Easy Weeknight Whole30 Meatloaf with Gravy
Perfect for a weeknight meal! This gluten-free, primal, Paleo, and Whole30 Meatloaf is packed with flavor and added vegetables!
Perfect for a weeknight meal! This gluten-free, primal, Paleo, and Whole30 Meatloaf is packed with flavor and added vegetables!
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- gravy
- 1 tsp pepper
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 large carrots (peeled and shredded)
- 2 lb ground beef chuck roast
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos (or gluten free soy sauce if not p
- 4 tbsp paleo ketchup
- 1.5 cups beef broth gluten free (375mls)
- 1 tsp fish sauce i used red boat (5mls)
- 1 can full fat coconut milk (400mls)
- 3 tbsp arrowroot ((optional))
- Carbohydrate 3.71233389869463 g
- Cholesterol 1.18 mg
- Fat 1.65513113275396 g
- Fiber 0.429244122907976 g
- Protein 2.18807131419234 g
- Saturated Fat 0.516000427407018 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (231g)
- Sodium 213.430649650724 mg
- Sugar 3.28308977578665 g
- Trans Fat 0.123082382481103 g
- Calories 34 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat your oven to 350F
- Saute the onions and carrots together in the oil until the onions are soft but not browned, about five minutes.
- In a bowl combine the beef, onion, carrots and all remaining ingredients (except the Paleo ketchup) and mix really well, you might need to get your hands in there!
- Put the mixture in a loaf pan and spread it out evenly, then spread the ketchup on top.
- Put the loaf pan onto a sheet pan (in case any juices come over the sides) and bake in your oven for about 1hr - 1hr 15 mins.
- Depending on how high the fat content is in your ground beef, you might find that the meatloaf is swimming in fat when you take it out of the oven. This is normal and the meatloaf itself will not be too fatty as most of the fat will have rendered out during cooking.
- Let it cool a little bit and remove from the loaf pan and put it on paper towels to absorb any excess fat, I think if you try and lift the meatloaf out when it's super hot and right out of the oven it may fall apart.
- Serve hot.
- GRAVY (OPTIONAL)
- In a pan add the beef broth, coconut milk, and fish sauce.
- Mix well and simmer on a medium heat for five minutes.
- If you want to thicken your gravy you can use about 2-3 tablespoons of arrowroot mixed with about a tablespoon of cold water or cold beef broth.
- Remove gravy from the heat and add the arrowroot mixture, stir really well then return to a low heat until the gravy thickens.
- Sieve gravy to get any lumps out and season with salt and pepper to taste.
My Simple Weeknight Winner: Whole30 Meatloaf
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy, delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a blur of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present question of "what's for dinner?". But lately, I've discovered a recipe that's become my weeknight savior: a simple, flavorful Whole30 meatloaf. It's surprisingly easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and leaves my family feeling satisfied and energized, not sluggish and weighed down.
The beauty of this meatloaf lies in its adaptability. I often adjust the vegetables based on what's fresh and in season at the farmer's market. Sometimes it's carrots and onions, other times it's zucchini and bell peppers. The key is to finely chop or shred the vegetables so they're well incorporated into the meat mixture. This ensures they don't overpower the flavor of the beef, but instead add a subtle sweetness and texture that elevates the entire dish. The added herbs and spices – a touch of thyme, a dash of mustard powder – add depth and complexity, transforming a simple meatloaf into something truly special.
The optional gravy is a game-changer. A simple combination of beef broth, coconut milk, and fish sauce creates a rich, savory sauce that perfectly complements the meatloaf. I often make a larger batch of gravy on Sunday and store it in the fridge for quick weeknight meals. It adds a touch of elegance to an otherwise straightforward dish. I've even started to experiment with adding different spices to the gravy, like a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce (always double-checking to ensure it aligns with Whole30 guidelines).
Beyond the convenience, this meatloaf recipe aligns perfectly with my commitment to healthy eating. It's Whole30 compliant, ensuring it's free from added sugars, grains, and dairy. It's also packed with protein, keeping my family full and satisfied until the next meal. And knowing I'm feeding my family nutritious, homemade food is immensely rewarding.
I often serve the meatloaf with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables, creating a complete and balanced meal. Leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it a perfect recipe for meal prepping. This meatloaf has become a staple in my weekly meal rotation, a testament to its ease, deliciousness, and healthfulness. It's more than just a meal; it's a time-saver, a family pleaser, and a delicious reminder that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated.
For those who are new to Whole30 or Paleo diets, this meatloaf is a fantastic starting point. The ingredients are simple, easily accessible, and the recipe is incredibly forgiving. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect flavor combination. The possibilities are endless!
So, the next time you're staring at a blank dinner schedule, remember this easy and flavorful Whole30 meatloaf. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave your family asking for seconds—and perhaps even inspire you to explore more healthy and delicious weeknight meals.
