Herb and Vegetable Meatloaf ~geefee Recipe~

Herb and Vegetable Meatloaf: A Satisfying Low-Carb Dish

We've taken meatloaf, a beloved American home-cooked classic, and given it a low-carb, gluten-free twist. By adding plenty of vegetables and fresh herbs, it becomes wonderfully moist yet refreshingly light. When our team tried it, the saltiness of the bacon and the aroma of the herbs really shone through, creating a simple yet deeply satisfying dish. To truly make the most of the natural flavors, we highly recommend choosing the best quality ground meat and bacon you can find.

Ingredients (For one 18×9×6cm meatloaf pan)

• Ground beef 500g
• Bacon 3 slices (minced)
• Onion 1/2 (minced)
• Carrot 1 (minced)
• Green onion 3 stalks (finely chopped)
• Egg whites 2, Egg 1
• Salt 1 tsp
• Fresh thyme (leaves) 2 tsp
• Rosemary (minced) 2 tsp
• Fresh oregano (minced) 2 tbsp
• Allspice 1 tsp, Cinnamon 1/2 tsp

*If you are serving this with a sauce that uses Worcestershire sauce, please check the label if you need it to be gluten-free, as some products contain gluten.

Instructions (With Tips)

Prep and Sautéing

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C.
2. Heat a frying pan over medium heat, sauté the minced bacon, then remove it and let it cool. It's a good idea to lightly wipe off any excess bacon fat with a paper towel.
3. In the same pan, sauté the onion and carrot. Once the onion becomes translucent, add the green onion, give it a quick stir, then remove from the heat and let it cool. The trick is not to cook off too much moisture from the vegetables, and letting the excess steam escape while cooling helps prevent the mixture from becoming soggy.

Shaping and Baking Tips

1. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs (2 egg whites + 1 whole egg), sautéed bacon and vegetables, herbs, spices, and salt. Knead well until the mixture becomes sticky. This stickiness helps prevent the meatloaf from falling apart.
2. Line your meatloaf pan with parchment paper or a baking sheet, and pack the mixture in tightly so no air pockets remain. Flattening the surface ensures it cooks evenly.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. It's done when a bamboo skewer inserted into the center comes out with clear juices, but for safety, we recommend checking that the internal temperature has reached about 75°C.
4. Once out of the oven, cover it with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to settle before slicing.

Variations, Tweaks, and Storage Tips

Herb and Vegetable Variations

You can change up the aroma by adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil. If you want a more Japanese flair, swapping the oregano for green shiso (perilla) is a fun twist. Adding minced zucchini or celery will give the dish an extra textural crunch.

Sauce and Plating Ideas

As an option, you can make a savory sauce by simmering the leftover meat juices from the pan with peeled and seeded tomatoes in a small pot, then seasoning it with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. If you want to keep it strictly low-carb, we recommend adjusting tomato paste with red wine vinegar and a small amount of alternative sweetener. For peace of mind, use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, or substitute it with gluten-free soy sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

It will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for about 3 days, or in the freezer (wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag) for about 1 month. When reheating, warming it slowly in an oven or toaster oven helps restore its texture. If using a microwave, cover it with plastic wrap and heat it in short bursts.

Summary

This herb and vegetable meatloaf is a satisfying dish where the savory umami of bacon perfectly harmonizes with the aroma of fresh herbs. Since it can be made low-carb and gluten-free, it's a versatile menu option for various dietary needs. When we actually made it, we found that being generous with the herbs really elevated the flavor. We hope you try making it with high-quality ingredients and enjoy it right down to the sauce made from the leftover juices.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.