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A freshly baked lighter comfort meatloaf, perfectly sliced.

Zesty Veggie-Boosted Lighter Comfort Meatloaf

This Zesty Veggie-Boosted Lighter Comfort Meatloaf is a healthier take on a classic comfort food, packed with lean meat and hidden vegetables. It's flavorful, moist, and topped with a tangy-sweet glaze.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 6 slices

Equipment

  • small bowl
  • non-stick skillet
  • large mixing bowl
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

For the Meatloaf:

  • 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef or turkey 90% lean or higher
  • 1 slice whole wheat bread
  • ¼ cup milk any kind
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup grated zucchini or shredded carrots peeled and finely grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Glaze:

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions
 

Prep the Meatloaf

  • Tear the bread into small pieces, pour milk over it, and let it soak for 5 minutes.
  • Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet, sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and zucchini/carrots for a few minutes; let cool slightly.

Assemble and Bake

  • Gently squeeze excess liquid from the bread, then combine it in a large bowl with ground meat, cooled vegetables, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix all ingredients gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper, then shape the meat mixture into an 8-9 inch long and 4-5 inch wide loaf.
  • Whisk together the glaze ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
  • Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.
  • After 45 minutes, spread the remaining glaze over the meatloaf and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  • Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For an even lighter meatloaf, use all ground turkey. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices. Serve with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.