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Mediterranean Beef Meatloaf

Mediterranean Beef Meatloaf
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Mediterranean Beef Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish, infused with aromatic herbs like oregano, thyme, and parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese. This moist, tender meatloaf offers bold Mediterranean flavors, perfect for family dinners or special occasions, and is easy to prepare and customize according to dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs/oats for GF)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings & Toppings

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste or tomato sauce (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan for easy removal after baking.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, diced onions, crumbled feta, fresh chopped herbs (oregano, thyme, parsley), eggs, panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin. Gently mix using your hands or a spatula until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
  3. Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan or baking sheet and shape it into a tight loaf approximately 8 inches long. Press down gently to remove air pockets without compacting the mixture too much.
  4. Add the Tomato Glaze: Spread a thin layer of tomato paste or tomato sauce evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf. This will add moisture and create a beautiful caramelized finish.
  5. Bake and Rest: Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to lock in juiciness.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, and parsley for optimal flavor.
  • Do not overmix the meatloaf mixture to keep it tender and avoid toughness.
  • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to prevent drying out.
  • Let the meatloaf rest after baking to redistribute juices for moist slices.
  • Customize the tomato glaze by mixing tomato paste with honey or balsamic vinegar for a sweet-savory twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean, meatloaf, beef, herbs, gluten-free, comfort food, baked

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/mediterranean-beef-meatloaf/