Description
Hearty Greek spinach & feta meatloaf brings Mediterranean flavors to classic comfort cuisine. Herb-infused ground meat combines with tangy cheese and leafy greens, creating a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¼ lbs (567 g) ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup (120 ml) crumbled feta cheese
- 4 cups baby spinach
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) seasoned bread crumbs
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) diced roasted red peppers (from a jar)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped yellow onion
- ¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup
- ¼ cup (60 ml) pine nuts
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Warm the oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy release.
- Spinach Preparation: Sauté garlic in olive oil over medium-low heat until aromatic, then add baby spinach and cook until completely wilted and moisture evaporates. Cool the mixture briefly to prevent overheating the meat mixture.
- Mixing Process: In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, thoroughly blending with hands or a sturdy fork to ensure even distribution and cohesive texture. Ensure ingredients are well integrated without overmixing.
- Shaping and Topping: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, gently forming a uniform loaf with softly rounded edges. Spread ketchup evenly across the top and sides to enhance moisture and develop rich flavor during baking.
- Baking and Resting: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, confirming the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption. Once removed, allow the meatloaf to rest 7-10 minutes, enabling juice redistribution and maintaining optimal tenderness when slicing.
Notes
- Spinach Squeeze Technique: Drain spinach thoroughly after cooking to prevent excess moisture from making the meatloaf soggy and compromising texture.
- Meat Mixing Mastery: Use gentle hands when combining ingredients to avoid overworking the meat, which can lead to a tough, dense meatloaf.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the 160°F internal temperature for food safety and perfectly cooked meatloaf.
- Resting Ritual: Allow meatloaf to rest after baking to help juices redistribute, ensuring each slice remains moist and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 352
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 438 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg