Parmesan Meatloaf

INGREDIENTS:

2 teaspoons canola oil

1 cup finely chopped white mushrooms

1 cup finely chopped onion

1 stalk celery, finely chopped

1 pound lean ground beef (7% or less fat)

1/2 cup quick cooking or old-fashioned oats (not instant)

2 large egg whites (or 1 whole egg)

3 tablespoons ketchup (plus more for brushing on top)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves (not ground thyme)

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature for even cooking. While the oven heats up, prepare your loaf pan by spraying it with cooking spray. This step prevents the meatloaf from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup easier. If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, though the shape will be different.

2. Cook the Vegetables

Heat 2 teaspoons of canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped mushrooms, onion, carrot, and celery. These vegetables will add moisture and flavor to the meatloaf, as well as boost its nutritional value. Cook the vegetables, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes softened and translucent. The mushrooms will release their liquid, which will help to soften the other vegetables.

Once the vegetables are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. This will be the bowl where you’ll combine all the ingredients for your meatloaf.

3. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients

In the same large bowl with the cooked vegetables, add the remaining ingredients: 1 pound of lean ground beef, 1/2 cup of quick cooking or old-fashioned oats, 2 large egg whites (or 1 whole egg if you prefer), 3 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic).

Mix all these ingredients thoroughly. I recommend using your hands for this step as it allows you to combine the ingredients more evenly without overworking the meat. Overmixing can result in a denser meatloaf, so be sure to mix just until everything is combined.

4. Form and Bake the Meatloaf

Once the mixture is well combined, press it into the prepared loaf pan. Press it down firmly to ensure that it holds its shape during baking. If you’re using a baking sheet, shape the meatloaf into a loaf shape about 2 inches high.

Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, you can brush additional ketchup on top of the loaf if you like a slightly tangy glaze. This step is optional but adds a bit of extra flavor and a glossy finish.

Continue baking the meatloaf for an additional 30 to 45 minutes. The exact cooking time can vary based on your oven and the size of your loaf pan. To ensure it’s done, use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf. The thermometer should read 160°F (71°C). This ensures that the meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to eat.

5. Let it Rest and Serve

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, making it more moist and flavorful.

After the resting period, cut the meatloaf into 8 slices. Serve it with your favorite side dishes. This meatloaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, substitute the lean ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative. Ensure that the plant-based product has similar cooking instructions to achieve the best results.

Spicy Meatloaf: Add a touch of heat by incorporating a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the mixture. You can also use spicy ketchup for an extra kick.

Cheesy Meatloaf: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese into the meat mixture for a cheesy variation. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even Parmesan would work well.

Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil instead of thyme to give the meatloaf a unique flavor profile.

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the oats with gluten-free oats or use crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially Worcestershire sauce, are gluten-free.