Mediterranean🥩 Meat

Greek Meatloaf Wrapped in Grape Leaves

Name: Greek Meatloaf Wrapped in Grape Leaves
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 oz jarred grape leaves; 1 slice white bread; 1 carrot; 1 celery; 1 red onion; 1 red bell pepper; 2 garlic cloves; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 egg; 2 tbsp tomato paste; ½ cup fresh mint leaves; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 lemon; extra virgin olive oil; kosher salt; black pepper; tzatziki sauce; grape tomatoes; parsley

⏱ 50 min

A Mediterranean take on classic meatloaf, featuring lean ground beef (or a beef and lamb blend) flavored with fresh herbs and finely minced vegetables, then wrapped in tender grape leaves before baking. The grape leaves not only create an elegant presentation but also contain the juices during cooking, keeping the meatloaf incredibly moist while imparting a distinctive tangy flavor to every bite.

High-proteinLow-cal

Adapted from a video by The Mediterranean Dish

Greek Meatloaf Recipe | Healthy Meatloaf Recipe

Watch on YouTube

Ingredients

jarred grape leavesdrained and rinsed2 oz
white breadtoasted and soaked in water1 slice
carrotmedium, peeled and very finely chopped or grated1
celeryvery finely chopped1
red onionvery finely chopped or grated1
red bell peppersmall, seeded and finely chopped1
garlic cloves

Steps

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1
Drain and rinse the jarred grape leaves. Blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes to enhance flavor and ensure they cook evenly in the oven.
2
Heat olive oil in a skillet until shimmering. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, garlic, celery, and red pepper. Season with salt and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and their juices release. Transfer to a plate to cool.
3
Soak the toasted bread in water until fully tender. Gently squeeze out excess moisture and crumble. This ingredient is key to making the meatloaf tender and moist.
4
In a large bowl, combine the cooled vegetables, crumbled bread, ground meat, egg, tomato paste, fresh mint, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix thoroughly with your hands (using disposable gloves is recommended) until all ingredients are well incorporated.
5
Form the meat mixture into a loaf on parchment paper or foil, using the paper to help shape and transport it. For easier handling, you can make and form the loaf ahead of time and refrigerate it briefly.
6
Drizzle a little olive oil on a baking sheet. Arrange the blanched grape leaves as a bed with the leaf part facing outward and stem pointing inward, layering them in overlapping rows to cover the entire pan.
7
Place the formed meatloaf on top of the grape leaf bed. Wrap the meatloaf with the remaining grape leaves, making sure to cover all the meat. The wrapping doesn't have to be perfect, just ensure complete coverage.
8
Cover the baking sheet with foil (without touching the meatloaf directly). Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
9
After 30 minutes, remove the foil cover and return the meatloaf to the oven to finish cooking until the grape leaves become crispy and golden and the meatloaf is cooked through.
10
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it cool slightly, then slice. The meatloaf should be juicy and evenly cooked. Serve with tzatziki sauce and garnish with halved grape tomatoes and fresh parsley.

Greek Meatloaf Wrapped in Grape Leaves

Ingredients

Steps

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