Healthy Meatloaf Recipe

This healthy meatloaf recipe makes a delicious, wholesome, family-friendly dinner. It’s juicy and full of flavour. Make it for tonight in just a few simple steps!

Meatloaf is a favorite in our home! If you love meatloaf recipes as much as we do, be sure to try my Easy Turkey Meatloaf Recipe or Healthy Meatloaf Meal-Prep Bowls.

This meatloaf recipe is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect at any time of the year. Plus, you only need a handful of simple ingredients to make it!

It’s a delicious and filling dinner! You might think this recipe doesn’t sound very exciting because it uses lighter ingredients, but you’ll be very surprised by how flavorful it actually is.

Key Ingredients to make this Healthy Meatloaf Recipe

Ground Beef – I use lean ground beef for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. After making this recipe several times, I’ve found that using 90% lean beef gives the best balance of juiciness and texture while keeping the dish on the lighter side. You can also use ground pork or ground turkey.

Bread Crumbs – These help keep the meatloaf light and retain moisture. I’ve found that they give the meatloaf a tender texture that’s hard to beat. If you’re looking for a low-carb or gluten-free option, you can swap them for almond flour or even oat flour, both of which work great without compromising the texture.

Ketchup – I recommend using sugar-free ketchup to keep the recipe on the lighter side. My personal favorite is the one from True Made Foods, which has a great balance of sweetness without the added sugar. If you prefer, you can top it with BBQ sauce for a different flavor twist.

Seasonings – I use dried thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to season the meatloaf. These provide a well-rounded base flavor. You can also experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, minced garlic, or even fresh parsley for extra depth and freshness.

How to make meatloaf recipe

1. Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the onions and spices and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the liquids and tomato paste. Be sure to gently scrape the bottom of the pan to get any bits that are stuck.

3. Next, make the meatloaf mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ingredients from the skillet, breadcrumbs, and egg.

4. To avoid a dense, heavy meatloaf, use a fork to mix all of the ingredients together. Be sure not to mash or overwork the mixture as it can lead to a tough and dense meatloaf.

5. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Transfer the meatloaf to the pan and gently press into shape. Add ketchup to the top of the loaf, and spread it into a thin layer.

6. Bake at 325 degrees F for about 85 minutes, or until the loaf reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.  

7. After you take it out of the oven, spread on another layer of ketchup before serving.

How To Make Meatloaf Ahead Of Time

I recommend fully assembling the meatloaf but stopping just before baking it. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Alternatively, you can fully prepare and bake the meatloaf, then store it in the fridge or freezer for later. Simply defrost and reheat it in the oven or microwave on a busy weeknight!

Why does my meatloaf fall apart?

The most common reason that a meatloaf falls apart is due to a lack of binding agents. The eggs and bread crumbs are key as they are the binding agent. I would not recommend using less than the recommended amount of eggs and bread crumbs for this recipe. Also, if you oven bake the meatloaf, that will dry it out and cause it to fall apart as well.

What to serve with healthy meatloaf recipe

So, you really should give this healthy meatloaf a try. Ah, I almost forgot to say that it goes really well with side dishes like roasted green beans, roasted butternut squash mash, mashed potatoes or roasted asparagus or simply with a delicious green salad.