Old-Fashioned Meatloaf Recipe

Homemade ground meatloaf with vegetables.
Elena_Danileiko / Getty Images
Total Time: 70 min
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 60 min
Servings: 8

Nutrition Highlights (per serving)

195 calories
11g fat
4g carbs
20g protein
Show Nutrition Label Hide Nutrition Label
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving  
Calories 195
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 63mg 21%
Sodium 956mg 42%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 1g  
Includes 1g Added Sugars 2%
Protein 20g  
Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
Calcium 35mg 3%
Iron 3mg 17%
Potassium 332mg 7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.

This lighter meatloaf recipe is similar to the one most of us enjoyed during our childhoods, but without all of the extra fat. Choose a lean ground beef or, better yet, ground turkey to cut down on the fat. And since you can't make meatloaf without breadcrumbs, why not replace the white, unrefined with whole wheat for added fiber?

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground meat (85% to 90% lean, or ground turkey)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat)
  • 1/4 cup onion (finely chopped or 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion flakes)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1/4 cup water (or low-fat milk)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.

  2. In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients. Mix well, using your hands, but don't overmix because you will toughen the meat.

  3. Turn mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for about 1 hour.

  4. To be sure the meatloaf is done, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the center of the loaf. The temperature should register 155F when it is done (or1 65F if using ground turkey).

  5. About 10 to 15 minutes before you think the meatloaf will be done, you can cover it with barbecue sauce if you like.

    International Meatloaf

    If you are looking for a different kind of meatloaf, try kofta kebabs, a Middle Eastern grilled ground meat recipe. The spices in this meat mixture (traditionally lamb) are a delicious change of pace from the usual. If you don't have the time or inclination to place them on skewers, you can make them into oblong-oval shapes that look like sausages without the casings.

Rate this Recipe

You've already rated this recipe. Thanks for your rating!

By Team Verywell Fit
At Verywell Fit, we are dedicated to empowering you with the best answers to your most pressing questions, from healthy eating to exercise and everything in between.