and salt well.

Chop the Bok choy, separating the bulb from the leaves.

Heat a large nonstick skillet and add a little olive oil with 1 tsp. sesame oil.  Quickly brown the beef on the outside (don’t cook through), transfer to a bowl and sprinkle with gluten free soy sauce.

Wipe the skillet clean, and begin cooking the onion in olive oil, with a tsp. of sesame oil.  Add the bulb (bottom section) of the Bok choy, reserving the leaves.

Next add the frozen veggies, garlic and Bok choy leaves.  Season with ground pepper and a few more shakes of soy sauce.  Cover and cook 3 minutes.

Cook the noodles for 3 minutes and drain.  To finish, add the beef back to the skillet, and toss for 30 seconds to finish cooking.

Add the noodles and pour the sauce over everything, then use 2 spatulas to turn and coat evenly with the mixture.  Toss continuously for about 1 minute or until the sauce thickens.

Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with scallions and/or sesame seeds.

This dinner is a real family favorite.  People are always surprised at how easy it comes together and the frozen veggies are a real time saver.

Notes ♪♫ Always check that your soy sauce, chicken broth, seasonings and noodles are gluten free.  Avoid frozen veggies with added seasoning, sauce or glaze.

[print_link]

Easy Gluten Free Italian Sausage Patties

Why make your own sausage? 

Today we have so many brands of gluten free sausage that are widely available.  So why would you go through the trouble of making it from scratch?

The short answer, because you control the ingredients.  Want less fat?  Instead of all pork use a combination of pork and turkey or use all turkey or chicken.  Don’t like fennel?  Leave it out.  Like it spicy?  Add more hot pepper flakes.  Limiting sodium?  Leave out the salt.  You get the idea.

This post contains affiliate links.

I also make my own spice blend, and it is better, and fresher than store bought plus you probably have most of the individual spices in your pantry already.

Did you know that I love using Italian sausage in my recipes?  I add a little to my Meatloaf, Meatballs, Pizza, even my Shepherd’s Pie!  These sausage patties are perfect for adding a little extra flavor to ground beef recipes!

Note- I am not grinding my own meat nor am I using casings.  This is meant to be an easy recipe that anyone can put together at home!

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Measure the spices before you begin.  I used a coffee grinder to break up my peppercorns, fennel seed and red pepper flakes.

Add the pork and turkey to a large bowl.

Use 2 forks to break apart the meat and mix it together.  This will take some time and patience, as you want it well mixed but not compressed.

Add the vinegar one tbsp. at a time, mixing well after each addition.  Whisk the spices together and sprinkle over the meat, using the forks to incorporate the spices throughout the mixture.  If you’re not watching salt go ahead and add some here.

I used a scale to measure out 4 oz. patties.  I pressed them between wax paper squares.  This recipe yields 8 patties.

The patties need to rest for 12 hours in the refrigerator prior to cooking, this allows the flavors to meld, and the vinegar tenderizes the meat.

After 12 hours in the fridge the sausage patties are ready to be cooked or frozen.  They are great for breakfast or in a sandwich.

Use them in meat sauce, casseroles and stuffing.

Notes ♪♫ In most of my recipes I will recommend that you add salt or seasoning to taste.  If you need to limit salt for medical reasons or just a personal preference, you can leave it out completely.  When you cook from scratch you are always in control!

[print_link]

 

Gluten Free Crock-Pot Turkey Drumsticks

Turkey Drumsticks can be dry and tough when roasted, but they come out moist and falling off the bone tender when cooked in the Crock-Pot.  This time of year, it is easy to find turkey drumsticks at the market for a very good price.  Crock-Pot recipes like this one are so easy and can really free up my schedule.  I started this dish around 11:00am and it was ready in time for dinner at 6:30.

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Chop the onions, celery and carrots into large chunks.  Mist the Crock-Pot with cooking spray and add the veggies in an even layer.

Rinse the turkey legs and pat dry.  Add the flour to a food safe plastic bag, they place the turkey legs in the bag.  Twist to close and shake to coat the legs evenly with flour.

Use a stainless-steel skillet (not non-stick) to brown the legs in olive oil, about 5 minutes per side.  Don’t crowd the pan, brown the meat in batches if necessary.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Place the drumsticks in the crock-pot on top of the vegetables.

