Lighter Meatloaf

Elevate your comfort food game with this Lighter Meatloaf, a wholesome twist on a classic favorite that's packed with flavor and nutrition. Made with lean ground turkey, vibrant vegetables like grated carrot, shredded zucchini, and savory garlic, this recipe strikes a perfect balance between hearty and healthy. Whole-grain breadcrumbs and a touch of milk keep the loaf tender, while a blend of Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and chopped parsley adds depth and freshness to every bite. Finished with a tangy ketchup glaze, this meatloaf delivers the nostalgic flavors you love—without the guilt. Ready in just an hour and easy to prepare, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for health-conscious home cooks seeking a lighter, high-protein meal, this recipe is proof that comfort food can be both satisfying and nourishing!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 0.5 cup (chopped) onion
• 1 medium (grated) carrot
• 1 medium (shredded) zucchini
• 2 cloves (minced) garlic
• 0.5 cup whole-grain breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp (chopped) parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup ketchup

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Prepare a loaf pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, grated carrot, and shredded zucchini.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic, whole-grain breadcrumbs, large egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and chopped parsley to the bowl.

Step 5

Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, then carefully mix the ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure the meatloaf stays tender.

Step 6

Using your hands or a spatula, transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Press down gently to create an even loaf shape.

Step 7

Spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf to create a glazed layer.

Step 8

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 9

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Step 10

Serve warm with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1044.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1168.0

Total Fat 44.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 546.2mg	0%
Sodium 5109.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 95.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.6g	0%
Total Sugars 39.3g
Protein 110.2g	0%

Vitamin D 66.8IU	0%
Calcium 302.9mg	0%
Iron 13.0mg	0%
Potassium 2415.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.9%

Protein: 36.0%

Carbs: 31.1%