Ready for a delicious twist that blends comfort and fresh flavors? This Mediterranean Meatloaf is enriched with garlic, herbs, and warm spices, then topped with a creamy yogurt-based garlic herb sauce. In this article, I’ll share why this meatloaf is a standout, walk you through easy prep steps, highlight flavor-enhancing variations, answer your burning FAQs, and finish with a warm conclusion that makes dinner feel elevated yet approachable.
Table of Contents
Why This Mediterranean Meatloaf Stands Out
This meatloaf swaps traditional ketchup glaze for zesty Mediterranean ingredients—think parsley, garlic, cumin, and lemon zest—bringing bright flavors that feel light yet hearty. The creamy garlic herb yogurt sauce adds tang and coolness, balancing every bite. It’s comfort food reimagined with a fresh twist. If you enjoy bold flavor profiles that stay approachable, you might also love the juicy, classic vibes of my Ultimate Best Meatloaf.
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Mediterranean Meatloaf with Garlic Herb Sauce
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Mediterranean-inspired meatloaf is loaded with fresh herbs, garlic, and warm spices. Topped with a tangy yogurt sauce, it’s a wholesome, juicy twist on classic comfort.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
For Garlic Herb Sauce:
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp lemon zest
1 clove garlic, finely minced
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix beef, egg, breadcrumbs, olive oil, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Do not overmix—mix just until ingredients are combined.
4. Form into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan or on a lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 45 minutes or until internal temp reaches 160°F.
6. While baking, make the sauce: whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, zest, garlic, and salt.
7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
8. Serve with the garlic herb sauce drizzled over the top or on the side.
Notes
This meatloaf is also great with a side of herbed couscous or roasted vegetables.
The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 3 days.
You can also shape the meatloaf into smaller loaves to reduce baking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: mediterranean meatloaf, garlic herb meatloaf, healthy meatloaf, yogurt sauce
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each element here brings Mediterranean flair while keeping prep simple:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (80% lean) | 1 lb |
| Large egg, beaten | 1 |
| Breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Olive oil | 2 Tbsp |
| Onion & garlic, finely diced | ½ cup onion + 2 cloves garlic |
| Chopped parsley | ¼ cup |
| Ground cumin & oregano | 1 tsp each |
| Greek yogurt | ½ cup (for sauce) |
| Lemon juice & zest | 1 Tbsp each (for sauce) |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
Olive oil and breadcrumbs keep the texture moist. The cumin and oregano add warm, earthy notes. The parsley and lemon in the sauce bring brightness. It’s balanced, bold, and reminiscent of Mediterranean flavors without being fussy. For a cheesy spin, check out my Southern‑Style Cheesy Meatloaf—same homey feel, more cheese.
How to Cook It: Step‑by‑Step
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- In a bowl, gently mix beef, egg, breadcrumbs, olive oil, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper—don’t overmix.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes until it’s cooked through and the top is golden.
- Meanwhile, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt for the sauce.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serve drizzled with the garlic herb sauce.
The garlic herb sauce adds a creamy, tangy contrast that elevates every slice. If you’re in the mood for bold tang, try my French Onion Meatloaf—it blends tang with melty cheese for another unforgettable twist.
Customizations, Serving Ideas & FAQs
Flavor & Side Suggestions
- Mix in chopped sun‑dried tomatoes or Kalamata olives for briny complexity.
- Top with crumbled feta in the last minutes of baking for creamy richness.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, herbed rice, or a crisp cucumber‑tomato salad.
If you love bold sauces, my Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf brings sweet and savory goodness that pairs well with simpler sides like roasted veggies.
Common Questions
Can I freeze this meatloaf?
Yes—either freeze cooked (wrapped tightly) or uncooked for up to 3 months. Thaw thoroughly before reheating or baking.
How to prevent sauce from making it soggy?
Use a thick yogurt-based sauce, add it just before serving, not during baking.
Can I prep ahead?
Definitely—assemble the loaf, cover, and refrigerate up to 6 hours before baking. Whisk the sauce to freshen before serving.
What’s the safe internal temp?
Bake until the center reads 160 °F; after resting it will sit at a juicy and safe 165 °F.
This Mediterranean Meatloaf combines savory herbs, cumin warmth, and a silky garlic herb sauce for a unique comfort food experience. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and perfect for when you want something different yet homey.
Let it rest, drizzle it, serve it with fresh sides, and enjoy a delicious slice that celebrates bold Mediterranean flavors in a cozy, satisfying package.