Best 5 Healthier Easy Meatloaf Recipes

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Home-cooked meals, especially healthier versions of our favorite comfort foods, can be a great way to ensure a balanced diet. Among these classic dishes, meatloaf stands out as a versatile and satisfying meal that can be easily customized to suit individual preferences. Whether you're looking for a leaner option, incorporating more vegetables, or simply reducing the overall fat and sodium content, there are countless ways to create a healthier meatloaf without compromising on taste. In this article, we'll explore some of the best recipes and cooking tips to help you make a delicious and nutritious meatloaf that the whole family will love.

Let's cook with our recipes!

EASY HEALTHY MEATLOAF



Easy Healthy Meatloaf image

Easy Healthy Meatloaf that is weight watchers friendly, made with hidden vegetables you won't even taste but all the tender and classic flavors your whole family loves about meatloaf!

Provided by Sabrina Snyder

Time 1h20m

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 yellow onion (chopped)
1 zucchini (grated)
1/2 red bell (grated)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 pound ground beef (93/7 beef)
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup 2% milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon paprika (just a couple shakes over the formed meatloaf)
parsley (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a large cast iron skillet add the olive oil on high heat.
  • Add in the onion and garlic to the pan and start cooking while finishing preparing the zucchini.
  • Add the zucchini and bell pepper to some paper towels folded in half, close the edges together to form a pouch and squeeze out as much liquid from them as you can.
  • Add the zucchini to the pan and stir.
  • Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes until they're tender and reduced in size.
  • In a large bowl add the beef, bread crumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, egg, salt, black pepper and the cooked vegetables.
  • Mix the ingredients well then add them to a loaf pan.
  • Shake some paprika over the meatloaf.
  • Cook for 60-65 minutes or until cooked through to 160 degrees.
  • Let stand for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 /6th recipe, Calories 212 kcal, Carbohydrate 9.7 g, Protein 26 g, Fat 7.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Cholesterol 99 mg, Sodium 360 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2.6 g

HEALTHY MEATLOAF



Healthy Meatloaf image

Welcome your family in from the cold with this moist and delicious meat loaf with wonderful southwestern taco flavor. This is down-home comfort food at its healthy best! -Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 large onion, chopped
1 large sweet red pepper, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup dry bread crumbs
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with mild green chiles, divided
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)

Steps:

  • In a large nonstick skillet, saute the onion, red pepper and garlic in oil until tender. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the bread crumbs, chili powder, salt, oregano, cumin, pepper, 2/3 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies, yogurt and egg. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well., Shape into a loaf and place in an 11x7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spoon the remaining diced tomatoes over top. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 55-60 minutes or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°. Drain if necessary; let stand for 15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 296 calories, Fat 13g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 98mg cholesterol, Sodium 672mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

HEALTHIER MEATLOAF MAKEOVER



Healthier Meatloaf Makeover image

A blue-plate (extra) special, our meatloaf gets a makeover by substituting ground chicken and turkey for beef.

Provided by By Arlene Cummings

Categories     Entree

Time 1h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 small zucchini, finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 eggs, beaten
1 pound ground chicken
1 pound ground turkey
1 1/2 cups Progresso™ panko crispy bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup ketchup
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium high heat. Add the zucchini, onions, and garlic. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until onions are softened. Set the mixture aside to cool.
  • In a bowl combine all the meatloaf ingredients including the cooled vegetable mixture with a good sprinkle of salt and pepper.
  • Mold into a loaf in a 9x13 sprayed or greased glass, baking dish.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Brush the mixture all over the loaf.
  • Bake the meatloaf in the center of the oven uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes. You'll know it is done when an instant thermometer inserted in the center of the loaf reaches 165°F.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 350, Carbohydrate 27 g, Cholesterol 125 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 0 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 490 mg, Sugar 10 g, TransFat 0 g

HEALTHIER EASY MEATLOAF



Healthier Easy Meatloaf image

This no-fail recipe for meatloaf doesn't take long to make and is healthier with lean ground beef, low-fat milk, whole wheat bread crumbs, some fresh parsley, and carrot.

Provided by MakeItHealthy

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatloaf Recipes     Beef Meatloaf Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
1 egg
1 onion, chopped
1 cup low-fat (1%) milk
1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large carrot, grated
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
⅓ cup ketchup

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  • Combine beef, egg, onion, milk, bread crumbs, parsley, and carrot in a large bowl. Season with salt and black pepper. Place beef mixture in loaf pan.
  • Stir together brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup in a small bowl. Pour over meatloaf.
  • Bake in preheated oven until no longer pink in the center, about 1 hour. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 269.9 calories, Carbohydrate 18.4 g, Cholesterol 82.8 mg, Fat 12.4 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 21.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 284.8 mg, Sugar 9.8 g

EASY, DELICIOUS, LOW-FAT MEATLOAF



Easy, Delicious, Low-Fat Meatloaf image

Make and share this Easy, Delicious, Low-Fat Meatloaf recipe from Food.com.

Provided by hipmommy81

Categories     Meat

Time 45m

Yield 6 Mini Loaves, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb extra lean ground beef
1 medium carrot, shredded
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1/2 green pepper, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 slice whole wheat bread (to use as breadcrumbs)
2 egg whites
1/3 cup tomato ketchup

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • Lightly spray a nonstick or silicone muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Crumble ground beef into a large bowl.
  • Add shredded carrots, chopped onion, and green pepper.
  • Add chili powder, Worcestershire sauce and the breadcrumbs. Stir with a fork. Add egg whites and stir again with a fork until well blended. You can knead the mixture with your hands but sometimes this makes the meat overly tough.
  • Spoon mixture into prepared muffin pan, and top each cup with ketchup. Bake for 25 minutes, making sure that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
  • Serves 6.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 151.4, Fat 4.3, SaturatedFat 1.8, Cholesterol 46.9, Sodium 316.9, Carbohydrate 9.7, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 5.1, Protein 18.5

Tips:

  • Choose the right ground beef: Use a blend of 80% lean and 20% fat ground beef for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer a leaner meatloaf, you can use 90% lean ground beef, but it will be a bit drier.
  • Mix in some vegetables: Adding vegetables to your meatloaf is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients and flavor. Try adding grated carrots, celery, or zucchini. You can also add a cup of cooked brown rice or quinoa for a heartier meatloaf.
  • Season the meatloaf well: Don't be afraid to season your meatloaf generously. Use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. You can also add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for extra flavor.
  • Don't overmix the meatloaf: Overmixing the meatloaf will make it tough. Mix the ingredients together just until they are combined.
  • Bake the meatloaf at the right temperature: Bake the meatloaf at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Conclusion:

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and can be enjoyed by the whole family. By following these tips, you can make a delicious and healthier meatloaf that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give this healthier easy meatloaf recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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