Greek Meatloaf With Tzatziki Sauce: How To Make It
Discover a delicious twist on a classic favorite with our Greek meatloaf with tzatziki sauce. This recipe combines the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with the hearty satisfaction of traditional meatloaf. Perfectly seasoned ground meat is blended with fresh herbs, tangy feta cheese, and a touch of olive oil, creating a comforting and flavorful dish. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this Greek Meatloaf brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Enjoy it with roasted vegetables or a fresh Greek salad for a complete, wholesome meal.
Greek Meatloaf Ingredients and Substitutions
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb. Substitution: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs. Substitution: Use almond flour for a gluten-free option.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; use goat cheese for a milder flavor or omit it for dairy-free.
- Mix 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion; substitute with yellow or shallots for a different taste.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Substitution: Use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Substitution: Use dried parsley (1 tablespoon) or fresh cilantro for a different herb profile.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint. Substitution: For a unique twist, use dried mint (1 tablespoon) or fresh basil.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil. Substitution: Use avocado oil or melted coconut oil for a different fat source.
Tzatziki Sauce Topping
This topping is an excellent choice for Greek meatloaf because it brings a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that elevate the dish. The Tzatziki sauce, made with Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill, adds a refreshing and light contrast to the rich and hearty meatloaf.
The lemon juice and olive oil in the sauce enhance the Mediterranean essence, while the crumbled Feta cheese provides a delightful salty and tangy note. Together, these elements improve the overall taste and add a layer of texture, making each bite of the meatloaf more exciting and satisfying. This topping aligns perfectly with the Mediterranean theme and introduces a vibrant and fresh dimension to the dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated, and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled Feta cheese
How to make the Topping
- In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill.
- Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the Tzatziki sauce evenly over the top of the baked meatloaf.
- Sprinkle the crumbled Feta cheese on top of the Tzatziki sauce.
How To Make This Greek Meatloaf Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan with olive oil.
- Combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, garlic, parsley, mint, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add the beaten eggs and milk to the meat mixture. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the greased loaf pan. Press it down to ensure it’s evenly distributed and smooth the top.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Spread the prepared Tzatziki sauce evenly over the top of the rested meatloaf.
- Sprinkle the crumbled Feta cheese over the Tzatziki sauce.
- Serve
What to Serve With Greek Meatloaf
Here are some great side dishes to serve with meatloaf, depending on your preferences and the occasion:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with butter and cream complement the savory flavors of meatloaf.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil and herbs.
- Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans with garlic or almonds for extra crunch.
- Cornbread: A slightly sweet and crumbly bread that pairs well with the rich flavors of meatloaf.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: A sweet and nutritious option that contrasts with the savory meat.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy, tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing element.
- Cauliflower Mash: A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Quinoa Salad: A light, protein-packed side with a zesty vinaigrette.
- Steamed Broccoli: A simple, nutritious option that complements meatloaf well.
- Mediterranean Salad: A mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese and a light dressing for a fresh side.
- Rice Pilaf: Fragrant rice cooked with herbs and spices.
Looking for More Meatloaf Recipes?
Greek Meatloaf With Feta And Spinach
Turkey Meatloaf
Tuscan Meatloaf
Classic Meatloaf
Storage Instructions:
Refrigerator: Allow the meatloaf to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated.
Recipe: Greek Meatloaf
Greek Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for greasing the loaf pan
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber grated, and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled Feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan with olive oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, garlic, parsley, mint, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add Eggs and Milk: Add the beaten eggs and milk to the meat mixture. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Shape Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the greased loaf pan. Press it down to ensure it’s evenly distributed and smooth the top.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Spread the prepared Tzatziki sauce evenly over the top of the rested meatloaf.Sprinkle the crumbled Feta cheese over the Tzatziki sauce.Serve
Notes
Calories: 350.Protein: 25g. Carbohydrates: 12g. Dietary Fiber: 2g. Sugars: 3g. Total Fat: 23g. Saturated Fat: 9g. Cholesterol: 130mg.Sodium: 850mg
