An easy main dish with plenty of umami, sweetness, and spice, this Teriyaki Meatloaf will be well received at weeknight night family meals and dinner parties alike.
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Up until 2 weeks ago, I wasn't a meatloaf person. This Teriyaki Meatloaf Recipe changed all of that, though.
Chris, being a meatloaf person, talked about how much he loved it one evening. Considering the amount of soup I make and he doesn't like eating, I figured it was about time I made something that he liked, regardless of me liking it or not.
And before you start thinking I'm some annoying martyr personality, please know that I lasted all of 5 minutes in this headspace before I had resolved myself to figure out a way to make meatloaf that we both enjoyed.
A few days after our chat, the thought hit me to add teriyaki to meatloaf. Whether this idea came through a tv advertisement for Asian food, someone else's innovative use of teriyaki sauce, or something else completely, I do not know. But I do know that once I started thinking of the umami of the beef melding with the sweet, spicy, and gingery umami of teriyaki sauce, I just couldn't let the idea go.
I wanted the meatloaf recipe to be healthy and I wanted it to come together easily, too. So, instead of using breadcrumbs for a binder, I subbed in cooked rice. I was short on time, so I used the quick-cook rice too, and it did not disappoint.
To that mixture, I added teriyaki sauce, dried ginger and garlic, and a few other Asian pantry staples. After a thorough mix together and a nice bake in the oven, what resulted was a beautiful and flavorful caramelized loaf both Chris and I were going back to seconds on and fighting over for leftovers.
This Teriyaki Meatloaf Is...
- Juicy
- Sweet & Gingery
- Savory
- Perfect for a crowd
- ... Or a weeknight dinner
- ... Or leftovers
- ... Or however you want to eat it
Whether you're looking to change up your weeknight routine, looking for a new entertaining recipe, or just looking for some new grass-fed ground beef recipes, this healthy meatloaf recipe is for you.
How do you keep meatloaf together?
You keep meatloaf together by using binding ingredients like eggs and grains. In this recipe, we will be using eggs and brown rice to bind the meatloaf.
Do you cover meatloaf when you cook it?
Nope, you don't have to cover meatloaf when you cook it. Follow the recipe you are making in case if they have different instructions, but generally, you want to keep the meatloaf uncovered so it can brown properly and the excess moisture can evaporate from the loaf.
What goes well with meatloaf?
There are many things that can go well with this meatloaf. It would be delicious with stir-fried veggies and more brown rice and I've also had it with baked sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli.
Since the meat is sweet and spicy, I recommend serving it with more neutral foods so the flavors don't clash or overwhelm. As long as you stay within these guidelines, you should have success experimenting with whatever sides sound good to you.
What tools do you need to make this teriyaki meatloaf?
Can you use grass-fed ground meat in meatloaf?
Yes, you certainly can use grass-fed ground beef in meatloaf recipes. This is actually my preferred cut of grass-fed meat because it's the most affordable of all the different cuts.
In meatloaf, grass-fed ground beef offers better flavor as well as a healthier for you fat profile as well!
Like this meatloaf recipe? Check out these other easy and healthy recipes.
- Turkey Sloppy Joes
- Vegan Jackfruit Chili
- Instant Pot Italian Beef Ragu
- Sheet Pan Cuban Mojo Chicken
- Pressure Cooker Pineapple Chicken and Rice
- Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry
- Pumpkin Sausage Soup
- Easy Turkey Meatballs
- Sweet Chili Lime Chicken
- Creamy Chimichurri Steak Pasta
- Pressure Cooker Spiced Butternut Squash & Red Lentil Soup
- Minestra Soup
If you're looking for a more classic Brown Sugar Meatloaf Recipe, my friend Norine at Norine's Nest has an amazing recipe!
Or, check out my list of my 15 Best Quick & Healthy Dinner Recipes for fast and delicious family-friendly recipes and my complete healthy dinner guide.
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