Healthy Meatloaf Recipe With Vegetables for Easy Dinners

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. However, traditional recipes can sometimes be heavy and loaded with less-than-healthy ingredients.

That’s why this healthy meatloaf recipe with vegetables is a game-changer! It not only incorporates lean ground meat but also sneaks in a variety of colorful vegetables to boost nutrition and flavor.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, wholesome meal without compromising on taste or health.

Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this meatloaf checks all the boxes: it’s delicious, packed with fiber and vitamins from the veggies, and easy to make. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce more vegetables into your diet—even for picky eaters!

Ready to discover how to make a moist, flavorful meatloaf that’s both nourishing and satisfying? Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This healthy meatloaf recipe stands out because it combines the best of both worlds—classic comfort with a nutritious twist. The addition of vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers adds moisture and natural sweetness, making the meatloaf tender and flavorful.

Using lean ground turkey or beef reduces the saturated fat content, making it heart-friendly. Plus, the recipe includes whole oats as a binder instead of breadcrumbs, upping the fiber content and keeping the dish gluten-free if you choose certified oats.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand, adjust spices to suit your taste, or make it vegetarian by substituting with lentils or plant-based crumbles (check out our Vegetarian Burger Recipe Lentils That Everyone Will Love for inspiration!).

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey or beef
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 cup grated carrot
• 1 cup grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
• 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup ketchup or tomato sauce (for topping)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Box grater or food processor (for vegetables)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Loaf pan (9×5 inch) or baking sheet
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil (optional)
• Oven thermometer (optional but helpful)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the vegetables: grate the carrots and zucchini, then place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out the excess moisture to avoid a soggy meatloaf.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, grated carrot, zucchini, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic.
4. Add the oats, milk, eggs, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce to the bowl.
5. Season the mixture with dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
6. Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan and shape it into a loaf.
7. Spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This will create a delicious glaze as it bakes.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the meatloaf is cooked through.
9. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute and makes slicing easier.
10. Serve warm and enjoy your nutrient-packed, comforting meal!

Tips & Variations

“For even more flavor, consider sautéing the onions, garlic, and bell peppers before adding to the meat mixture. This step caramelizes the vegetables and intensifies their sweetness.”

If you want to make this dish gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats. To boost the protein further, swap out half the oats for cooked quinoa.

Vegetarian? Replace the ground meat with cooked lentils or a plant-based crumble.

You can find inspiration for vegetarian meals in our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.

Consider mixing in fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh twist. You can also experiment with different spices such as smoked paprika or a pinch of chilli powder for a hint of heat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This healthy meatloaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a balanced meal, serve it alongside steamed green beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or a crisp garden salad.

If you want to keep the meal light, a simple cucumber and tomato salad with lemon vinaigrette is perfect.

Leftovers make great sandwiches the next day—layer slices of meatloaf on whole grain bread with mustard and fresh greens. For more wholesome side ideas, check out our Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love for inspiration on easy, nutritious accompaniments.

Conclusion

This healthy meatloaf with vegetables is an excellent way to enjoy a classic comfort dish while boosting your intake of vegetables and nutrients. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

By incorporating fresh veggies and lean protein, you’re nourishing your body without sacrificing the rich taste and satisfying texture meatloaf lovers crave.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying meatloaf for the first time, this recipe provides a reliable, health-conscious option that everyone will appreciate. Don’t forget to explore our other recipes like the Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for more inspiration to keep your meals exciting and wholesome!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Healthy Meatloaf Recipe with Vegetables”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A nutritious twist on classic meatloaf packed with vegetables for added flavor and fiber. Perfect for a wholesome family dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT50M”, “totalTime”: “PT1H10M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb lean ground turkey”, “1 cup finely chopped carrots”, “1 cup finely chopped zucchini”, “1/2 cup finely chopped onion”, “1/2 cup rolled oats”, “1/4 cup low-fat milk”, “1 large egg”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/4 cup tomato paste”, “1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce”, “1 teaspoon dried oregano”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, carrots, zucchini, onion, oats, milk, egg, garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix ingredients until well combined but do not overmix.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer mixture into a loaf pan and shape into a loaf.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 50 minutes or until meatloaf is cooked through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “25 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “10 g”}}