Healthy Meatloaf
This Healthy Meatloaf combines lean ground beef, ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and a tangy BBQ glaze for a flavorful and wholesome family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound ground turkey or ground chicken
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 carrot finely chopped
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce ketchup, or chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce or a mixture of BBQ and chili sauce
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Vegetable Mixture
- In a blender or food processor, combine the egg, carrot, onion, barbecue sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, and black pepper. Blend until the carrot and onion are finely chopped, and the mixture is smooth with a slightly chunky texture.
Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended vegetable mixture with the ground beef, ground turkey, and Panko bread crumbs. Use your hands or a sturdy spatula to mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Shape the Meatloaf
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared pan and form it into a loaf shape, approximately 4 inches wide and 3 inches high. Cover the loaf with aluminum foil to seal in moisture during baking.
Bake the Meatloaf
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil, spread the barbecue sauce topping evenly over the loaf, and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 15–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Serve
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This resting period ensures the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender loaf. Slice and serve warm.