moist meatloaf recipe with Smoky Saffron Glaze and Pistachio-Mint Gremolata

Name: moist meatloaf recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern / American Fusion
Ingredients: 680 g (1.5 lb) lean ground beef (from a permissible animal source); 120 g (1 cup) finely diced yellow onion; 2 cloves minced garlic; 100 g (1 cup) finely diced red bell pepper; 80 g (1 cup) plain breadcrumbs (ensure no animal fats or alcohol); 1 large egg; 30 ml (2 tablespoons) tomato paste, divided; 15 ml (1 tablespoon) coconut aminos; 5 ml (1 teaspoon) ground cumin; 5 ml (1 teaspoon) ground coriander; 7.5 ml (1.5 teaspoons) fine sea salt; 2.5 ml (0.5 teaspoon) black pepper; 30 g (0.25 cup) fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped; 15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil (for glaze); 10 ml (2 teaspoons) smoked paprika (for glaze); 20-25 threads saffron (steeped in 30 ml / 2 tablespoons warm vegetable broth) (for glaze); 30 ml (2 tablespoons) date molasses (for glaze); 15 ml (1 tablespoon) apple cider vinegar (for glaze); 60 ml (0.25 cup) vegetable broth (for glaze); 1 clove minced garlic (for glaze); Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for glaze)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

I sometimes find myself longing for a comforting meal, and the aroma of a perfectly cooked meatloaf filling my kitchen is pure joy. Our moist meatloaf recipe is your answer, delivering incredible flavor without the fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner, it’s a family-friendly favorite that always turns out juicy and delicious. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this foolproof moist meatloaf recipe!

Ingredients and Smart Substitutions

Crafting a truly satisfying and moist meatloaf recipe starts with quality ingredients, making sure every bite is bursting with flavor.

Ground Beef: 680 g (1.5 lb) lean ground beef (from a permissible animal source). This is your hearty foundation; I often choose 90/10 for a lighter meal.
Yellow Onion: 120 g (1 cup) finely diced. Essential aromatics for depth and moisture.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Boosts the savory profile.
Red Bell Pepper: 100 g (1 cup) finely diced. Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
Plain Breadcrumbs: 80 g (1 cup) (ensure no animal fats or alcohol). Acts as a binder, ensuring a tender texture (for an easy gluten-free option in your moist meatloaf recipe, use gluten-free breadcrumbs).
Egg: 1 large. Helps bind ingredients and adds richness.
Tomato Paste: 30 ml (2 tablespoons), divided. Provides concentrated umami.
Coconut Aminos: 15 ml (1 tablespoon). A savory alternative for depth (or use a splash of vegetable broth to ensure a moist meatloaf recipe).
Spices: 5 ml (1 teaspoon) ground cumin, 5 ml (1 teaspoon) ground coriander. Warm spices for unique flavor.
Seasoning: 7.5 ml (1.5 teaspoons) fine sea salt, 2.5 ml (0.5 teaspoon) black pepper. Essential for balanced taste.
Fresh Parsley: 30 g (0.25 cup) fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped. Brightens the overall flavor.

For the Smoky Saffron Glaze:

15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil, 15 ml (1 tablespoon) tomato paste, 10 ml (2 teaspoons) smoked paprika, 20-25 threads saffron (steeped in 30 ml / 2 tablespoons warm vegetable broth), 30 ml (2 tablespoons) date molasses, 15 ml (1 tablespoon) apple cider vinegar, 60 ml (0.25 cup) vegetable broth, 1 clove garlic (minced), Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional). This creates a tangy, sweet, and smoky topping.

Premium Variations: Enhance your meal by sourcing organic vegetables or grass-fed beef for a truly healthy and flavorful dish.

Health-Focused Swaps: For an easy low-carb recipe, use almond flour or crushed nuts (like pecans or walnuts) instead of breadcrumbs; these adjustments still contribute to a delightful moist meatloaf recipe.

Sourcing Notes: Check local butcher shops for quality ground beef, and utilize online grocery delivery for convenience when you need a quick healthy dinner.

