Name: Delicious, Healthy & Skinny BBQ Turkey Meatloaf: Your New Comfort Food
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey ( I used 93%); ½ cup plain bread crumbs; 1 cup chopped onions; ½ cup + ½ cup barbecue sauce (I like Sweet Baby Rays, Bull’s-eye or use your favorite); 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 egg whites; ¼ teaspoon salt; Fresh ground pepper, to taste

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I created this meatloaf many years ago when I owned a healthy restaurant. It's still my family's favorite meatloaf! It’s nostalgic, hearty and just plain delicious! I’m using a few flavorful and healthy twists. The first is to use barbecue sauce instead of the usual ketchup. It’s such a small change, but adding barbecue sauce makes it taste extraordinary. Next, you’ll save a tremendous amount of calories and fat by free forming the meatloaf. If you prepare it the way your Grandma did, in a loaf pan, the fat soaks into the loaf. With this new way, all the excess fat is left on the pan not in the loaf and then in your stomach. Just by making meatloaf this way, you save over 250 calories and more astounding 38 grams of fat per serving. Each generous, 3 slice serving, has 252 calories, 3 grams of fat..

Why You’ll Love My Delicious, Healthy & Skinny BBQ Turkey Meatloaf

A Delicious, Healthy & Skinny BBQ Turkey Meatloaf is a fantastic option for anyone who is diet-conscious. This recipe offers a satisfying and flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf, packed with lean protein and bold BBQ flavors. By using lean ground turkey and incorporating healthy ingredients like vegetables, this meatloaf provides a nutritious and guilt-free meal. It's a perfect choice for those who prioritize health and wellness without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients for Delicious, Healthy & Skinny BBQ Turkey Meatloaf

A Deeper Dive into the Ingredients for Skinny BBQ Turkey Meatloaf

Main Protein:

1 pound ground turkey: The primary protein source, providing lean meat with a lower fat content compared to traditional ground beef or pork. Using 93% ground turkey ensures a leaner option, making it suitable for those seeking a healthier meal.

Binding Agents:

½ cup plain bread crumbs: Adds structure and helps bind the ingredients together, contributing to a satisfying and moist texture.
2 egg whites: A natural binder, providing protein and moisture without adding excess fat. Egg whites are a great alternative to whole eggs for those looking to reduce calorie intake.

Vegetables:

1 cup chopped onions: Provides sweetness and a savory base flavor, adding depth and complexity to the meatloaf.

Flavor Enhancers:

½ cup barbecue sauce: The star of the show, providing the signature smoky and sweet flavor that characterizes a BBQ meatloaf. Choose a barbecue sauce that aligns with your preferred level of sweetness and spice.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste and providing a touch of tanginess.
¼ teaspoon salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste.

By understanding the role of each ingredient, you can appreciate how they work together to create a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meatloaf.

How to Make Delicious, Healthy & Skinny BBQ Turkey Meatloaf

A Deeper Dive into the Instructions for Delicious, Healthy & Skinny BBQ Turkey Meatloaf

Preparation Steps:

Preheat the oven: Ensure the oven is at the correct temperature (350°F or 175°C) to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the baking pan: Lining the pan with foil makes cleanup easier and prevents the meatloaf from sticking.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the turkey, breadcrumbs, onions, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, egg whites, salt, and pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well combined for even flavor distribution.
Shape the meatloaf: Place the meatloaf mixture in the center of the prepared baking pan and shape it into a loaf. This step helps to create a uniform shape and ensures even cooking.
Spread the barbecue sauce: Evenly spread the remaining barbecue sauce over the top of the formed meatloaf. Consider adding additional barbecue sauce for a more intense flavor.

Baking the Meatloaf:

Bake the meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. This allows the meatloaf to cook thoroughly and develop a flavorful crust.
Let it rest: After baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This step allows the juices to redistribute within the meatloaf, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

Tips for a Perfect Meatloaf:

Don't overmix: Overmixing the meatloaf mixture can lead to a tough texture. Gently combine the ingredients until just combined.
Use a meatloaf pan: For a more classic shape and even cooking, consider using a dedicated meatloaf pan.
Experiment with flavors: Add other ingredients like grated cheese, chopped vegetables, or your favorite spices to customize the flavor profile.
Reheating leftovers: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave. Cover the meatloaf with foil to prevent drying out.

By following these instructions and incorporating these additional tips, you can create a delicious, healthy, and skinny BBQ turkey meatloaf that is perfect for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Helpful Tips About this Recipe

Food Facts
Nobody is quite certain about the origin of meatloaf. Most agree that it was a popular, economical meal to make during the Great Depression. In 2007 it was voted the 7^th favorite meal in the America.

Prep Tips
If you don’t like messy hands when mixing the meatloaf mixture, put the ingredients in a large, plastic bag, seal it, then squish the contents together until well mixed.

Serving Tips
Serve this meatloaf with Dreamy Dairy Free, Skinny Mashed Potatoes or Skinny Mash Potatoes and a vegetable such as Skinny Garlic Green Beans. Another idea is to slice the meatloaf and make a hot sandwich served on whole wheat sourdough bread or multi-grain bread with lettuce and tomato. Yum!

Note: If you are looking to cut the points down, a 2 slice serving is still very satisfying
WW Freestyle SmartPoints 4- Blue (for 2 slices)
WW SmartPoints 4-Green (for 2 slices)

WW Freestyle SmartPoints 6- Blue (for 3 slices)
WW SmartPoints 6-Green (for 3 slices)

SKINNY FACTS: Serving size, 3 slices (based on draining fat)
252 calories, 3g fat, 1.5g sat fat, 50mg chol, 34g protein, 23g carbs, 2g fiber, 862 mg sodium, 8g sugar