Mediterranean Meatloaf
with Creamy Garlic Herb Sauce
🧄 Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 700 g ground beef (or a mix of beef and lamb)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
For the Garlic Herb Sauce:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)
- Salt to taste
👨🍳 Instructions
-
1Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
2Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
-
3Mix the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, sautéed onion and garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined — do not overwork the meat or it will become dense.
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4Shape & Bake
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on your prepared pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 75°C / 165°F). You can brush the top with a little olive oil halfway through for extra color.
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5Make the Garlic Herb Sauce
While the meatloaf bakes, whisk together the Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, and water until smooth and pourable. Season with salt to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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6Rest & Serve
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle generously with the garlic herb sauce, garnish with extra chopped parsley, and serve alongside cherry tomatoes or your favorite side.
💡 Tips & Notes
- Meat choice: A mix of ground beef and lamb gives the most authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Sauce variation: Swap the yogurt for mayonnaise for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Leftovers: Reheat slices in a pan with a splash of water — they also make incredible sandwiches the next day.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with cooked quinoa.
Wait — How Mediterranean
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