Low calorie beef and vegetable meatloaf recipe makes a simple, healthy & delicious dinner or lunch (freezes well too!).
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Meatloaf seems to have gotten itself a bad name in the past.
I mean I guess it’s kind of legitimate seeing as it’s not the prettiest of meals is it?
I struggled to make it look presentable for a photo let me tell you.
But I had to share it.
I found this recipe back in 2011 when I was doing the Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation.
I signed up for a round of the program after bringing back quite a bit of excess baggage (read: I ate waaaay too much) after Will and my 5-week European vacation.
While I loved the program and got back to my pre-trip weight, some of the meals I thought were a little light-on and I nearly always added a bit of rice or some potato to fill us both up.
Don’t get me wrong, they were all yummy and actually expanded my eating repertoire quite significantly, I just need carbs.
The same was the case with this delicious low-calorie beef and vegetable meatloaf.
It’s packed with goodness and flavour but served with just a side salad, it ain't enough for me (unless I’m having it as a light lunch).
I always serve it with some homemade wedges or baked potato along with the salad or usually steamed vegetables.
It’s a great one to sneak some extra veges into kids too, not that I can get my little man to eat it.
One day. One day he’ll eat all the food I make for him right?
Sorry I was so fussy Mum!
I digress - back to meatloaf - it freezes really well too.
Just slice into portions, and freeze either in a ziplock bag with some baking paper between each piece or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Enjoy!
What about you?
Have you ever done a weight loss program or diet?
Recipe
Low-calorie beef and vegetable meatloaf
Ingredients
- 800 g 28oz lean beef mince
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 large carrot coarsely grated
- 1 zucchini coarsely grated
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 5 tablespoons of low-cal tomato pasta sauce
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley or use dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon of Italian herbs mix
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- mixed salad leaves or steamed veges to serve
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 180C(400F) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, combine the mince, onion, carrot, zucchini, oats, tomato sauce, herbs, garlic, salt and freshly-ground pepper. Use your hands to combine all the ingredients together until they are all evenly distributed.
- Pack the mixture into the pan using your hands.
- Cook the meatloaf for 1 hour or until it shrinks away from the sides of the tin.
- Pour off any excess juices then leave to sit for 10 minutes.
- Slice into 6 serves using a serrated knife and serve with salad or steamed vegetables.
Hotly Spiced says
I know someone who did the program and she got terrific results from not only the diet but the exercise program. I do find those programs though, often leave you looking for more. I can't bear a light dinner - I know it shouldn't be your biggest meal of the day but that's how I like it. The meatloaf does look good and I'm sure you could sneak an extra slice xx
Claire says
Me too Charlie. I can't go to bed hungry! x
Chris Scheuer says
I'm always up for meatloaf. It's such a comfort food for me. Yes, he'll love your food one day Claire, they just go through lots of stages.
Claire says
I hope you're right Chris. At least he is getting into cooking himself. I'm hoping that will improve the eating too.
Diane Jogia says
Oh yum! I really like meatloaf - and I like to serve it with mashed potato (you can make reasonably healthy mashed potato). I went to Weight Watchers before I had my children - I wanted to be a healthy Mum! - and it worked really well, and I learned a lot about healthy cooking and eating. But somehow over the last 37 years the weight has crept back on.....
Claire says
It would be perfect with mash Diane great idea! I know that feeling!
anna says
THIS RECIPE IS AMAZING!!! - add a bit of hot chilli sauce to it sometimes and it tantalizes the taste buds! ............... also if your anything like me who has a partner that complains that it is TOO healthy looking ... melt a piece of low fat cheese over it and he is set!
Ben says
Low calorie dishes are always a great alternative to the classics. I'm enjoying all your low calorie recipes :)