Name: The Best Skinny Meatloaf
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 pound extra-lean ground beef (96%), (see shopping tips); 1½ slices multi-grain or whole wheat bread (or 1 cup bread crumbs, see shopping tips); 1 cup onions, (diced); ¾ cup red bell pepper, (diced); 2 egg whites; ⅓ cup A1 Steak Sauce or your favorite, (divided); 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; Black pepper, (to taste)

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My family loves meatloaf, especially this absolutely delicious one. Adding steak sauce to this meatloaf created the most amazing flavor! To make it skinny, I used extra lean ground beef, egg whites, and homemade multi-grain bread crumbs. Each serving has just 162 calories and 4 grams of fat.

Why You'll Love The Best Skinny Meatloaf

People adore my "Best Skinny Meatloaf" because it delivers all the comforting flavors of classic meatloaf without the extra guilt. This recipe cleverly cuts back on fat and calories by using lean ground meat and incorporates healthy additions like vegetables for moisture and nutrients. It doesn't sacrifice taste, though! A delicious blend of seasonings, herbs, and a tangy glaze ensures every bite is packed with flavor. This makes it a perfect, healthy weeknight dinner option for those watching their waistlines but still craving a hearty, satisfying meal. Plus, it's easy to prepare, making it a convenient choice for busy individuals and families.

Ingredients For The Best Skinny Meatloaf

Let's delve deeper into each ingredient in this Skinny Meatloaf recipe, exploring their contributions to flavor, texture, and nutritional value:

Extra-Lean Ground Beef (96%): This serves as the protein-rich base of the meatloaf, providing essential amino acids crucial for building and repairing tissues, as well as being a good source of iron, vital for oxygen transport in the blood. Opting for 96% lean ground beef significantly reduces the overall fat content compared to regular ground beef, making this a healthier choice for those watching their fat intake and cholesterol levels. This lean protein also helps create a satisfying and filling meal.
Multi-Grain or Whole Wheat Bread/Bread Crumbs: These ingredients play a crucial role in binding the meatloaf mixture together, preventing it from becoming dry and crumbly. They also contribute to the overall moisture content and create a more tender texture. Choosing multi-grain or whole wheat options over white bread or breadcrumbs offers the added benefit of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes feelings of fullness, and can contribute to better blood sugar control.
Onions (Diced): Diced onions contribute a foundational savory flavor and aromatic depth to the meatloaf. As they cook, they release moisture, further enhancing the tender texture of the dish. Beyond flavor, onions are a source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, and contain compounds that may offer anti-inflammatory and other health benefits.
Red Bell Pepper (Diced): Red bell peppers bring a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the meatloaf, making it visually appealing. They are also nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamin C, vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), and various antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to immune health, vision, and protection against cellular damage. The peppers also contribute to the meatloaf's moisture, preventing it from drying out during baking.
Egg Whites: Egg whites act as a binder, holding the meatloaf ingredients together without adding significant amounts of fat or cholesterol. They are a pure source of protein, contributing to the overall nutritional value of the dish. Using egg whites also helps create a lighter texture compared to using whole eggs.
A1 Steak Sauce (or similar): This sauce contributes a distinctive tangy and savory flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the meatloaf. The complex blend of spices and seasonings in steak sauce adds depth and richness. However, it's important to be mindful of the sodium content when using these types of sauces, especially for those watching their sodium intake.
Worcestershire Sauce: This fermented condiment provides a deep, complex umami flavor that adds another layer of savoriness to the meatloaf. Its unique blend of vinegar, molasses, tamarind, and various spices creates a rich and distinctive taste that complements the other ingredients.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder offers a convenient way to infuse the meatloaf with the characteristic pungent flavor of garlic without the need for mincing fresh cloves. It also contains allicin, a compound that may have various health benefits, including immune support.
Salt: Salt plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavors of all the other ingredients in the meatloaf. It helps to bring out the natural flavors and create a well-balanced taste. However, it's important to use salt in moderation for health reasons.
Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle warmth and a gentle bite, enhancing the overall flavor complexity of the meatloaf. It also has some antioxidant properties.

