It doesn’t get much more comforting that meatloaf. Not to mention easy. In case you’re wondering, its totally possible to use a lean cut of meat and still get a moist and flavorful loaf. They key with using extra lean meats is to add in some moisture, like eggs, grated onion and soaked oats or bread, since there is no fat to keep the meat from getting dry. This lean Italian meatloaf is so flavorful with the addition of parmesan cheese, garlic, onions and fresh parsley.
This recipe would also make a great Italian meatball, just roll the mixture into balls, and brown in a skillet with a bit of cooking spray.
The sauce is so much nicer than a ketchup glaze. The addition of the balsamic glaze and worcheshire gives it a much richer flavor. I even made another batch of the glaze for just dipping our meatloaf. What can I say…I love to dip!
If you don’t have loaf pans, don’t fear! This can be easily done on a baking sheet. Just shape into loaves, add the sauce and bake!
Note: The recipe is for 2 loaves. If you’d like to stick with one loaf you’ll need to divide the recipe in half.
- 1450 grams raw lean ground meat (or 3 lbs). I used ground moose. Any meat will work.
- 2 eggs
- 4 egg whites (I used ½ cup carton egg whites)
- 1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 cup onion, grated
- 1 cup soaked quick oats or soaked bread (soak oats in milk of choice for 10 or so minutes...I used almond milk. If using bread, give it a rough chop into cubes. Whole wheat or gluten-free bread is fine)
- ½ tsp of salt & pepper
- ½ cup organic or lower sugar ketchup
- 1 Tbsp balsamic drizzle or glaze (its reduced balsamic vinegar, much thicker than regular balsamic)
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- First, soak your quick oats or bread. Submerge the oats or bread in milk of choice and let sit which you prep the meatloaf.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, mix together all the meatloaf ingredients (aside from the oats/bread). Clean hands work best. Lastly, mix in the soaked oats or bread by sifting it out with your hands. Don't squeeze it much as you'll want to keep a bit of the milk to add moisture.
- Spray a loaf pan or cookie sheet with cooking spray.
- If using loaf pans, divide the mixture and place in the pans. If using a baking tray, form 2 loaves.
- Mix together the glaze ingredients and smother over the loaves.
- Bake at 375 degrees F for approx 50 minutes to 1 hour.
* Each loaf is 6 servings, so cut into 6 thick slices each loaf.
