Easy Nourishing Meatloaf

I celebrate making meatloaf knowing that my body is being deeply nourished. I literally stand in awe at how beautiful the ingredients are nestled together, knowing it will nourish my family. And my kids LOVE it. After trying many versions, I began crafting my own recipe, incorporating offal and more culinary herbs and my recipe shifts a bit every time depending on how I’m feeling. But what stays the same: it's beautifully nourishing and fresh ingredients, tucked nicely in a brick loaf. Below you will find my current rendition of homemade meatloaf. It is quick, easy, and makes two loaves — perfect for leftovers or sharing a loaf with your neighbor.

Meatloaf recipe

• makes two bread pan loaves, one loaf serves 4-6, depending on hunger levels.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 

Equipment:

• Large bowl

• Two bread pans

• Parchment paper (recommended)

• Spoon, fork, spatula

• Food processor only if adding offal (heart, liver)

• Meat Thermometer

Tips:

– Hand stir and do not overmix. It can result in a tough meatloaf.

– Fully line the loaf pan with parchment paper for easier removal of meatloaf. 

– Rest meatloaf for 5 minutes before slicing.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef

• ¼-½ lb heart/liver, chop in food processor (optional)

• 2 eggs

• 1 bunch green onions, chopped

• 1 whole carrot, shredded

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• ½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

• ½ bunch fresh parsley, chopped

• 1.5 cups bread crumbs (optional: soak in a bit of milk or cream to soften)

• 1-2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar

• Squirt of ketchup

Ground spices, dried or fresh minced, 1 tsp of each:

• Thyme

• Rosemary

• Cinnamon

• Sage

• Celery seed

A dash of cayenne powder

Other spices I’ve included for different flavor profiles that work well in meatloaf:

• Coriander

• Fennel

• Cumin

• Turmeric

• Seven spice blend

• powdered mushroom blend

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to a big bowl. Mix with clean or gloved hands until all ingredients are combined. Do not over mix. (loaf will get rubbery)

2. Spoon into two bread pans. Gently press into pans. Do not overfill.  

3. Place in oven and bake for 60 mins, or until internal temperature registers 160°F.

4. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes.

5. Serve, and enjoy!

Basic Glaze, optional:

Combine 1-2 Tbsp of ketchup, 1-2 Tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar or balsamic vinegar with some sea salt and pepper. Mix and brush glaze onto loaves just out of the oven.