Herb-Infused Beef Loaf with Tomato Glaze
A lean beef loaf with fresh herbs and a tangy tomato glaze, perfect for meal prep and Whole30 adherence. This american-inspired beef ready in about 43 minutes pairs ground beef, finely chopped fresh parsley, finely chopped fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, 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 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1/2 cup grated carrot. Mix gently with hands until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Step 2: Press the mixture into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper, smoothing the top with a spatula. Brush the top with 1 tsp olive oil to prevent drying.
- Step 3: Bake for 25-28 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the edges are golden. While baking, mix 3 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
- Step 4: Remove loaf from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then spread the tomato glaze evenly over the top. Slice and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Infused Beef Loaf with Tomato Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 43 minutes (15 min prep + 28 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-Infused Beef Loaf with Tomato Glaze?
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 ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Beef Loaf with Tomato Glaze?
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-Infused Beef Loaf with Tomato Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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-Infused Beef Loaf with Tomato Glaze?
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
- ★★★★★
The herb infusion made the beef so flavorful! Served with mashed potatoes, it was a hit.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a family favorite now. The tomato glaze was the perfect sweet-savory finish.
- ★★★★☆
Tasted great, but the glaze took a bit longer to thicken than expected.