Next deglaze the pan.  Remove the skillet from the heat and slowly pour in the wine.  Return to the heat and use a spatula to scrape up all the little brown bits, then let it simmer for a minute.  Strain the solids and reserve the wine.

Whisk together the reserved wine, chicken broth, sage, thyme, garlic powder and turmeric.  Drizzle over the turkey legs.  The vegetables and meat will release their own liquid as they cook, so don’t add more.

Now set your crock-pot to low and cook for 7 – 8 hours.

That’s all there is to it!  Arrange the drumsticks on a serving platter and drizzle a bit of the pan juices over the meat.  For a nice presentation you can garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or other herbs.

Notes ♪♫ Don’t discard those veggies and juices in the bottom of the crockpot.  They will make an incredible soup stock or base for sauces and gravies.  I like to puree it then store in the refrigerator or freezer, ready for my next creation!

[print_link] 

 

Gluten Free Tex-Mex Chicken Thighs

Your whole family will love this Tex-Mex style chicken.  Made with just a few pantry staples, it’s so easy to put together!  Slow cooked on low heat, the chicken always comes out tender and juicy.  The homemade Mexican spice blend gives the dish it’s bold flavor, and you can as much or as little as you like.

4 Servings

This post contains affiliate links. 

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Brush the chicken thighs with olive oil and sprinkle seasoning on both sides.  Coat an oven safe skillet, braising pan or Dutch oven with cooking spray and arrange the thighs in a single layer.

Pour the tomatoes over the chicken and sprinkle more seasoning.  Cover and bake for 45 minutes at 300º.

Turn the chicken over, add the beans and corn, cover and bake for an additional 45 minutes.

This casual dinner comes to the table right in the pan.  Garnish with chives or cilantro.

I made a side of white rice to go with the meal.  To serve, divide the rice into 4 plates.  Top each with one chicken thigh and spoon the corn and beans over the chicken along with extra pan juices.

Notes ♪♫ Always check canned and frozen vegetables for gluten containing ingredients or possible cross contamination.  Feel free to use a prepared Taco seasoning mix, as there are many great brands out there that are gluten free.  I opted make my own to control the sodium content.

[print_link]

Gluten Free Lasagna Remake

This Lasagna is generously sized to feed a family.  Look at those crispy edges!  My remake of the traditional meat Lasagna everyone loves is completely gluten free and has thin slices of eggplant layered in that will almost disappear (don’t tell the kids!).  Baked in a 9 x 13″ pan, it is very filling so a little goes a long way.  Serve as a main course with a simple salad, or in smaller portions alongside another dish.  You will have anywhere from 6 to 12 servings.

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz. lean ground beef
  • 4 oz. Italian sausage (pork, turkey or chicken)
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 sweet onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp. tomato paste
  • tomato sauce – 1 can 29 oz. + 1 can 15 oz.
  • 1 tbsp. brown sugar
  • fresh ground pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano
  • 1 tsp. basil
  • 1 eggplant sliced on a mandolin
  • 16 oven ready gluten free lasagna noodles
  • 16 oz. tub ricotta cheese
  • grated Parmesan cheese
  • cooking spray
  • fresh basil and parsley for garnish

Preparation:

Cut the bottom off the eggplant and stand it up on a cutting board.  Run a knife down the sides to peel, then slice the eggplant very thin using a mandoline or sharp knife.

Lay the slices between sheets of paper towel and press down lightly.  Let them sit for 20 minutes then salt to taste.

Make the meat sauce.  Sauté the onions and garlic in 1 tbsp. olive oil.  When the onions are translucent, add the meat and begin breaking it up with a meat spatula.

When the meat is completely browned, make a space in the center of the pan and add the tomato paste.

Toast for a few minutes then stir into the meat.

Add the 29 oz. can of tomatoes with the basil and oregano.  Season with ground pepper.  Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

This simmer mat is perfect for cooking sauce over low heat, so it doesn’t burn.

In a separate saucepan add the 15 oz. can of tomato sauce and season with more basil and oregano.  Simmer 20 minutes and set aside to cool.

Transfer 1/2 of the plain sauce to a bowl and whisk with the ricotta.

