Description
Mouthwatering Mediterranean Meatloaf brings lean protein and Mediterranean flavors together in one comforting dish. Packed with herbs, lean ground turkey, and wholesome ingredients, this recipe offers a nutritious spin on classic comfort food you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (453.6 grams) lean ground turkey
- 0.5 pound (226.8 grams) lean ground beef (optional, can use all turkey)
Vegetables and Binding Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup rolled oats (or gluten-free oats)
- 0.5 cup finely chopped onion
- 0.5 cup grated zucchini
- 0.5 cup chopped bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 0.25 cup low-sodium tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 0.25 cup low-sugar ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 375F (190C), ensuring an even cooking environment for the meatloaf.
- Combine ground turkey, optional ground beef, oats, finely diced onion, grated zucchini, minced bell pepper, crushed garlic, beaten egg, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Thoroughly blend the mixture until ingredients are evenly distributed, using gentle folding techniques to maintain meat’s tenderness.
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and carefully transfer the meat mixture, pressing gently to create a uniform shape with smooth surface.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking ketchup, mustard, and honey in a separate small bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- Generously spread the prepared glaze across the entire top surface of the meatloaf, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, monitoring internal temperature reaches 160F (71C) for safe consumption.
- Once cooked, remove from oven and allow meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices and makes slicing easier.
- Slice into even portions and serve warm, accompanied by your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Add extra veggies like grated carrots or spinach to boost nutrition and hide vegetables for picky eaters.
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version that still maintains incredible flavor and moisture.
- Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats to make the recipe celiac-friendly and increase fiber content.
- Mix meats carefully to prevent overworking, which can create a tough, dense meatloaf texture instead of a tender, juicy result.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg