Name: Meatloaf at It's Best, Simple and Skinnyfied!
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 pound 96% extra lean ground beef, see shopping tips; 1½ slices whole wheat bread (remove crusts (I used Milton’s Multigrain bread)); 1 cup onions (chopped); 2 egg whites or 1 large egg; 3 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon spicy brown or yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; ¼ teaspoon salt; Fresh ground pepper (to taste); ¼ cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon spicy mustard or yellow mustard; 2 teaspoon brown sugar (packed)

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Are you looking for a super yummy, quick dinner to make? If you haven't tried my skinny meatloaf yet, I think you're going to love it! It's low in calories, very moist, and has a divinely rich sweet ketchup glaze. It’s a whole lot skinnier than most meatloaf recipes because I’m using extra lean ground beef, homemade whole wheat bread crumbs, and egg whites. By the way, making your own crumbs is really simple to do. Each serving, has 214 calories, 5 grams of fat. Any leftovers make great sandwiches!

Why You’ll Love My Skinny Meatloaf

Imagine a classic comfort food, packed with juicy flavor and satisfying texture, but without the guilt. That's the magic of a skinny meatloaf! Ditch the greasy, heavy versions and embrace a lighter, healthier take on this beloved dish.

So, whether you're looking for a lighter take on a classic comfort food, a flavorful and versatile dish, or a nutritious and convenient meal option, a skinny meatloaf ticks all the boxes. Dive into this guilt-free indulgence and discover a delicious world of possibilities!

Ingredients for Skinny Meatloaf

This recipe offers a flavorful and healthier twist on the classic comfort food, thanks to some smart ingredient choices. Let's explore each component in detail:

Meatloaf Base:

1 pound 96% extra lean ground beef: This lean ground beef forms the base of the loaf, providing protein and savory flavor while keeping the fat content lower compared to traditional versions. Look for 90% lean or even ground turkey for an even lighter option.
1½ slices whole wheat bread, crusts removed: Soaked bread acts as a binder, keeping the meatloaf moist and tender. Using whole wheat bread adds fiber and nutrients compared to white bread.
1 cup chopped onions: Adds sweetness, aroma, and texture to the meatloaf. Feel free to dice them finely for even distribution.
2 egg whites or 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture. Opting for egg whites reduces fat and cholesterol content.
3 tablespoons ketchup: Provides sweetness, tanginess, and a classic meatloaf flavor. Choose low-sugar ketchup for a healthier option.
1 tablespoon spicy brown or yellow mustard: Adds a kick of heat and depth of flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Offers a savory, umami punch.
¼ teaspoon salt and fresh ground pepper to taste: Enhances the overall flavor profile. Season to your liking after forming the loaf.

Topping:

¼ cup ketchup: Similar to the base, adds sweetness and a classic glaze. Consider low-sugar or sugar-free versions for further calorie reduction.
1 tablespoon spicy mustard or yellow mustard: Creates a tangy and flavorful glaze. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
2 teaspoons packed brown sugar: Sweetens the glaze and helps it caramelize for a slightly crispy topping. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

This skinny meatloaf recipe uses leaner protein, whole wheat bread, and smart ingredient swaps to create a delicious and satisfying dish without packing on the calories. By combining these flavorful ingredients, you'll get a moist, tender, and flavorful meatloaf that's perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

Additional Tips:

Feel free to add chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the base for extra flavor and nutrients. Experiment with different herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to personalize the flavor. For a crispy crust, broil the meatloaf for the last few minutes of baking. Leftover meatloaf can be enjoyed in sandwiches, wraps, or even crumbled on salads. With these insights and a little creativity, you can enjoy a delicious and guilt-free skinny meatloaf that fits perfectly into your healthy lifestyle!

How to Make Skinny Meatloaf

Preparation (10 minutes):

Gather your ingredients: Make sure you have everything on hand, including the baking sheet, foil, large bowl, blender or food processor, small bowl, and measuring tools.
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
Make the breadcrumbs: Remove the crusts from the bread, tear it into pieces, and add them to your blender or food processor. Pulse until you have fine breadcrumbs.

Building the Meatloaf (5 minutes):

Combine the base: In the large bowl, add the ground beef.
Incorporate the crumbs and flavors: Add the breadcrumbs, chopped onions, egg whites, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the beef. Use your hands to mix everything together thoroughly.
Shape the loaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking sheet and form it into a loaf shape, aiming for 12 inches long and 4 inches wide.

Glaze and Bake (65 minutes):

Create the glaze: In the small bowl, mix together the ketchup and mustard for the topping.
Glaze the loaf: Spread the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake to perfection: Place the baking sheet with the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55 minutes.

Rest and Serve (10 minutes):

Let it rest: After baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful loaf.
Slice and enjoy: Cut the rested meatloaf into 10 even slices and serve. Each serving consists of 2 slices.

Tips:

For extra moisture, add a splash of milk or low-sodium broth to the meat mixture when combining the ingredients.
Want a crispy crust? Broil the meatloaf for the last 5 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrients and texture.
Experiment with different herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to personalize the flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.

With these steps and tips, you're well on your way to enjoying a delicious and healthy skinny meatloaf that's perfect for a comforting weeknight meal!

Helpful Tips About this Recipe

Shopping Tips
Happily, most supermarkets sell lean ground beef. I used the 96% lean ground beef from Trader Joe’s.

Serving Tips
While the meatloaf is in the oven make a yummy potato side dish. Try Guilt-free Mashed Potatoes with Butter, Sour Cream and Chives or Dairy-Free Skinny Mashed Potatoes, or Skinny Fries.

WW Freestyle SmartPoints 4-Blue
WW SmartPoints 6-Green

SKINNY FACTS: for 2 slices
214 calories, 5g fat, 2g sat. fat, 48mg chol, 23g protein, 20g carbs, 2g fiber, 487mg sodium, 8g sugar

FACTS: for Freestyle SmartPoints
179 calories, 2g sat fat, 19g protein, 3g sugar