Best 5 Lighter Meatloaf Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Lightening up meatloaf is an admirable goal for many, as it offers a healthier alternative to the traditional, high-fat version. With a few clever substitutions, you can indulge in this classic comfort food without sacrificing flavor or texture. This article will present several mouthwatering lighter meatloaf recipes that emphasize lean ground meats, vegetables, and wholesome ingredients. Using turkey, chicken, or a mixture of meats in place of beef can significantly reduce fat content while retaining satisfying richness. Moreover, incorporating vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and spinach adds nutritional value and moisture to the meatloaf. These recipes also highlight the use of alternative binders, such as oatmeal and flaxseed, instead of breadcrumbs, resulting in a lighter texture and a boost of fiber. Embrace these creative twists on a classic and discover how easy it is to enjoy a guilt-free and nutritious meatloaf at your dinner table.

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

LIGHTER MEXICAN MEATLOAF



Lighter Mexican Meatloaf image

This is a great combination of Mexican flavors with light ingredients. This is a great make-ahead meal. The meatloaf can be assembled the night before and topped with half of the enchilada sauce, then covered and refrigerated overnight. Throw it in the oven the next day for a quick and easy meal.

Provided by JRS_cook

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Mexican

Time 1h5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

cooking spray
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 pound ground chicken
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained and rinsed
½ (4 ounce) can fire-roasted diced green chiles
1 cup mild chunky salsa
1 (1 ounce) package dry taco seasoning mix
¾ cup plain dried breadcrumbs
3 egg whites
1 (28 ounce) can enchilada sauce, divided

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, ground chicken, black beans, corn, green chiles, salsa, taco seasoning, bread crumbs, and egg whites until thoroughly combined.
  • Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place into the prepared baking dish.
  • Pour half the enchilada sauce over the meatloaf.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and pour the remaining sauce over the loaf. Return to oven and cook until the meatloaf is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear, another 10 to 15 minutes. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the meat loaf should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
  • Slice and serve with pan sauce spooned over the slices.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 354.1 calories, Carbohydrate 37.4 g, Cholesterol 74.7 mg, Fat 8.2 g, Fiber 6.7 g, Protein 33.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 1312.2 mg, Sugar 4.7 g

SAVORY MEATLOAF (LIGHTER RECIPE)



Savory Meatloaf (lighter recipe) image

Just like mom's, but better for you, thanks to ground turkey and reduced-fat dairy and egg products.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
1 cup fat-free (skim) milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage leaves or 1/4 teaspoon dried sage leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 garlic clove, finely chopped, or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup fat-free cholesterol-free egg product
3 slices bread, torn into small pieces
1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
1/2 cup ketchup, chili sauce or barbecue sauce

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Mix all ingredients except ketchup. Spread mixture in ungreased loaf pan, 8 1/2x4 1/2x2 1/2 or 9x5x3 inches, or shape into 9x5-inch loaf in ungreased rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches. Spread ketchup over top.
  • Insert meat thermometer so tip is in center of loaf. Bake uncovered 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes or until thermometer reads 180°F.
  • Let stand 5 minutes; remove from pan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270, Carbohydrate 15 g, Cholesterol 75 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 27 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 630 mg

LIGHTER MEATLOAF



Lighter Meatloaf image

Low-fat favorite with added fiber.

Provided by Betsy

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Turkey     Ground Turkey Recipes

Time 1h35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

cooking spray
1 pound ground sirloin
1 pound ground turkey
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1 small onion, chopped
2 large eggs
2 large egg whites
7 tablespoons chili sauce, divided
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon minced garlic from a jar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Prepare a glass or stoneware 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Mix sirloin, turkey, oats, onion, eggs, egg whites, 3 tablespoons chili sauce, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper together in a bowl; shape into a 9x5-inch loaf and put into the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. Spoon remaining chili sauce over the top of the meatloaf and continue baking until no longer pink in the center, about 20 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Rest meatloaf for 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 236.2 calories, Carbohydrate 12.1 g, Cholesterol 112.8 mg, Fat 9.5 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 25.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 431.7 mg, Sugar 2.3 g

LIGHTER TURKEY, APPLE, AND SAGE MEATLOAF



Lighter Turkey, Apple, and Sage Meatloaf image

Put a lighter spin on meatloaf with ground turkey that borrows delicious flavors of fall from apple, sage, ginger, and maple syrup.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Turkey Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 ounces fresh sourdough bread, trimmed of crust and cut into slices
1 piece peeled fresh ginger (1 1/2 inches), coarsely chopped
2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
2 small onions, coarsely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 green apples (1 cored, peeled, and coarsely chopped; 1 whole)
2 large eggs, beaten
3 pounds ground turkey
4 teaspoons coarsely chopped fresh sage, plus leaves for garnish
2 teaspoons coarse salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Process bread in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. (You should have about 2 cups.) Transfer to a large bowl. Put ginger and garlic in the food processor; process until chopped. Add onion and chopped apple; puree. Transfer to the bowl with breadcrumbs. Add eggs, turkey, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands.
  • Transfer to a 12 3/4-by-4 1/2-by-3 1/4-inch terrine mold. Peel and core remaining apple. Cut into 1/8-inch-thick rings. Arrange apples on top of loaf. Bake until bubbling around corners, about 30 minutes. Cover, and bake until apples are soft and translucent, about 15 minutes. Uncover; brush with maple syrup. Bake until loaf is no longer pink in center, about 10 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

LIGHTER MEATLOAF



Lighter Meatloaf image

I can't remember where I got this because I just have it saved in my Weight Watchers database now, but I've made it many times including for company and it's always a hit. I love that it mostly uses turkey but is still really moist and doesn't taste "light" at all. My husband loves it too! If you follow Weight Watchers it's 4 points for a serving (1/6 of the recipe). I usually serve it with sweet potatoes or steamed veggies.

Provided by heather.steeves

Categories     Meat

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 large egg whites (I often use one whole egg instead)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
i med onion
8 ounces canned tomato sauce
1/2 cup uncooked old fashioned oats
12 ounces uncooked lean ground turkey
8 ounces uncooked lean ground beef (with 7% fat)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F; spray loaf pan with cooking spray.
  • Combine beef, turkey, onion, and oats in a large bowl, set aside.
  • Mix together tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, egg whites, salt, and pepper. Add to meat mixture and mix well with hands.
  • Press into pan and bake for 60-70 minutes. (Note: add an extra egg white if meatloaf does not hold together properly).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 200, Fat 9.1, SaturatedFat 2.9, Cholesterol 69.8, Sodium 509.9, Carbohydrate 8.6, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 2.4, Protein 20.4

Tips:

  • Use lean ground beef. This will help to reduce the fat and calories in your meatloaf.
  • Add vegetables to your meatloaf. This will help to add flavor and nutrients to your dish. Some good options include grated carrots, chopped celery, or diced onions.
  • Use a flavorful sauce. A good sauce can help to take your meatloaf to the next level. Some popular options include tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, or a mushroom gravy.
  • Cook your meatloaf at a low temperature. This will help to prevent it from drying out. The ideal temperature to cook meatloaf is 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let your meatloaf rest before slicing it. This will help to keep the juices in the meatloaf and prevent it from falling apart.

Conclusion:

With these tips in mind, you can create a delicious and healthy meatloaf that the whole family will enjoy. Meatloaf is a classic comfort food dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to your own liking. Whether you like your meatloaf traditional or with a twist, there is a recipe out there for you. So next time you are looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give meatloaf a try. You won't be disappointed.

Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »

    #time-to-make     #course     #main-ingredient     #preparation     #main-dish     #beef     #easy     #dietary     #low-carb     #inexpensive     #ground-beef     #low-in-something     #meat     #4-hours-or-less

Related Topics