Zucchini Meat Loaf
A hearty zucchini meatloaf combining juicy ground beef with grated zucchini, Parmesan, and herbs, resulting in a moist, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners. Its savory profile and tender texture make it a versatile choice for those seeking comfort food with a healthy twist.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 c. coarsely grated unpeeled zucchini ⓘ
- 1 c. dry Italian bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- fresh or canned mushrooms (optional) ⓘ
- 1 small onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 tsp. instant beef bouillon or 2 cubes crushed and dissolved in 1 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 large egg, beaten ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Pack the mixture into a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until cooked through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister meatloaf, consider adding finely chopped bell peppers or carrots along with the zucchini. If you don’t have Italian bread crumbs, crushed crackers or panko can work as substitutes. To enhance flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce. If using mushrooms, sauté them first to reduce moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the meatloaf and serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta pair well, adding a comforting touch. For a twist, serve slices in a sandwich with your favorite condiments. It also pairs beautifully with Best In The West B.B.Q. Baked Beans.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the zucchini meatloaf to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Meat Loaf contains roughly 1063 calories, with 24g protein, 200g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (75% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (74% of the Daily Value), and calcium (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2032mg per serving (88% 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 use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary slightly, and you might want to add more seasonings to enhance the flavor, as poultry tends to be milder.
What can I use if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, consider using oats or crushed crackers as a substitute. You can also use cooked rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option, but adjust the liquid accordingly to maintain the right texture.
How can I tell when the meatloaf is done?
The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) and is no longer pink in the center. You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Additionally, the top should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
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).