Lo-Cal Meat Loaf
A flavorful, low-calorie meatloaf with fresh herbs, tangy pickle, and a savory tomato glaze, perfect for wholesome family dinners or health-conscious meals.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb lean hamburger ⓘ
- 1 onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickle ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 4 ounces tomato sauce (1 can) ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon honey ⓘ
Instructions
- Place eggs, hamburger, onion, celery, dill pickle, parsley, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 can of tomato sauce in a bowl; mix well.
- Shape into a loaf and place in a shallow baking pan.
- Mix the remaining can of tomato sauce, mustard, vinegar, and honey in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the loaf.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 1 hour or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or chopped bell peppers to the meat mixture. If you want a lower sodium option, use low-sodium Worcestershire sauce and omit the added salt. Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for hamburger if you're looking for a leaner alternative. For a twist, try adding a bit of barbecue sauce to the topping instead of the tomato sauce mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat loaf with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comforting meal. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside baked potatoes or even a slice of the Small Quiche for a delightful brunch spread. Don't forget to drizzle some extra sauce on top before serving for added flavor!
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meat loaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the meat loaf and place it in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover with foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lo-Cal Meat Loaf contains roughly 192 calories, with 5g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (113% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1264mg per serving (55% 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 freeze the meat loaf?
Yes, meat loaf freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake until heated through.
What can I use instead of eggs?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg. This will help bind the ingredients together while keeping the meat loaf moist.
How do I know when the meat loaf is done?
The best way to check if your meat loaf is done is to use a meat thermometer. It should read 160°F (70°C) in the center. If you don't have a thermometer, you can also cut into the loaf to ensure there is no pink meat and the juices run clear.
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).