How to Make The Best Skinny Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare for Baking (Setting the Stage for Success)

The first step in any baking endeavor is crucial: preheating the oven. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This preheating process ensures that the oven reaches the correct temperature before you place the meatloaf inside, leading to even cooking and preventing any unexpected surprises. While the oven is heating up, prepare your baking sheet. Line it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup – this will save you from scrubbing stuck-on bits later. To further prevent sticking, lightly coat the foil with cooking spray. This creates a non-stick surface, ensuring the meatloaf releases easily once cooked.

Step 2: Crafting the Bread Crumbs (The Essential Binding Agent)

If you're opting for a fresher approach and using bread instead of pre-made breadcrumbs, you'll need to make your own. This simple process involves lightly toasting slices of bread until they become dry and develop a slightly golden hue. Toasting removes excess moisture, which is key for creating the right crumb texture. Once toasted, break the bread into smaller, manageable pieces and place them in a blender or food processor. Pulse the bread until it transforms into coarse crumbs. These crumbs will act as a binding agent in the meatloaf, holding the ingredients together and contributing to a tender texture. If you have pre-made breadcrumbs, you can skip this step.

Step 3: Harmonizing the Ingredients (Building the Flavor Foundation)

Now comes the heart of the recipe: combining all the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, bring together the star of the show – the lean ground beef – along with the prepared bread crumbs (either homemade or store-bought). Add the diced onions, which will contribute a savory base and moisture, and the diced red bell pepper, which adds sweetness, color, and valuable nutrients. Incorporate the egg whites, which act as another binding agent without adding excessive fat or cholesterol. Add 3 tablespoons of steak sauce at this stage, reserving the remaining amount for the glaze later. The Worcestershire sauce contributes a deep, savory umami flavor, while the garlic powder provides a concentrated garlic taste. Finally, season with salt and pepper to enhance and balance all the flavors. Using your hands, gently but thoroughly mix all the ingredients together. This ensures even distribution of flavors and creates a cohesive mixture. It's important not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough and dense meatloaf.

Step 4: Sculpting the Meatloaf (Creating the Perfect Loaf)

Once the ingredients are well combined, transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using your hands, gently shape the mixture into a loaf. Aim for a loaf that is approximately 12 inches long and 4 inches wide. This size and shape promote even cooking throughout the meatloaf. Avoid packing the meat too tightly, as this can also result in a dense texture.

Step 5: Glazing and Baking (Adding the Finishing Touch and Cooking to Perfection)

With the meatloaf shaped, it's time to add the finishing touch: the glaze. Using the back of a spoon or a knife, evenly spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of steak sauce over the top of the meatloaf. This glaze not only adds a delicious tangy-sweet flavor but also creates a beautiful caramelized crust as it bakes in the oven. Now, carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. During baking, the meatloaf will cook through, and the glaze will transform into a rich and flavorful topping.

Step 6: Resting and Slicing (The Final Step Before Serving)

Once the meatloaf has baked for a full hour, it's time to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). You can use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf to verify this. Once cooked through, remove the meatloaf from the oven and, importantly, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial, as it allows the juices within the meatloaf to redistribute evenly. This prevents the juices from running out when you cut into it, resulting in a more moist and flavorful final product. After the resting period, slice the meatloaf into approximately 12 even slices and serve.

Additional Tips for Success:

Remember, overmixing the meat mixture can lead to a tough meatloaf. Gentle mixing is key.
A meat thermometer is your best friend when it comes to ensuring the meatloaf is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
For an extra boost of flavor and nutrition, consider adding other finely diced vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or celery, to the meat mixture.
Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can be reheated in the microwave, oven, or skillet.

By following these detailed instructions and helpful tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a truly delicious and healthy Skinny Meatloaf that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Helpful Tips About this Recipe

Makes 12 slices. Each serving, 2 slices.

Shopping Tips
I used the extra lean ground beef (96%) at Trader Joe’s. Most supermarkets sell very lean ground beef.

I love Milton’s multi-grain bread for the crumbs. Most supermarkets sell it or use your favorite bread. You could also use store-bought bread crumbs for this recipe.

WW Freestyle SmartPoints 3-Blue
WW SmartPoints 4-Green

SKINNY FACTS: for 2 slices
162 calories, 4g fat, 1.4g sat. fat, 40mg chol, 19g protein, 13g carbs, 2g fiber, 493mg sodium, 5g sugar

FACTS: for Freestyle SmartPoints
132 calories, 1g sat. fat, 4g sugar, 15g protein