Healthy Meatloaf

Made with a handful of wholesome ingredients, this healthy meatloaf recipe is lighter than the classic, yet still juicy and tender. It’s always a hit for easy family dinners!

Comfort food takes on a new meaning with this easy, healthy meatloaf recipe! It’s a lighter alternative to the classic but tastes just as juicy and tender.

Despite being known as a classic comfort food, meatloaf made with healthy ingredients is a wonderful source of protein, iron, and healthy fats. Plus, it’s the perfect choice for quick and easy weeknight dinners!

Table of Contents

1. Why this recipe works
2. Ingredients needed
3. How to make healthy meatloaf
4. Tips to make the best recipe
5. Flavor variations
6. Storage instructions
7. More delicious ways to get your meatloaf fix
8. Frequently asked questions
9. BEST Healthy Meatloaf

Why this recipe works

This dish may look decadent and time-consuming, but it’s actually one of the most uncomplicated dinners ever.

• Made with no-nonsense ingredients. You won’t find any funny or complicated ingredients here. Everything in this juicy meatloaf is easy to find at your local grocery store or in your pantry.
• Perfect texture and flavor. The texture is perfectly juicy and moist in the middle, and the sticky glaze on top is top botch. It has a rich and meaty flavor, with sweet and tangy notes from the topping.
• An instant hit! Want to make the entire family ask for seconds? Need an easy and crowd-pleasing recipe for dinner parties? Healthy meatloaf recipes are always the answer!

Ingredients needed

This easy healthy meatloaf calls for pantry staples you’ll likely already have to make. Here is what you’ll need:

• Ground beef. I like making my ground beef meatloaf recipes with 80/20 ground beef (80% lean and 20% fat). It’s a lean yet juicy and flavorful option that always gives you tender meatloaf that isn’t dry or overly greasy.
• Onion and garlic. For flavor. To deepen the savory flavors of these aromatics, saute them in an oiled skillet until they’re soft and golden.
• Eggs. The eggs help bind the meatloaf mixture together.
• Ketchup. Opt for a ketchup that has few ingredients and no added sugar.
• Milk. To soften the bread crumbs. Any kind of milk will do, like regular cow’s milk or dairy free almond milk.
• Parsley. Fresh parsley is best and gives the meatloaf a layer of freshness.
• Panko bread crumbs. To add bulk and help bind the meatloaf mixture.

• Salt and pepper. To taste.
• Italian seasonings. Use a store-bought blend to keep this recipe as easy as possible.

For the glaze:

• Ketchup.
• White vinegar. For some tang and to balance the sweetness in the glaze. Apple cider vinegar works as a substitute.
• Brown sugar. The natural molasses flavor works so well with the other ingredients. Coconut sugar or white sugar will also work.

How to make healthy meatloaf

Heart healthy meatloaf is easy to make: just remember to avoid overmixing for the juiciest and most flavorful dish.

Make the meatloaf mixture: Gently mix all of the meatloaf ingredients together in a large bowl.

Shape: Dump the meatloaf mixture onto a lined sheet pan and shape it into a loaf.

Bake: Place it in the oven to bake.

Make the glaze: Meanwhile, whisk the glaze ingredients together. Take the meatloaf out of the oven when it’s almost done and brush the glaze all over the outside.

Finish baking: Place the glazed meatloaf back into the oven to finish baking. Once it’s done, garnish each slice with the pan juices and fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Tips to make the best recipe

• Don’t overmix the meat. Only stir the healthy meatloaf ingredients until they just come together. Overworking the meat mixture will make the meatloaf tough.
• Let the meatloaf rest. Once it’s done baking, set the meatloaf aside for 10 minutes. Slicing when it’s too hot may cause the meat to crumble!
• Avoid extra lean beef. Even the healthiest recipes need a little fat for flavor, and this meatloaf is no different. Avoid using fat-free or extra lean beef, as it will yield a dry texture.
• Use a meat thermometer. An instant-read meat thermometer is the easiest way to tell if your meatloaf is cooked. Ready-to-eat meatloaf should have an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Flavor variations

Use a different glaze. Swap the ketchup in the glaze for BBQ sauce to give the meatloaf a wood-fired smoky flavor.

Wrap it in bacon. After it’s formed into a log shape, wrap the meatloaf in bacon or turkey bacon strips. It’s the best way to add extra flavor and a crunch factor to your dinner!

Use other ground meat. Try this healthy meatloaf recipe with ground turkey or ground chicken, or use a 1:1 mix of ground beef and the other lean ground meat of your choice.

Sub out the breadcrumbs. Use rolled oats or crushed-up pork rinds as an alternative.

Add veggies. Give it a boost of extra nutrition by folding broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, shredded carrots, shredded zucchini, or diced celery into the meat mixture.

Storage instructions

To store: Keep the leftover meatloaf or individual slices in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To freeze: The whole meatloaf or individual slices also freeze well for up to 6 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat: Quickly zap the leftover slices in the oven or reheat large batches in a 350ºF oven until heated through.

More delicious ways to get your meatloaf fix

• Turkey meatloaf
• Low carb meatloaf
• Air fryer meatloaf
• Stuffed meatloaf
• Smoked meatloaf

Frequently asked questions