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Prep Your Ingredients (10 min): Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper, which makes cleanup so much easier. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, finely diced onion, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, breadcrumbs, egg, 15 ml (1 tablespoon) of tomato paste, coconut aminos, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix until just combined and uniformly colored, avoiding overworking the meat. I find that using a large wooden spoon for the initial mix helps prevent overworking the beef, keeping it tender.
Form Your Loaf: On your prepared baking sheet, shape the mixture into a compact, even loaf, about 20 cm (8 inches) long and 10 cm (4 inches) wide. Ensure the edges are neat, as this helps it cook evenly.
Apply Glaze: Prepare the Smoky Saffron Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine olive oil, the remaining 15 ml (1 tablespoon) tomato paste, smoked paprika, the saffron steeped in broth, date molasses, apple cider vinegar, vegetable broth, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring it to a simmer, stirring continuously, then reduce heat and cook for 5-7 minutes until the glaze appears slightly thickened and fragrant. Brush about two-thirds of this rich, aromatic glaze evenly over the formed meatloaf. If the glaze seems too thick, a splash more vegetable broth will loosen it right up for easy brushing.
Bake to Perfection (approx. 50-55 min total): Bake the meatloaf for 30 minutes. The edges will start to firm up. Remove from the oven, brush with the remaining glaze, and return for another 20-25 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F) is reached and the glaze is visibly glossy and slightly caramelized. After baking, let your moist meatloaf recipe rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before slicing; this allows the juices to redistribute for a perfectly tender result.

Time-Saving Hacks: Use a food processor for finely dicing the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper in seconds, making prep for this easy dinner idea even quicker.

Inline Flavor Variations: For an extra aromatic twist, consider adding a pinch of dried orange peel or a teaspoon of finely minced preserved lemon to the meatloaf mixture for bright, tangy notes.

Serving Ideas and Storage Solutions

This moist meatloaf recipe shines for weeknight family dinners, special Sunday suppers, or even sliced cold for work lunches.

Pairing Suggestions: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a crisp side salad.
Storage Guidance: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition and Wellness Benefits of Moist Meatloaf

How this hearty dish supports a balanced plate: It’s one of the best protein meals, providing essential amino acids for muscle health and satiety.

This moist meatloaf recipe can be a quick healthy dinner option, especially when paired with plenty of veggies.

For those watching carbs, an easy low-carb recipe variation (using almond flour) makes it perfect for meal prep for weight loss goals.

A lean meatloaf can boost energy and keep you feeling full longer, preventing unhealthy snacking.

Why This Recipe Works in Real Life

This moist meatloaf recipe is a true workhorse in the kitchen.

It saves time by being a straightforward, one-pan meal, perfect for easy dinner ideas.
It keeps meals affordable, using common pantry ingredients.
It fits diet goals with easy modifications for low-carb or gluten-free, supporting healthy eating.
It solves the busy schedule problem by being simple to prep ahead, making it ideal for meal prep recipes.
It’s perfect for picky eaters who love classic comfort food, making it a family-friendly choice.
It helps with portion control when you slice it yourself.

Extra Tips & Customizations

Cooking Adjustments

For an extra browned crust, broil for the last 2-3 minutes. My trick is to keep a close eye on it, as broilers vary wildly!

Flavor Twists

Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or a dash of smoked paprika for depth. Try a different glaze with BBQ sauce or mushroom gravy.

Allergy-Safe

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a grain-free alternative like almond flour (use a 1:1 swap ratio) to make it suitable for various diets.

Kid-Friendly

Make mini meatloaves for fun individual portions, reducing bake time to 30-40 minutes. They cook faster and are easier for little hands.

Reader Questions Answered

Is this moist meatloaf recipe good for weekly meal prep?

Absolutely! It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. Store individual slices in airtight containers for grab-and-go convenience.

Can I make this moist meatloaf recipe healthier without losing flavor?

Yes, use leaner ground meat (90/10), incorporate finely grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini, and opt for a sugar-free ketchup for the glaze. These small changes make a big difference.

What makes this meatloaf moist?

The combination of milk, eggs, and resisting the urge to overmix the meat ensures a tender, juicy result. I always tell folks to mix just until combined; it makes a huge difference!

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this moist meatloaf recipe?

Yes, ground turkey works well, but you might want to add a bit more fat (like olive oil or a spoonful of softened butter) to keep it from drying out, as turkey is naturally leaner. This tweak helps maintain moisture.

How do I know when my moist meatloaf recipe is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F (71°C) in the center. Resting the meatloaf for 10 minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute for maximum moisture.

Where can I order moist meatloaf recipe ingredients online?

Most major grocery delivery services like Instacart or Amazon Fresh carry all necessary ingredients, often with same-day delivery. This offers great convenience for busy cooks and ensures you get organic ingredients if desired.

Can I prepare this moist meatloaf recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the meatloaf mixture and even shape it, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 5-10 minutes to the bake time. It’s a great meal prep recipe hack!

Conclusion

This moist meatloaf recipe proves that wholesome, homemade comfort food can be both easy and incredibly satisfying for family dinners. Don’t wait — save this recipe on Pinterest for your next quick meals or healthy eating plan!