Vegetable Meatloaf with Balsamic Glaze

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This meatloaf combines the nutrition of vegetables with the comforting, meaty goodness of a traditional loaf. It’s an easy way to sneak more veggies into your dinner while keeping everyone happy. The balsamic glaze balances the richness with a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the meat perfectly.

Ingredients

For the meatloaf:

• 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef

• 1 cup finely chopped onion

• 1 cup finely chopped bell peppers (any color)

• 1 cup grated carrots

• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup milk

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

For the balsamic glaze:

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp honey (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Meatloaf Mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine ground meat, onion, bell peppers, carrots, celery, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and herbs.
   Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep it tender.

3. Shape and Bake:
   Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing gently to form an even loaf.
   Bake for 50-60 minutes.

4. Make Balsamic Glaze:
   While meatloaf bakes, combine balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and honey in a small saucepan.
   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened and syrupy, about 10 minutes.

5. Glaze Meatloaf:
   During the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the balsamic glaze generously over the meatloaf.
   Return to oven to finish cooking.

6. Rest and Serve:
   Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
   Serve with extra balsamic glaze drizzled on top.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 60 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use lentils or plant-based ground meat substitute.

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture.

• Cheesy: Stir in shredded cheese or top with cheese before glazing.

• Herbs: Fresh parsley, basil, or rosemary can be added for extra aroma.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf ahead?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate before baking; add extra baking time if chilled.

How do I keep the meatloaf moist?

Use a mix of ground beef  and avoid overmixing.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze sliced or whole meatloaf for up to 3 months.

What side dishes go well?

Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Can I use turkey or chicken?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work but may need extra moisture.

How thick should the balsamic glaze be?

It should be syrupy enough to coat and stick to the meatloaf.

Can I bake meatloaf without a loaf pan?

Yes, shape it into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet.

Can I add other vegetables?

Zucchini, mushrooms, or corn are great additions.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s flavorful but mild unless you add spice.

How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Apply glaze toward the end of baking and watch closely.

Conclusion

Vegetable Meatloaf with Balsamic Glaze is a delicious, nutritious update on a classic comfort food. With tender meat combined with wholesome vegetables and a tangy-sweet glaze, this dish is sure to become a family favorite that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor.

Vegetable Meatloaf with Balsamic Glaze

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Vegetable Meatloaf with Balsamic Glaze is a wholesome, hearty dish blending ground meat and finely chopped vegetables for a moist, flavorful loaf. Finished with a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze, this comforting meal is perfect for family dinners and adds a nutritious twist to classic meatloaf.

---

Ingredients

• For the meatloaf:

• 1 lb ground beef or beef

• 1 cup finely chopped onion

• 1 cup finely chopped bell peppers (any color)

• 1 cup grated carrots

• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup milk

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

For the balsamic glaze:

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp honey (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

• Preheat Oven:
  Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

• Prepare Meatloaf Mixture:
  In a large bowl, combine ground meat, onion, bell peppers, carrots, celery, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and herbs.
  Mix gently until just combined.

• Shape and Bake:
  Transfer mixture to loaf pan, pressing gently into an even loaf.
  Bake for 50-60 minutes.

• Make Balsamic Glaze:
  While baking, combine balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and honey in a small saucepan.
  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until syrupy, about 10 minutes.

• Glaze Meatloaf:
  Brush glaze over meatloaf during last 10 minutes of baking. Return to oven to finish.

• Rest and Serve:
  Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
  Serve with extra glaze drizzled on top.

---

Notes

For vegetarian option, substitute ground meat with lentils or plant-based crumbles.Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.Mix shredded cheese into the meatloaf or sprinkle on top before glazing.Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or rosemary enhance flavor.Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats to make gluten-free.