This Greek Meatloaf is a fun twist on a classic dish! It’s made with juicy ground beef, delicious herbs, and a bit of feta cheese for that tangy kick.
Serving this meatloaf with a side of roasted veggies makes dinner extra special. Plus, who can resist those awesome leftovers for lunch? Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for 80% lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can work too, but they may be a bit drier, so consider adding extra olive oil or moist vegetables.
Kalamata Olives: These add a nice briny flavor. If you can’t find them, green olives or black olives can be substituted. Just remember, the flavor will change slightly, but they’ll still be tasty!
Feta Cheese: The tangy taste of feta makes this meatloaf special. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using a plant-based feta or omit it altogether. You could also use goat cheese for a similar flavor.
Breadcrumbs: I like to use plain breadcrumbs, but if you have seasoned ones, they’ll work fine too. For gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even oats!
How Do I Ensure My Meatloaf Holds Together?
Keeping your meatloaf firm yet tender is crucial. Here’s how to make that happen:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.
- Soak the Breadcrumbs: Soaking them in milk helps them blend smoothly and keeps the meatloaf moist.
- Chill Before Baking: If you have time, let the shaped meatloaf sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This helps it hold its shape during cooking.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked; it should reach 160°F. This guarantees safety and the right texture.
How to Make Greek Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried oregano)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the pan)
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup tomato sauce or ketchup
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 55-65 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can dig into this delicious Greek Meatloaf!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the meatloaf cooks evenly. Lightly grease a loaf pan with olive oil or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier later.
2. Soak the Breadcrumbs:
In a small bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk. Let them sit for about 5 minutes until they are soft and ready to mix into the meat. This will help keep your meatloaf moist and tender!
3. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped kalamata olives, and half of the crumbled feta cheese. Mix together until everything is evenly distributed.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients:
Add the soaked breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture. Be gentle but thorough, using your hands or a fork to combine everything well.
5. Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the meat mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Alternatively, you can shape it into a loaf on a lined baking sheet for a rustic look.
6. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce or ketchup, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, honey or sugar, and dried oregano. This will be the tasty glaze that goes on top!
7. Glaze & Bake:
Spread the glaze evenly on top of your meatloaf. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
8. Rest Before Serving:
Once it’s done, take the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep all those tasty juices inside.
9. Garnish & Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle the remaining crumbled feta cheese on top for added flavor and a beautiful presentation. Pair your Greek Meatloaf with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and extra olives for a delightful Greek-inspired meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to beef. However, you might want to add a bit of olive oil or sauté some finely chopped vegetables to keep it moist since turkey can dry out more easily.
How Can I Make This Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
To make this meatloaf gluten-free, simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. You can also use oat flour for a healthier option!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay good for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven or microwave.
What Can I Serve Alongside This Meatloaf?
This Greek Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with a fresh Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of creamy mashed potatoes. It also goes great with some tzatziki sauce for extra flavor!
