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To make this Whole30 meatloaf, gather these simple, fresh ingredients: - 1 ½ lbs ground beef (preferably grass-fed for quality and flavor) - 1 cup finely chopped onion - 1 cup grated carrots - 1 cup zucchini, grated (be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 large eggs - ½ cup almond flour - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 tsp dried oregano - 1 tsp salt - ½ tsp black pepper - ½ tsp smoked paprika (for a deeper flavor) - ½ cup homemade or Whole30-compliant ketchup (for topping) Choosing quality ingredients is key. I always opt for grass-fed beef. It has richer flavor and better nutrition. Grass-fed beef is higher in omega-3s and vitamins. This makes your meatloaf not just tasty but also healthier. Fresh veggies add moisture and nutrients. They help give the meatloaf a great texture. If you have allergies, don’t worry! You can swap out some ingredients. For egg-free options, try flaxseed meal mixed with water. It works well as a binder. If you can’t use almond flour, coconut flour is a good choice. Just use less because it absorbs more moisture. Always check labels on sauces, like ketchup. They must be Whole30-compliant to fit the plan. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, grated carrots, and zucchini. Don't forget to squeeze out the water from the zucchini. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix well. Then, add minced garlic, eggs, almond flour, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix again until everything is combined. Now, take the meat mixture and transfer it into a loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf form. Press it down gently to help it hold together. This helps the meatloaf keep its shape while baking. Next, spread ½ cup of compliant ketchup on top. This topping adds flavor and keeps the meatloaf moist. Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check if it’s done. It should read 160°F (70°C) inside. Once it's cooked, take it out of the oven. Let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting time helps the juices stay in the meat. After resting, slice and serve your meatloaf warm. Enjoy it with roasted veggies or a fresh salad. To keep your meatloaf juicy, use ground beef that has some fat. Grass-fed beef works well here. Adding grated zucchini and carrots also helps. These veggies add moisture and flavor. Make sure to squeeze the zucchini to remove extra water before mixing. This will prevent your meatloaf from being too wet. Letting your meatloaf rest is key. After baking, take it out and let it sit for ten minutes. This time allows the juices to flow back into the meat. If you cut it too soon, juices will run out, making it dry. Resting keeps every slice moist and flavorful. Mixing well is important for a good meatloaf. Use your hands or a spoon to blend the ingredients. Don't overmix, as this can make it tough. Aim for a uniform color and texture. Make sure the spices and eggs are evenly spread. This way, every bite is tasty and consistent. Pro Tips Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your meatloaf reaches the perfect internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption and optimal juiciness. Moisten the Mixture: If your mixture feels too dry, add a splash of beef broth or coconut milk to enhance moisture without compromising Whole30 compliance. Rest Before Slicing: Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This step is crucial for retaining its juices and achieving clean slices. Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. Just ensure they are finely chopped or grated. {{image_4}} You can boost flavor by adding herbs and spices. Fresh thyme or rosemary brings a nice twist. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. For a sweet touch, consider using a bit of cinnamon. Each herb or spice can change the taste and keep it exciting. Just remember to mix them in well with the meat. Feel free to swap in different veggies for variety. Chopped bell peppers add sweetness and color. Mushrooms can add a nice umami flavor. You might also try spinach for added greens. Just be sure to chop them finely so they blend well. This way, you keep the texture perfect while sneaking in more nutrients. Instead of ketchup, try other Whole30-compliant sauces. You can use a homemade BBQ sauce for a smoky taste. A tomato-based sauce with herbs can add freshness. Even a balsamic glaze can work well. These toppings can change the whole dish. Just be sure they fit within Whole30 rules for the best results. To keep your Whole30 meatloaf fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight container. This helps avoid any unwanted odors from your fridge. Store it on a middle shelf, where the temperature is stable. The meatloaf will stay good for up to four days in the fridge. If you want to store your meatloaf for longer, freezing is a great option. Slice the meatloaf before freezing. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to label the bag with the date. To reheat, simply thaw slices overnight in the fridge. Heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the meatloaf moist and tasty. When stored properly, Whole30 meatloaf can last up to three months in the freezer. In the fridge, it stays fresh for about four days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or has any strange colors, it’s best to throw it away. Yes, you can make meatloaf without egg. Use a binder like mashed sweet potato or flaxseed meal mixed with water. This works well to hold the meat together. The texture may change, but it still tastes great. If you lack almond flour, you can swap it with coconut flour. Use less, about 1/4 cup, since coconut flour absorbs more moisture. You may also try ground sunflower seeds. Adjust the amount for the right texture. To keep your meatloaf moist, add grated veggies like zucchini and carrots. They provide moisture while cooking. Also, don’t overmix the meat. It can make the loaf tough. Lastly, let it rest after baking. This helps keep the juices inside. This blog post guided you through making a delicious Whole30 meatloaf. We discussed key ingredients and why quality matters, along with helpful substitutes. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing, baking, and checking doneness. Our tips on moisture and resting time ensure a tasty result. Plus, we explored variations and proper storage methods. In conclusion, following these steps and tips will lead to a tasty, satisfying meal. Enjoy your cooking and feel great about what you eat!

Whole30 Hearty Meatloaf

A delicious and nutritious meatloaf made with wholesome ingredients, perfect for Whole30 diets.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (preferably grass-fed for quality and flavor)
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 cup grated carrots
  • 1 cup zucchini, grated (be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup almond flour
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika (for a deeper flavor)
  • 0.5 cup homemade or Whole30-compliant ketchup (for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, grated carrots, and grated zucchini along with the minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
  • Next, incorporate the eggs, almond flour, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika into the mixture. Use your hands or a large spoon to ensure everything is evenly combined.
  • Carefully transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan. Shape it into a traditional loaf form, pressing it down slightly to ensure it holds together.
  • Generously spread ½ cup of the compliant ketchup on top of the meatloaf. This will add flavor and maintain moisture during baking.
  • Place the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. The meatloaf is fully cooked once it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
  • Once done, take the meatloaf out of the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist slice.
  • Serve the meatloaf warm, accompanied by a side of vibrant roasted vegetables or a crisp, fresh salad.

Notes

For a beautiful presentation, plate the meatloaf slices on a bed of fresh mixed greens and drizzle with extra ketchup for a burst of color. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of brightness and flavor.
Keyword healthy, meatloaf, Whole30