Parsley Meat Loaf
A flavorful meat loaf infused with fresh parsley, green pepper, and aromatic spices, perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering a savory, herbaceous taste.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups soft breadcrumbs ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 Tbsp. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried whole thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground allspice ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. catsup ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except bay leaves and catsup; stir well.
- Shape into a loaf and place in a 9 x 5 x 3-inch two-piece loaf pan with drain holes in the bottom.
- Arrange bay leaves on top of the loaf.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 20 to 25 minutes or until done.
- Remove from oven, discard bay leaves, and spread catsup over the meat loaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider substituting half of the ground chuck with ground turkey or chicken. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley can work in a pinch—just use a smaller amount. To enhance flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of mustard to the mixture. Don't skip the bay leaves; they infuse the meatloaf with a lovely aroma while baking.
Serving Suggestions
Parsley meatloaf pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a side of macaroni and cheese. A drizzle of gravy or a side of ketchup complements the meatloaf nicely. For a twist, consider serving it with a slice of toasted bread, making a delicious meatloaf sandwich.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover parsley meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and microwave it on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parsley Meat Loaf contains roughly 1024 calories, with 19g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (106% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1578mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make parsley meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply place it in the oven without needing to let it sit at room temperature first.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
If you don't have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or rolled oats can be great alternatives. They both help bind the meatloaf while adding a unique flavor and texture. Just ensure you adjust the liquid ingredients slightly if using oats.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The best way to check if your meatloaf is done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of the loaf; it should read 160°F (70°C) when fully cooked. If you don't have a thermometer, ensure the meat is no longer pink in the center.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).