To assemble the lasagna, coat a 9 x 13″ baking dish with cooking spray.  Begin with a layer of meat sauce.

Top with 4 of the lasagna noodles.

Spread with 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, then top with a layer of eggplant slices.

Repeat 2 more times, layering meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, eggplant.  Finish with remaining 4 noodles, the rest of the plain sauce and Parmesan cheese.  Make sure all of the lasagna noodles are covered to the corners.

Coat a sheet of foil with cooking spray (so it doesn’t stick) and cover the pan tightly.  Bake for 40 minutes at 350º, then use tongs to carefully remove the foil and bake for 20 minutes uncovered.  Remove from the oven, cover and rest 10-15 minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh basil and parsley and bring to the table.

Notes ♪♫ I used Barilla gluten free oven-ready lasagna in this recipe, and no one even knew it was gluten free!  A tip, when making gluten free Lasagna do not pre-cook the noodles.  No matter what the box instructions say.  Pre-boiled noodles will absorb less liquid as they cook, and you may end up with a watery mess.

[print_link]

Gluten Free Baked Haddock with Butter and Cracker Crumbs

Gluten Free Baked Haddock with Butter and Cracker Crumbs

I grew up in a Catholic Italian family during the 1960’s.  The church was a central part of the community, and like all good Catholics we abstained from eating meat on Friday as an act of penance.  Back then that meant that seafood was the star of the dinner table!

My mother’s answer to the weekly fish dinner was the New England classic of Haddock, Cod or some white fish slathered with butter and Ritz cracker crumbs.  Fast, easy and family friendly.

This post contains affiliate links.

Sometimes it’s the little things that you miss on the gluten free diet, and for me this meal has been one of them.  I tried using breadcrumbs, crushed cereal etc. but it was not the same.  So, I started experimenting with different gluten free crackers.  For a while, Lance crackers were my go-to, and still my favorite but they have been almost impossible to find since the pandemic.  I have since used Schar Entertainment Crackers, and they are a good alternative.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. haddock (substitute cod or other flaky white fish)
  • ¼ cup cracker crumbs (about 10 crackers)
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Cooking spray
  • Fresh chives, for garnish

Preparation:

Line a baking pan with foil and mist with cooking spray.  Rinse the fish, pat it dry and arrange on the baking pan so that pieces don’t touch.

Mist with cooking spray and sprinkle the tops with Old Bay.

Pulse the crackers in an electric chopper or place them in a bag and pound into crumbs.  Spread the crumbs evenly over the fish.  Cut the butter into small pieces and dot the top of the fish.

It doesn’t get any easier!  Bake at 350◦ for 30 minutes.  Garnish with chives and serve.

Notes ♪♫ If you’re missing Ritz Crackers try Schar Entertainment Crackers, which I have used in this recipe.  They are a good substitute for recipes that call for Ritz cracker crumbs.

[print_link]

Breaded Pork Medallions with Beans and Potatoes

I’m always looking for recipes to incorporate more beans into our meal plan.  Beans are nutritious, economical and rich in fiber, which is sorely lacking in the gluten free diet.  This bean and potato side was the perfect accompaniment to my easy breaded pork medallions!  I used cannellini beans in this recipe, but you can use any variety you prefer!

4 Servings

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Soak the pork in 1/3 cup milk for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the bacon in a deep skillet, then remove and drain on paper towels, reserving the fat.  Add the diced onions to the skillet with 1 tbsp. olive oil and cook them on very low heat to caramelize, about 25 minutes.

Add the potatoes with an additional tbsp. of olive oil.  Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.  Toss to coat, add 1/3 cup chicken broth and cook 20 minutes longer.

Drain and rinse the beans and add to the skillet with an additional 1/3 cup of chicken broth.  Cook for another 15 minutes.

Dredge the pork medallions in the breadcrumbs, and cook in a large, nonstick skillet coated with olive oil, 5 minutes per side.

Serve over the potatoes and beans.

I added a side of roasted green beans.

Dinner was delicious and there were plenty of leftovers!

[print_link]

 

Gluten Free Spaghetti with Squid Rings

Gluten Free Spaghetti with Squid Rings

Squid can often be found in seafood pasta recipes, but today it is the star of the meal.  This simple pasta dish is the embodiment of comfort food.  It is out of this world good!

