Family Meat Loaf(Diabetic)
A hearty, diabetic-friendly meatloaf with savory flavors from Worcestershire, herbs, and spices, perfect for family dinners and those seeking a balanced, comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground meat ⓘ
- 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 egg, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 3/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon sage ⓘ
- 2 slices bread, crumbed ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle ground meat with dry milk thoroughly.
- Add remaining ingredients and mix well until sticky.
- Lightly grease a 9 x 5 x 3-inch pan with cooking spray or oil.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in the prepared pan.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours.
- Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a leaner version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you're looking for a flavor boost, try adding finely chopped onions or bell peppers. To make it gluten-free, substitute the bread crumbs with rolled oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure the mixture is sticky enough to hold together; if it's too dry, add a splash of low-sodium broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of the meatloaf with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes make excellent, diabetic-friendly sides. For a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of homemade Philadelphia Butterscotch Sauce can complement the dish nicely, enhancing the flavors without adding too many carbs.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and warm it in the microwave or oven, covered with foil, at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This helps maintain moisture and ensures even heating without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Family Meat Loaf(Diabetic) contains roughly 157 calories, with 6g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1621mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of meat for this meatloaf?
Yes, you can use various types of ground meat such as turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options for a vegetarian version. Each will yield a different flavor and texture, allowing you to customize the recipe to your dietary needs and preferences.
Is it possible to freeze meatloaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze the meatloaf either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of my meatloaf?
Consider adding ingredients like finely chopped mushrooms, grated carrots, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for an extra flavor boost. Herbs such as thyme or rosemary can also enhance the taste while keeping it suitable for diabetic diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).