Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or a mix of both)
- 1 cup finely chopped vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, zucchini)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional for added richness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme)
- For the balsamic glaze:
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, chopped vegetables, diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- While baking, prepare the balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced by half and thickened into a syrupy consistency.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven, rest for 10 minutes, then brush generously with the balsamic glaze. Slice and serve with side dishes like broccoli pasta or fresh greens.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version of the recipe.
- Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free options like almond flour or gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.
- For a caramelized crust, broil the glazed meatloaf for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Feel free to customize with different herbs and spices for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Healthy, Balanced
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