Did you know that there’s a trick to cooking squid?  It can be tough and rubbery if not prepared correctly, but if you soak it in milk and don’t overcook, it will be delicious and tender.  Soak squid in milk for 30 minutes before cooking.

4 servings

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Cut the squid tubes into rings, rinse and place in a bowl with 1/3 cup milk.  Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and soak for 30 minutes.

Next make the garlic oil.  Chop the garlic and heat slowly over lowest heat in 1/4 cup olive oil, sprinkled with red pepper flakes.  I used a simmer mat to keep the heat low.  When the garlic is just starting to soften (about 20 minutes) remove it from heat and set aside.

Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Now heat a braising pan or wide skillet on medium low with 2 tbsp. olive oil.  Add the tomato paste to the center of the skillet and let it cook 2 minutes.

Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, followed by the wine, brown sugar and 1 tsp. of Italian seasoning.  Bring to a simmer and stir frequently, until the liquid has reduced by half, about 5 minutes.

Use tongs to pick up the squid and add it to the sauce, discarding the excess milk.

Cover and cook 7 minutes.

Uncover, add the baby spinach and stir it in just until wilted.

Drain the spaghetti and place on a serving platter.  Top with the squid and tomato mixture.  Finish with the garlic oil (you can remove the garlic first or leave it in), and garnish with chopped parsley.

Friends, this was the best seafood pasta dish, not to mention easy and economical!  Enjoy this restaurant quality meal in your own kitchen today!

Notes: ♪♫ Here in my home state of RI, squid is usually available year-round.  In fact, Calamari is the official state appetizer of Rhode Island.  If you can’t find fresh squid, look for it in the frozen section.  You can use squid tubes, tentacles or a combination in this recipe.  I’ll admit, I am a little squeamish about those tentacles!

 

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Gluten Free Spaghetti with Squid Rings

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: © My Gluten Free Cucina
  • Yield: 4 Servings 1x
  • Cuisine: Seafood Pasta
  • Diet: Gluten-Free
Print Recipe

Description

Did you know that there’s a trick to cooking squid?  It can be tough and rubbery if not prepared correctly, but if you soak it in milk and don’t overcook, it will be delicious and tender.  Soak squid in milk for 30 minutes before cooking.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Instructions

Cut the squid tubes into rings, rinse and place in a bowl with 1/3 cup milk.  Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and soak for 30 minutes.

Next make the garlic oil.  Chop the garlic and heat slowly over lowest heat in 1/4 cup olive oil, sprinkled with red pepper flakes.  I used a simmer mat to keep the heat low.  When the garlic is just starting to soften (about 20 minutes) remove it from heat and set aside.

Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Now heat a braising pan or wide skillet on medium low with 2 tbsp. olive oil.  Add the tomato paste to the center of the skillet and let it cook 2 minutes.

Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, followed by the wine, brown sugar and 1 tsp. of Italian seasoning.  Bring to a simmer and stir frequently, until the liquid has reduced by half, about 5 minutes.

Use tongs to pick up the squid and add it to the sauce, discarding the excess milk.

Cover and cook 7 minutes.

Uncover, add the baby spinach and stir it in just until wilted.

Drain the spaghetti and place on a serving platter.  Top with the squid and tomato mixture.  Finish with the garlic oil (you can remove the garlic first or leave it in), and garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

If you can’t find fresh squid, look for it in the frozen section.  You can use squid tubes, tentacles or a combination in this recipe.  I’ll admit, I am a little squeamish about those tentacles!

Gluten Free Breaded Pork Chops

Pork chops are one of my go to meals during the week.  In this easy, schnitzel style recipe I slice the chops through the middle and pound them thin, for a very quick cook time plus more surface area for the crispy breading.  Only 1 tbsp. of olive oil needed, no deep frying!  It’s one of my tried-and-true recipes that I have modified just by using gluten free breadcrumbs.  Simple ingredients are kid friendly, and adults will love it too!

Dinner for 2

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 boneless pork chops 3/4″ thick
  • 1/2 cup seasoned gluten free breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or use 1/2 cup milk + 1 tsp. lemon juice)
  • 1/2 tsp. gluten free Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil

Preparation:

Combine the buttermilk, Worcestershire and garlic powder in a measuring cup.  Lay the pork chops on a cutting board and carefully slice each chop through the middle.

