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The Best Classic Meatloaf

Seriously, the best classic meatloaf recipe. A few key ingredients that adds an original deep, delicious taste that your family will love. Meatloaf with mashed potatoes is such a warm comfort food perfect for Fall days, much like this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup that my family can’t get enough of.

Even better than the taste is that you won’t walk away from the table feeling guilty for eating it.

Is meatloaf healthy?

Yes, meatloaf can definitely be healthy. Just because I track my macros doesn’t mean I can’t have comfort food. Am I right, or am I right? It’s actually because I track that I CAN have some foods I would have previously considered off-limits. This meatloaf is a favorite at my house and I’m betting it will be at yours also.

meatloaf sliced and ready to eat

How to Make a Classic Meatloaf Healthy

There was a time when I made meatloaf using a mix of sausage and beef. Now, I choose lean ground beef, lean ground turkey, or sometimes a mix of the two. By using a leaner cut of meat, the fat macros can be reduced, creating a much healthier meatloaf.

If you are wondering about choosing ground turkey vs ground beef, and which one would be more healthy, I wrote an entire post comparing them you might find interesting.

Creating the Perfect Sauce for Meatloaf

I believe it’s the sauce on top of the meatloaf that creates the best meatloaf. This mix of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce with a tad bit of brown sugar is just that…perfect. Sometimes I will make more sauce to have on the side!

Step by Step How to Make Meatloaf

First, combine all meatloaf ingredients except eggs and milk together in a bowl.

all ingredients for meatloaf in bowls

I like to leave the onion chopped a little larger than diced.

all ingredients for meatloaf except eggs and milk

Add in the eggs and milk.

eggs and milk being mixed in a bowl

It’s best to mix with your hands to mix more efficiently so the meatloaf isn’t overmixed. When it’s overmixed, the meatloaf will be too dense after baking.

meatloaf mixed in a bowl

Once mixed, fill a pre-sprayed loaf pan with the mixture. Don’t press it down too tightly.

raw meatloaf in pan ready for ketchup sauce to be spread on top

Mix the ingredients for the sauce and spread 1/2 on the meatloaf and bake for 40 min.

meatloaf cooked with ketchup sauce on top

Continue baking until meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

sliced meatloaf on a plate

Looking for more quick and easy recipes using ground beef?  Or recipes with ground turkey?

The Best Classic Meatloaf Made Healthy

Published By Stephanie
This classic meatloaf is a great choice for even the healthiest of diets by using lean ground beef. Make this easy meatloaf and enjoy it with your family or guests with zero guilt!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 435 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the meatloaf

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 lbs Ground beef lean
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tsp garlic minced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ cup parsley dried

For the sauce

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • In a large mixing bowl, place all of the ingredients for the meatloaf.
  • Mix the eggs and the milk and add to the meat mixture.
  • Mix the meatloaf using your hands. You can use a spoon, but hands are best because you don’t want to over mix the meat.
  • Spray a loaf pan with Pam or similar and put the meatloaf mixture in.
  • Put the sauce together and spread one half on the meatloaf and place in the oven for 40 minutes.
  • After 40 minutes, spread the rest of sauce on the meatloaf and return to the oven for 45 minutes.
  • Meatloaf is done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  • Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes, slice, and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 435kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 26gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 127mgSodium: 809mgPotassium: 497mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 379IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 159mgIron: 4mg
Keyword easy
Tried this recipe?Tag me on Facebook @fitfoundme with a pic and let me know what you thought of this recipe in the comments below!
Recipe Rating




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