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A freshly baked healthy ground beef meatloaf, perfectly sliced to show its texture.

Healthy Ground Beef Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze

This healthy ground beef meatloaf is packed with flavor and vegetables, topped with a tangy glaze. It's a comforting meal that's easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 6 slices
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Meat Thermometer

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf

  • 1.5 lbs Lean Ground Beef 90% lean or higher
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Onion finely diced
  • 1 Bell Pepper any color, finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 medium Carrot grated (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Whole-Wheat Breadcrumbs or gluten-free alternative
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1/4 cup Milk or unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tsp Dried Italian Herbs or mix of oregano, thyme, rosemary
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

For the Glaze

  • 1/2 cup Ketchup
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Finely dice the onion, bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Grate the carrot if using.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the diced onion, bell pepper, and grated carrot for 5-7 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant, then remove from heat and cool slightly.

Assembly and Baking

  • In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, cooled sautéed vegetables, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Form the meat mixture into an elongated loaf shape on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar (or maple syrup), and apple cider vinegar to make the glaze.
  • Spoon about half of the glaze mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf and bake for 45 minutes.
  • Remove the meatloaf from the oven, spread the remaining glaze over the top, and continue baking for another 15-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  • Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a moist result.

Notes

For best results, do not overmix the meatloaf mixture to keep it tender. Resting the meatloaf after baking is crucial for a juicy outcome.