Place each slice between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/4″ thickness.

Lay the pork chops in a zip top bag with the buttermilk mixture.  Be sure to seal the bag completely and lay it on a plate in case there are any spills.  Let the chops marinate for 1 hour in the refrigerator.

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium low heat with 1 tbsp. olive oil.  Remove the chops from the marinade and dredge in the breadcrumbs.

Place the chops in a single layer and cook 2 minutes per side, turning once.

That’s it!  The chops are thin, so 2 minutes per side is all it takes!

Moist and juicy, on the table in minutes!

The whole family will love this dinner, even picky eaters!  Go ahead and double or triple the recipe, it’s a fast and easy to cook up several batches.  So, the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, give this a try!

Notes ♪♫ Aleia’s Gluten Free Italian Breadcrumbs are the best tasting gluten free breadcrumb!  After trying so many, I can honestly say that they are the closest in taste to real Italian breadcrumbs.  You will not believe they are gluten free!

[print_link]

 

Gluten Free Jambalaya Pasta

Gluten Free Jambalaya Pasta

Fra Diavolo meets Cajun in this spicy pasta dish with a definite southern twist!  Cajun seasoning gives it a real kick, and it can be anything from a modest pinch to a generous shake, you decide.  I borrowed smoky Andouille sausage, chicken and shrimp from the traditional recipe, along with the “trinity” of pepper, onion and celery.  I finished it with a light tomato sauce but instead of rice I served it over gluten free Caserecce pasta from Jovial, one of my absolute favorites!  Use pork or chicken Andouille sausage in this recipe.  Always check ingredients and look for the gluten free label.

4 Servings

This post contains affiliate links.

Ingredients:

  • 6 oz. Andouille sausage, cut into coins
  • 6 oz. colossal raw shrimp (about 6), peeled and deveined
  • 12 oz. boneless chicken breast, cut into medallions
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into 1″ pieces
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup sweet onion, diced
  • ¼ cup celery, sliced
  • 1 tbsp. garlic, minced
  • olive oil, about 2 tbsp.
  • 3 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 3 tbsp. cream, half and half or milk
  • Cajun or Creole seasoning
  • 4 oz. gluten free pasta, cooked 2 minutes less than package directions
  • 3 ladles of the pasta water
  • Parsley for garnish

Preparation:

Once the ingredients are prepped, this meal comes together in about 15 minutes.  Slice the sausage into coins, peel and devein the shrimp, slice the chicken into medallions.  Mince the garlic and dice the bell pepper, onion and celery.  Chop the broccoli into bite size pieces.

Cook the pasta to 2 minutes less than package directions, reserving 3 cups of the pasta water.  Heat a large skillet with olive oil.  Add the sausage and cook 1 minute, or until the sausage begins to release its fat.

Add the chicken, season well and cook 3 minutes longer, turning once.  It does not need to be cooked through at this point.

Add the broccoli, peppers, onions, celery and garlic.

Season, cover and cook 3 minutes until the veggies are crisp tender.

Make a space in the center of the skillet and add the tomato paste.  Let it toast for 1 minute, pushing it around with a spatula then toss it with the meat and vegetables.

Add 1 ladle of the pasta water with the shrimp and continue cooking just until the shrimp turns pink.

Add 2 more ladles of pasta water with the cream, half and half or milk.  Look at the gorgeous colors!

Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well for another 2 minutes to finish cooking the pasta and meld the flavors.

Transfer to a platter, garnish with parsley and dinner is ready.  It smells so good; I had to hurry through the photo shoot!

What a meal!  The Andouille sausage gave it just the right amount of heat.  I went easy on the seasoning, but next time I’ll give it a few extra shakes!

This pasta version of Jambalaya is my favorite, maybe because I’m Italian!  I hope you enjoyed it as well.  For more Jambalaya recipes check out my traditional Jambalaya and my Jambalaya stuffed peppers!

Notes: ♪♫ What is the difference between Cajun and creole seasoning?  Cajun seasoning is spicy combination of peppers and herbs that bring on the heat, while Creole seasoning leans more toward a balanced blend of heat and sweet.  It’s a matter of taste, so use whatever makes your palette happy! 

[print_link]