Go Back
Heart-healthy low-sodium meatloaf ready to serve with vegetables

One-Bowl Low-Sodium Meatloaf

This easy-to-make meatloaf combines lean ground turkey or beef with oats and applesauce for a tender, flavorful dish that’s straightforward to prepare and perfect for leftovers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground turkey or lean beef Choose based on flavor preference; both work well with same bake time.
  • 1 cup oats Provide structure without needing bread crumbs.
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions Chop into small, even pieces for best texture.
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers Adjust based on availability; ensure total chopped vegetables remain the same.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds aromatic flavor to the meatloaf.
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce Keeps the loaf moist.
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium ketchup Brings tanginess and color.
  • 1 large egg Binds the mixture without heaviness.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper Provides a gentle bite.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme Offers herbal flavor to the mixture.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Adds a gentle smokiness to the meatloaf.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, oats, chopped onions, chopped bell peppers, minced garlic, applesauce, low-sodium ketchup, egg, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Mix until evenly distributed.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into an even loaf, pressing gently without packing it too tightly.
Baking
  1. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  2. Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing to help the juices redistribute.

Notes

This meatloaf reheats well for lunch and pairs nicely with simple sides. For best results, do not overmix the meat and avoid packing it too firmly in the pan.