Herb-Crusted Lean Beef Meatloaf
A classic meatloaf with a fresh herb crust and lean beef, featuring hidden veggies for a nutrient-packed family dinner. This american-inspired beef ready in about 75 minutes pairs (680g) lean ground beef, (50g) rolled oats, large egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup (50g) rolled oats
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (60ml) beef broth
- 1/4 cup (25g), finely chopped onion
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup (60g) ketchup
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs lean ground beef, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup beef broth, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1 tbsp minced thyme, 1 tbsp minced parsley, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Step 2: Press the mixture evenly into a 9x5 inch (23x12 cm) loaf pan, creating a smooth surface. Spread 1/4 cup ketchup over the top to form a glaze.
- Step 3: Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the edges are golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Crusted Lean Beef Meatloaf take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Herb-Crusted Lean Beef Meatloaf?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (680g) lean ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Crusted Lean Beef Meatloaf?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Herb-Crusted Lean Beef Meatloaf for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Herb-Crusted Lean Beef Meatloaf?
American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
