Meatloaf with Lentils and Vegetables

Elevate a classic comfort food with this Meatloaf with Lentils and Vegetables, a flavorful twist on traditional meatloaf that blends wholesome ingredients with irresistible taste. Combining protein-packed brown lentils, sautéed aromatics like onion, carrot, and celery, and tender ground beef, this recipe creates a moist and hearty loaf that’s both satisfying and nutrient-rich. The savory glaze of ketchup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar adds a sweet and tangy finish, perfectly complementing the dish’s rich umami flavors. With its seamless balance of textures and its hidden boost of vegetables, this meatloaf is an ideal centerpiece for family dinners. Easy to prepare and bake, serve it warm with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad for a comforting, well-rounded meal that will delight everyone at the table.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup Brown lentils
• 2.5 cups Water
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely diced
• 1 large Carrot, grated
• 1 Celery stalk, finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 pound Ground beef
• 1 large Egg
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

Step 2

Rinse the brown lentils under cold water and place them in a small saucepan with 2.5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, grated carrot, diced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, sautéed vegetables, ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, but avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf dense.

Step 5

Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing it down gently to ensure it is evenly distributed.

Step 6

In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to make the glaze. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 7

Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer.

Step 8

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Step 9

Serve warm, paired with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1836.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1988.7

Total Fat 113.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.3g
Cholesterol 540.6mg	0%
Sodium 4725.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 138.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.6g	0%
Total Sugars 43.8g
Protein 120.5g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 542.3mg	0%
Iron 20.4mg	0%
Potassium 3125.8mg	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: 49.6%

Protein: 23.4%

Carbs: 27.0%