Meat Loaf with Egg Surprise - Mediterranean Diet

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: oats

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Oats provide fiber, while crushed crackers are often more affordable.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while canola oil is usually cheaper.

hard-boiled eggs

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: scrambled eggs

Tofu is a plant-based alternative, while scrambled eggs are economical.

Boil 6 large eggs, adding a couple extra in case any break.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Boil some water for later use.

In a medium bowl, combine 500 g of ground beef with 1 tablespoon of Tunisian spice, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of dry parsley (or 3 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley), and 1 tablespoon of dry mint.

In a small bowl, combine Harissa to taste, using just under 1/2 teaspoon.

Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to the meat mixture, reducing to 2 tablespoons if the meat is fattier than 7%.

Stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic into the meat mixture.

Knead the ground beef with clean hands until smooth, similar to pizza dough.

Place the meat mixture onto parchment paper and shape it into a rectangle, flattening it as thinly as possible, using another sheet of parchment paper and a rolling pin if needed.

Trim the edges of the meat mixture for a flawless finish.

Arrange the hard-boiled eggs side by side in the center of the meat mixture.

Roll the meat over the eggs, applying pressure to seal the edges.

Wrap the meatloaf tightly in parchment paper, ensuring to tighten the sides to bring the eggs closer together.

Use a toothpick to eliminate air pockets and continue rolling to achieve a smooth shape.

Wrap the meatloaf tightly in aluminum foil.

Place the wrapped loaf in a deep oven-safe dish and add boiling water.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, flipping halfway through the baking time.

Remove the loaf from the dish and let it rest on a cooling rack before slicing thinly.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: