is a deliciously satisfying and healthier twist on the classic comfort food. This lean version offers all the flavors of a traditional meatloaf without the extra calories and fat.
Perfectly seasoned and packed with savory herbs and vegetables, this dish is a wonderful option when you want something hearty without the guilt. The tender texture combined with a tangy topping makes it a family favorite, and you can feel good about enjoying it any night of the week. If you’re looking to indulge in some comfort food while keeping it light, this is the recipe for you. It’s delicious, nutritious, and can easily be adapted to your liking.
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet or loaf pan
- Aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean)
- ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or lightly grease a loaf pan.
- Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, grated carrot, minced garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix until everything is well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatloaf tough.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet or loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf, ensuring it’s compact and evenly shaped for even cooking.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey (if using). Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). If you want a crispier exterior, you can remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and keeps the meatloaf moist.
- Serve: Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes, like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
45-50 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour
Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
This Skinny Meatloaf offers all the comfort and flavor of the classic recipe but in a much lighter version. You won’t miss the extra calories and can enjoy this guilt-free dish anytime you want a healthy twist on comfort food!
Skinny Meatloaf
Equipment
- Baking sheet or loaf pan
- Aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef 93% lean
- ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 medium carrot grated
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Topping:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey optional
Instructions
- Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, grated carrot, minced garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix until everything is well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatloaf tough.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet or loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf, ensuring it’s compact and evenly shaped for even cooking.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey (if using). Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). If you want a crispier exterior, you can remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and keeps the meatloaf moist.
- Serve: Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes, like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, for a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
- Cook Time:
- 45-50 minutes
- Total Time:
- 1 hour
- Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- This Skinny Meatloaf offers all the comfort and flavor of the classic recipe but in a much lighter version. You won’t miss the extra calories and can enjoy this guilt-free dish anytime you want a healthy twist on comfort food!
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