Easy Greek Spinach & Feta Meatloaf Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Greek spinach and feta meatloaf reinvents the classic comfort dish into a Mediterranean culinary adventure.

Unexpected ingredients dance together, creating a bold symphony of flavors that challenges traditional meatloaf expectations.

Tender meat becomes a canvas for vibrant green spinach and salty feta cheese, bringing dynamic textures to each delectable slice.

Aromatic herbs and spices weave through the mixture, promising a sensory experience that goes beyond typical home cooking.

Robust and satisfying, this dish bridges rustic comfort with elegant Mediterranean traditions.

Complex yet approachable, the recipe invites you to reimagine a familiar favorite with exciting new dimensions.

Prepare to fall in love with a meatloaf that breaks all the rules.

Why Greek Spinach & Feta Meatloaf Is Far From Ordinary

• Boost Flavor Fusion: Combine classic Mediterranean ingredients like spinach and feta with traditional meatloaf, creating an unexpected and delightful taste experience that transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.
• Quick and Nutritious Weeknight Wonder: Packed with high-protein content and lean meats, this recipe delivers a balanced meal in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families seeking tasty and healthy dinner options.
• Effortless Cooking Method: Simple one-bowl mixing technique and straightforward baking process mean even novice cooks can confidently prepare a restaurant-worthy dish without complicated techniques or specialized skills.

Ingredients That Bring Bold Mediterranean Flavor

• Ground Beef, Ground Lamb: Quality meat with balanced fat content for juicy meatloaf.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold ingredients together smoothly.

• Baby Spinach, Garlic: Fresh ingredients adding vibrant green color and robust flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Enhances overall herb taste with bright green notes.

• Breadcrumbs, Feta Cheese: Provides texture and tangy Mediterranean character to meatloaf.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced and deep flavor enhancement.
• Ketchup: Adds moisture and creates delicious caramelized exterior during baking.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle Mediterranean essence.

How to Make This Juicy, Herby Meatloaf the Greek Way

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Warm the oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Spinach and Garlic

• Minced garlic
• Fresh baby spinach leaves

Stir occasionally until spinach wilts completely.

Step 3: Cool Spinach Mixture

Remove the skillet from heat and let the spinach mixture cool slightly.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

• Cooled spinach mixture
• Ground meat
• Feta cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Herbs and seasonings

Mix thoroughly using hands or fork until ingredients are well combined.

Step 5: Shape Meatloaf

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Shape into a loaf, ensuring even distribution.

Step 6: Add Topping

Spread ketchup evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf for extra flavor.

Step 7: Bake Meatloaf

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows flavors to settle and makes slicing easier. Cut into portions and serve hot.

Tips for a Moist Meatloaf with a Feta Kick

• Massage Meat Gently: Avoid overworking the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Drain excess liquid from spinach to maintain the perfect consistency and prevent a soggy meatloaf.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Let Rest Completely: Allow the meatloaf to sit for 10 minutes after baking, which helps juices redistribute and makes slicing cleaner.
• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select crisp baby spinach and high-quality feta cheese to elevate the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

Best Way to Keep Your Greek Meatloaf Just as Good Tomorrow

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Wrap each slice individually or place the entire loaf in a sealed container for maximum freshness. Refrigerated meatloaf stays good for 3-4 days when properly stored.
• Freeze: Pack cooled meatloaf in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meatloaf maintains its quality for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date to track storage time.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated meatloaf in the oven at 350 degrees F for best results. Spread slices in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying. Heat for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

What to Pair with a Slice of Spinach & Feta Meatloaf

• Complement with Crisp Greek Salad: Toss together fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and kalamata olives dressed in olive oil and oregano to match the Mediterranean flavors of the meatloaf.
• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Greek red wine like Agiorgitiko or Xinomavro to enhance the rich, savory notes of the spinach and feta meatloaf.
• Serve Alongside Tzatziki Sauce: Prepare a cool, creamy tzatziki with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty meatloaf.
• Match with Roasted Lemon Potatoes: Slice potatoes, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano and lemon juice, then roast until golden for a perfect traditional Greek side dish that complements the meatloaf's flavors.

Spin This Meatloaf with New Mediterranean Ideas

• Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Swap ground beef with ground lamb, add oregano, and mix in chopped kalamata olives for an intense Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Herbed Mediterranean Meatloaf: Incorporate fresh dill, mint, and parsley into the mixture, then top with crumbled feta cheese before baking for extra herbaceous notes.
• Spicy Greek Protein Loaf: Include red pepper flakes, diced roasted red peppers, and swap some feta with crumbled spicy feta cheese to create a zesty Mediterranean-style meatloaf.
• Vegetable-Packed Greek Version: Enhance the recipe by adding grated zucchini, diced bell peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes to boost nutritional value and Mediterranean authenticity.

Greek Spinach & Feta Meatloaf Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Greek spinach & feta meatloaf delivers Mediterranean flavors in a hearty, rustic dish. Savory ground lamb mingles with spinach, herbs, and tangy feta cheese, creating a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Dairy:

• 1 ¼ pounds ground beef
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 egg

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 4 cups baby spinach
• ¼ cup chopped yellow onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• ⅓ cup diced roasted red peppers (from a jar)

Herbs, Spices, and Binding Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup seasoned bread crumbs
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a skillet over medium-low heat, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add fresh baby spinach leaves and cook until completely wilted and moisture evaporates.
3. Remove the spinach and garlic mixture from heat and allow to cool for approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blending using clean hands or a sturdy fork until ingredients are evenly distributed and mixture holds together.
5. Gently transfer the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, carefully shaping it into a uniform loaf with slightly rounded edges.
6. Evenly spread ketchup across the top and sides of the meatloaf to enhance moisture and flavor during baking.
7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and cook for 40-50 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for safe consumption.
8. After removing from the oven, let the meatloaf rest for 7-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, which helps maintain tenderness when slicing.

Notes

• Cooling down spinach helps blend flavors seamlessly without burning delicate ingredients.
• Mixing ingredients by hand ensures even distribution and creates a more tender, cohesive texture.
• Ketchup glaze adds a tangy sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during baking, enhancing overall taste.
• Resting the meatloaf allows juices to redistribute, preventing dryness and maintaining maximum moisture.
• Oven temperature at 400°F creates a perfect golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside perfectly cooked.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg