Mediterranean Meatloaf with Garlic Herb Sauce Recipe
This Mediterranean Meatloaf with Garlic Herb Sauce is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish, combining spiced ground beef with fresh herbs and a tangy Greek yogurt sauce. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection, it offers a balanced, aromatic meal inspired by Mediterranean flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic Herb Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper baking temperature for the meatloaf.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, olive oil, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to incorporate everything together without overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.
- Form the loaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan or on a lined baking sheet prepared with parchment.
- Bake: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Prepare the sauce: While the meatloaf is baking, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, finely minced garlic, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
- Rest the meatloaf: After baking, let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful slice.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve with the garlic herb sauce drizzled over the top or on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Using 80% lean beef balances flavor with moisture; leaner beef may result in a drier loaf.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing helps retain its juices.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free options if desired.
- The garlic herb sauce can be doubled for extra serving or used as a dip for vegetables.
Keywords: Mediterranean meatloaf, garlic herb sauce, baked meatloaf, ground beef recipe, easy dinner
