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Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe

5 from 143 reviews

This Parmesan Meatloaf is a wholesome and flavorful dish combining lean ground beef, sautéed vegetables, oats for texture, and savory Parmesan cheese. The loaf is baked to perfection with a tangy ketchup glaze, offering a comforting and healthy meal option perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (93%)
  • ½ cup quick oats
  • 2 egg whites (or 1 whole egg)
  • 3 tbsp ketchup (plus additional for glaze)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp garlic powder (or 1 tsp fresh minced garlic)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables for Sautéing

  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 carrot (finely chopped)
  • 1 rib celery (finely chopped)
  • ½ cup mushrooms (finely chopped)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking vessel by lightly greasing a loaf pan or lining a baking sheet with parchment paper if you prefer a free-form loaf.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, celery, and mushrooms, sautéing for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables are soft and most of the moisture has evaporated. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  3. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, sautéed vegetables, quick oats, egg whites, 3 tablespoons of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon just until all ingredients are evenly incorporated; avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
  4. Shape the Meatloaf: Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan or shape it into a 2-inch-high loaf on the baking sheet for a rustic look.
  5. Bake the Meatloaf: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove it briefly, brush the top generously with extra ketchup to create a glaze, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 45 minutes. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

  • Using lean ground beef helps reduce fat content while keeping the meatloaf moist.
  • Quick oats act as a binder and add a tender texture without overpowering the flavors.
  • You can substitute egg whites with one whole egg if preferred.
  • Sauté vegetables beforehand to remove excess moisture and enhance flavor.
  • Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F to safely cook ground beef.
  • Allow meatloaf to rest before slicing to maintain juiciness.

Keywords: Parmesan meatloaf, baked meatloaf, lean beef meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, easy family dinner