Meatloaf – 21 Day Fix Approved

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food.  This meatloaf is stuffed with diced veggies to keep it moist, filling and delicious.

Yields: 6 servings
Portion Fix Containers: (per serving): 1 red, ½ yellow

Ingredients:

• ½ cup coarsely chopped onion (approx. 1⁄3 medium onion)
• 3 tsp. minced garlic
• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped carrot (approx. ¾ medium carrot)
• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper (approx. ½ medium red bell pepper)
• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped celery (approx. 1 medium stalk celery)
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. all-natural tomato paste
• 1/2 tsp. fresh thyme (or dry thyme)
• ½ tsp. chili powder
• 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
• ½ tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 lb. 96% lean raw ground beef
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup gluten-free panko bread crumbs (or whole-wheat panko bread crumbs)
• ¾ cup ketchup (low sugar)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 325º F.
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly coat with spray. Set aside.
• Place onion, garlic, carrot, bell pepper, and celery in food processor (or blender); pulse until finely chopped. Set aside.
• Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
•  Add onion mixture; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 6 minutes, or until just beginning to brown.
• Add tomato paste, thyme, and chili powder; cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
• Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper; mix well.
• Combine ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, and onion mixture; mix with clean hands until combined.
• Place ground beef mixture on prepared baking sheet; form into a loaf.
• Bake for 38 to 42 minutes, or until brown all over and a thermometer inserted into center of loaf reads 155º F.
• Rest for 10 minutes; slice into six equal portions.
• Serve with  Ketchup (2 Tbsp. each).

Notes:

• A shallow pan of hot water placed in the oven on a rack below meatloaf during baking will help keep the outside from cracking.
• If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and gluten free bread crumbs. If you can’t find gluten-free bread crumbs, just toast a few pieces of gluten-free bread until hard and pulse in a food processor.