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December 10, 2024
If you’re looking for a delicious and wholesome meal, look no further than whole foods meatloaf. This classic dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy your hunger and leave you feeling nourished.
Whole foods meatloaf is made with high-quality ingredients that are free from artificial additives and preservatives. By using organic ground beef, fresh vegetables, and whole grains, you can ensure that your meatloaf is both nutritious and delicious. This recipe is perfect for those who are seeking a healthy alternative to traditional meatloaf, without sacrificing taste or texture.
To make whole foods meatloaf, start by combining lean ground beef with chopped onions, garlic, and your choice of herbs and spices. Mix these ingredients together in a large bowl, then add in bread crumbs made from whole grain bread. Next, incorporate a beaten egg to bind the mixture, and mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish. You can then brush the top of the meatloaf with a glaze made from ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of brown sugar to add a hint of sweetness. Bake the meatloaf in a preheated oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, which usually takes about 1 hour.
Once the meatloaf is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and creates a moist and tender meatloaf. Pair your whole foods meatloaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables, for a complete and satisfying meal.
So, if you’re looking for a wholesome and delicious dish to enjoy, give whole foods meatloaf a try. With its high-quality ingredients and hearty flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more whole foods into your diet and amp up the nutritional value of your meals. Bon appétit!
Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start making your whole foods meatloaf, gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare them properly. This will ensure that your meatloaf turns out delicious and flavorful.
1. Ground Meat: Choose a lean and high-quality ground meat for your meatloaf. You can use a combination of beef, pork, and veal, or simply stick to one type of meat. Make sure the meat is fresh and free from any added preservatives.
2. Vegetables: Finely chop or grate vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. These vegetables not only add flavor to the meatloaf but also provide moisture and texture.
3. Garlic and Herbs: Mince fresh garlic and gather your favorite herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. These ingredients will enhance the flavor of your meatloaf.
4. Whole Grain Bread: Tear whole grain bread into small pieces to use as a binder in the meatloaf. This will help hold the ingredients together and add texture to the final dish.
5. Eggs: Beat eggs in a separate bowl before adding them to the meat mixture. Eggs act as a binder and help to keep the meatloaf moist.
6. Tomato Sauce: Prepare a homemade or use a store-bought tomato sauce to spread on top of the meatloaf. This will add flavor and help create a delicious glaze.
7. Seasonings: Gather common seasonings like salt, black pepper, and any other spices you prefer. These will help to enhance the overall taste of the meatloaf.
8. Optional Additions: If desired, you can add additional ingredients like grated cheese, cooked bacon, or Worcestershire sauce to give your meatloaf even more flavor.
Once you have prepared and gathered all the necessary ingredients, you are ready to start making your whole foods meatloaf and enjoy a hearty and delicious meal.
Gather fresh whole foods
When making a delicious and nutritious meatloaf, it is important to start with high-quality, fresh whole foods. This means selecting fresh vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. By using fresh ingredients, you can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your meatloaf.
Choose fresh vegetables
Start by selecting fresh vegetables to add to your meatloaf. Opt for vibrant and colorful vegetables, such as carrots, onions, and bell peppers. These vegetables not only add flavor but also provide essential vitamins and minerals. Chop them finely to ensure they cook through in the meatloaf.
Select lean meats
When it comes to the meat for your meatloaf, choose lean options such as ground turkey or lean ground beef. These meats are lower in fat, making your meatloaf healthier without sacrificing taste. Look for grass-fed or organic options if possible to ensure the highest quality.
| Vegetables | Meat | Grains |
|---|---|---|
| Carrots | Ground turkey | Whole wheat breadcrumbs |
| Onions | Lean ground beef | Quinoa |
| Bell peppers | Steel-cut oats |
By gathering fresh whole foods, you are laying the foundation for a delicious and nutritious meatloaf. These high-quality ingredients will make your meatloaf a standout dish that is both satisfying and good for you.
Mix and shape the meatloaf
Once you have gathered all the ingredients for your whole foods meatloaf, it’s time to mix and shape the meatloaf. This is an important step that will ensure the meatloaf holds together and cooks evenly.
Step 1: Mix the ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten eggs, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Step 2: Shape the meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture onto a greased baking dish or a loaf pan. Use your hands to shape the mixture into a loaf shape, making sure it is evenly packed and compact.
Tip: If you prefer, you can also shape individual meatloaf portions by dividing the mixture into smaller portions and shaping them into mini loaves.
Once you have shaped the meatloaf, you can optionally brush the top with ketchup or barbecue sauce for added flavor and a nice glaze.
Now that you have mixed and shaped the meatloaf, it’s time to bake it in the oven. Continue reading to learn how to properly bake your whole foods meatloaf to perfection.
Combine ground beef and vegetables
To make a delicious whole foods meatloaf, start by combining your ground beef with fresh vegetables. This will not only add flavor and texture to your meatloaf, but also make it healthier.
Here is a simple recipe to follow:
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| 1 pound of ground beef | 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery. |
| 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion | 2. Make sure the vegetables are diced into small pieces, as they will cook faster and evenly. |
| 1/2 cup of finely chopped carrots | 3. Mix all the ingredients together using your hands or a spoon until well combined. |
| 1/2 cup of finely chopped celery | 4. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough and dense meatloaf. |
By combining the ground beef with these vegetables, you are not only adding a natural sweetness and crunch to your meatloaf, but also incorporating added nutrients and fiber. This is a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet or to get picky eaters to enjoy their vegetables!
Cook the meatloaf
Once your whole foods meatloaf is prepped and shaped, it’s time to cook it to perfection.
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and place the meatloaf in a greased baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the meatloaf moist.
Bake the meatloaf for approximately 1 hour, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
While the meatloaf is baking, you can prepare a glaze or sauce to enhance the flavors. A popular choice is a combination of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Simply mix these ingredients together in a small bowl.
About 15 minutes before the meatloaf is finished cooking, remove the aluminum foil and brush the glaze or sauce over the top. This will give the meatloaf a delicious caramelized finish.
Continue baking the meatloaf uncovered for the remaining time, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).
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Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the meatloaf easier to slice.
Serve the whole foods meatloaf with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Bake in the oven
Once the meatloaf is mixed and shaped, it is time to bake it in the oven. Follow these steps to ensure a perfectly cooked whole foods meatloaf:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the shaped meatloaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a greased loaf pan.
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour.
- Check the internal temperature of the meatloaf using a meat thermometer. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Once the meatloaf is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Slicing the meatloaf immediately after removing it from the oven may cause it to fall apart, so allowing it to rest will help it maintain its shape.
Remember to always use oven mitts or potholders when handling hot baking sheets or pans.
Q&A
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey instead of ground beef to make a healthier version of the meatloaf. Ground turkey is leaner and has less fat compared to ground beef, which can be beneficial for those watching their fat intake.
How long does it take to cook whole foods meatloaf?
The cooking time for whole foods meatloaf will vary depending on various factors, including the size and thickness of the meatloaf. In general, it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook a whole foods meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for ground beef or 165°F (74°C) for ground turkey.
Can I make the whole foods meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the whole foods meatloaf ahead of time. You can prepare the meatloaf mixture, shape it into a loaf, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can be convenient if you want to have the meatloaf ready to pop in the oven after a long day or if you’re planning a meal in advance.
What ingredients do I need to cook whole foods meatloaf?
To cook whole foods meatloaf, you will need the following ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1/4 cup finely chopped celery, 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper, 1 garlic clove, minced, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano.