Healthy Meatloaf

Healthy meatloaf is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s filled with lean beef and flavorful ingredients that not only taste great but also keep things nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this healthy meatloaf is a fantastic choice.

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Why Make This Recipe

This healthy meatloaf is not only easy to make, but it also offers a great balance of protein and veggies. Using lean ground beef lowers the fat content while still keeping the meatloaf moist and tasty. Plus, with the addition of fresh herbs and spices, there’s no shortage of flavor! It’s a comforting meal that you can feel good about serving.

How to Make Healthy Meatloaf

Making this healthy meatloaf is straightforward and quick! Follow these steps to create a flavorful, lean dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

2 pounds 90–92% lean ground beef (use the leanest available)
1 medium white or yellow onion, finely chopped
2 large eggs
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
⅓ cup milk
1½ teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning or dried oregano
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¾ cup sugar-free ketchup (for glaze)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon raw honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (for glaze)
¼ teaspoon salt (for glaze)
1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an extra inch hanging over the sides for easy lifting later.
In a large mixing bowl, use clean hands to combine the ground beef, chopped onion, eggs, minced garlic, sugar-free ketchup, chopped parsley, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning or oregano, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it in firmly to remove any air pockets.
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes.
While it bakes, prepare the glaze by stirring together ketchup, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, white wine vinegar, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
When the initial baking time is up, take the meatloaf out of the oven and pour the glaze over the top, spreading it evenly.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the glaze is caramelized but not burnt.
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before lifting it out of the pan using the parchment overhang.
Slice, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve.

How to Serve Healthy Meatloaf

Serve this healthy meatloaf warm, sliced with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. It pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with extra sugar-free ketchup for dipping!

How to Store Healthy Meatloaf

Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices for later use. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to eat.

Tips to Make Healthy Meatloaf

Always use lean beef to keep your meatloaf healthy.
Don’t skip the resting time after baking; it helps the meatloaf hold together when slicing.
Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking.

Variation

For a different twist, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also add diced vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives a lighter and crunchier texture which is preferable for meatloaf.

2. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

3. Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture the night before and bake it the next day. It also freezes well for future meals.

Enjoy your healthy meatloaf with family or friends—it’s sure to be a hit!

Healthy Meatloaf