Low-cal Meat Loaf
Low-Cal Meat Loaf Recipe with Ground Beef, Green Pepper, Onion Flakes, Cabbage, Salt, and Caraway Seed
Introduction
This low-cal meat loaf recipe is a healthier twist on a classic comfort food dish. Packed with lean ground beef and nutritious vegetables, this dish is perfect for those looking to enjoy a satisfying meal without all the extra calories.
History
Meat loaf has been a popular dish in American cuisine for decades, with variations of the recipe dating back to the early 19th century. Traditionally made with ground meat, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, meat loaf has been a go-to meal for families looking for a hearty and filling dinner option.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) of lean ground beef
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped
- 1 tbsp of dried onion flakes
- 2 cups of shredded cabbage
- 1 tsp of salt
- 0.5 tsp of caraway seed (optional)
How to prepare
- Thoroughly combine all the ingredients.
- Shape the mixture into a round loaf.
- Place the accessory meat rack in the crockpot.
- Put the meat loaf on the rack.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours.
- You can double the recipe if using a larger crockpot.
Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the lean ground beef.
- Add in your favorite herbs and spices for extra flavor.
- Top the meat loaf with a tomato-based sauce for a different twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to thoroughly combine all the ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Use a meat rack in the crockpot to prevent the meat loaf from sitting in its own juices.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this low-cal meat loaf with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and nutritious meal.
Cooking Techniques
This meat loaf is cooked in a crockpot on high for 4 to 6 hours, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap out the green pepper for your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the meat loaf mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Presentation Ideas
Slice the meat loaf and arrange it on a platter with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This low-cal meat loaf pairs well with a side of mashed potatoes or quinoa for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this low-cal meat loaf recipe contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
This low-cal meat loaf recipe contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Fats
Each serving of this meat loaf recipe contains around 12 grams of fat.
Proteins
With lean ground beef as the main ingredient, this meat loaf recipe provides about 25 grams of protein per serving.
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is a good source of vitamin C from the green pepper and cabbage, as well as iron and zinc from the lean ground beef.
Alergens
This recipe contains beef and may not be suitable for those with allergies to red meat.
Summary
Overall, this low-cal meat loaf recipe is a balanced meal option that provides a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
Summary
This low-cal meat loaf recipe is a delicious and nutritious meal option that is perfect for those looking to enjoy a healthier version of a classic dish. Packed with lean protein and vegetables, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings without all the extra calories.
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Low-cal Meat Loaf. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, I stumbled upon the hand-written notes and annotations in the margins that she had left behind. It was like uncovering a hidden treasure, a glimpse into her culinary world.
My grandmother was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new recipes and flavors. She had a knack for taking ordinary ingredients and turning them into something extraordinary. I remember spending hours in her kitchen, watching her work her magic with pots and pans, creating delicious meals that would fill the house with mouth-watering aromas.
One day, as I was leafing through her cookbook, I came across the recipe for Low-cal Meat Loaf. It caught my eye immediately, as I was always on the lookout for healthier alternatives to our favorite comfort foods. I read through the ingredients and instructions, feeling a sense of excitement building within me. This was something I had never tried before, and I was eager to give it a go.
I decided to make the Low-cal Meat Loaf for dinner that evening. I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, following the recipe to the letter. The scent of onions and garlic sizzling in the pan filled the air, mingling with the aroma of savory herbs and spices. I could feel my stomach growling in anticipation as I shaped the meat mixture into a loaf and placed it in the oven to bake.
As the meat loaf cooked, I couldn't help but think back to my grandmother and the many meals she had prepared for our family. She had always been a source of inspiration for me, teaching me the importance of good food and the joy of sharing it with loved ones. I could almost hear her voice in my head, offering me tips and advice as I cooked.
When the timer finally went off, I pulled the meat loaf out of the oven and sliced into it, revealing a perfectly cooked, moist and flavorful dish. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor. As I took my first bite, I was transported back to my grandmother's kitchen, surrounded by the warmth and love that always seemed to emanate from her cooking.
The Low-cal Meat Loaf was a hit with my family, who devoured it eagerly and asked for seconds. They couldn't believe that something so healthy could taste so delicious. I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction wash over me, knowing that I had successfully recreated a recipe from my grandmother's past and shared it with the ones I loved.
From that day on, Low-cal Meat Loaf became a regular feature on our dinner table. It was a reminder of my grandmother's legacy, her love of cooking and her ability to create magic in the kitchen. Every time I made it, I felt her presence with me, guiding my hands and my heart as I cooked.
And so, the recipe for Low-cal Meat Loaf became more than just a dish to me. It was a connection to my past, a link to my grandmother and the traditions she had passed down to me. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and to nourish both body and soul.
As I sit here now, reflecting on that moment of curiosity that led me to discover this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking that my grandmother gave me. Her recipes may have come from various places and people over the years, but they all share one common thread - a love of food and a desire to share that love with others.
And so, I will continue to cook, to experiment and to create new memories in the kitchen. I will pass down my grandmother's recipes to the next generation, so that they too can experience the joy of good food and the magic of a shared meal. And I will always be grateful for the lessons she taught me, both in and out of the kitchen.
Categories
| Cabbage Recipes | Caraway Seed Recipes | Crockpot Recipes | Green Bell Pepper Recipes | Ground Beef Recipes | Low-calorie Recipes | Meatloaf Recipes |