Best 2 Greek Meat Loaves Recipes

**Greek Meat Loaves: A Journey Through Flavorful Traditions**

In the culinary tapestry of Greece, meat loaves are not just a dish; they are a testament to the country's rich history, diverse regions, and abundant flavors. From the classic Keftedes, a symphony of minced meat, herbs, and spices, to the滋味無窮的Soutzoukakia Smyrnaika，用香料和番茄醬烹製的肉丸，希臘肉餡餅以其令人垂涎的口味和令人難忘的香氣而聞名。在這個食譜集中，我們將探索這些希臘美食的精髓，揭示它們的獨特之處和共同點。無論您是經驗豐富的廚師還是初出茅廬的美食家，這些食譜都將引導您踏上希臘肉餡餅的美味之旅。

**Recipes to Explore:**

* **Traditional Keftedes:** Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Greece with this classic meatball recipe. Perfectly seasoned minced meat, infused with aromatic herbs and spices, is shaped into succulent meatballs and pan-fried until golden brown. Serve them as a main course or as a delightful appetizer, accompanied by tzatziki sauce or a refreshing salad.

* **Soutzoukakia Smyrnaika:** Experience the vibrant flavors of Smyrna, Turkey, with these exquisite meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Fragrant spices, such as cumin and cinnamon, dance harmoniously with the tangy tomatoes, creating a captivating sauce that complements the tender meatballs. Serve them over rice or spaghetti for a hearty and satisfying meal.

* **Oven-Baked Meatballs with Lemon-Garlic Sauce:** Indulge in the tantalizing aroma of oregano and garlic as these meatballs bake to perfection in the oven. The succulent meatballs are enveloped in a delectable lemon-garlic sauce, resulting in a dish that is both refreshing and savory. Pair them with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a wholesome and flavorful dinner.

* **Greek Meatloaf with Feta and Spinach:** Discover a new dimension of flavor with this innovative meatloaf, where succulent ground beef is combined with tangy feta cheese and earthy spinach. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts adds a delightful touch of texture and richness. Bake it to perfection and serve it as a centerpiece at your next family gathering or dinner party.

* **Mini Meatloaves with Halloumi and Mint:** Embark on a culinary adventure with these bite-sized meatloaves, bursting with the flavors of halloumi cheese and refreshing mint. The combination of ground lamb and beef creates a tender and flavorful base, while the halloumi and mint add a unique and captivating twist. Serve them as an appetizer or as a main course with a side of tzatziki sauce for an unforgettable dining experience.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

GREEK MEAT LOAVES

Greek Meat Loaves image

Flavored with sun-dried tomatoes and Greek olives, this twist on traditional meat loaf will be a hit, especially when served with a Greek salad and crusty bread. -Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h10m

Yield 2 loaves (6 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup 2% milk
1 large red onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, patted dry and finely chopped
1/3 cup pitted Greek olives, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the first 10 ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Pat into two greased 8x4-in. loaf pans. Cover and freeze one meat loaf for up to 3 months., Bake remaining meat loaf, uncovered, at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°. Let stand for 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate; sprinkle with cheese. , To use frozen meat loaf: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Bake as directed; sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 254 calories, Fat 15g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 98mg cholesterol, Sodium 545mg sodium, Carbohydrate 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 21g protein.

MINI GREEK-STYLE MEAT LOAVES

Mini Greek-Style Meat Loaves image

Recipe is from Cooking Light Magazine. This meat loaf is made in muffin tins and is great with the feta-yogurt sauce (recipe included). Serve with an arugula & cucumber salad on the side.

Provided by DailyInspiration

Categories Lunch/Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

10 ounces ground sirloin
5 ounces ground lamb, lean
1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/3 cup red onion, grated
4 teaspoons of fresh mint, chopped
4 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
3/8 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 large egg, lightly beaten
cooking spray
1/2 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
2 ounces feta cheese, reduced-fat (crumbled})
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
4 cups baby arugula leaves
1 1/2 cups cucumbers, peeled, seeded and diagonally sliced

Steps:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoons mint, 1 tablespoons thyme, 1/4 teaspoons salt, allspice, and next 3 ingredients (through egg). Press meat mixture into 8 muffin cups coated with cooking spray. Bake at 450 degrees for 7 minutes. Turn broiler to high; broil 3 minutes.
Combine yogurt, feta, 1 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoons mint, and 1 teaspoons thyme in a mini food processor; pulse 10 times to combine.
Combine 1 tablespoons oil, 1 tablespoons juice, 1/8 teaspoons salt, and pepper in a bowl; stir. Add arugula and cucumber; toss.
Serve meat loaf with yogurt/feta sauce with arugula/cucumber salad on the side.

Tips:

Choose the right ground meat: A combination of lamb and beef is traditional, but you can also use all beef or all lamb. If you're using ground turkey, be sure to add some extra fat, such as olive oil or butter, to keep the meatloaf moist.
Use fresh herbs and spices: Oregano, thyme, and rosemary are classic Greek herbs that pair well with lamb and beef. You can also add garlic, onion, and lemon zest for extra flavor.
Don't overwork the meatloaf mixture: Overworking the meatloaf mixture will make it tough. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
Use a loaf pan that is the right size: The meatloaf should fill the loaf pan about two-thirds full. If the loaf pan is too big, the meatloaf will be too thin and dry. If the loaf pan is too small, the meatloaf will be too thick and may not cook evenly.
Bake the meatloaf at a moderate temperature: 350 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for baking meatloaf. This will help to prevent the meatloaf from drying out.
Let the meatloaf rest before slicing: Once the meatloaf is cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This will help the juices to redistribute and make the meatloaf easier to slice.

Conclusion:

Greek meatloaf is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. It's perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With its flavorful herbs and spices, Greek meatloaf is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.