Meatloaf has been a staple meal in American homes for generations. A quick cook time and delicious taste make them practically irresistible, except to hesitant healthy eaters. A lot of people write off meatloaf without a second thought, but just because you have decided to eat healthy doesn’t mean that you have to eliminate a comfort food many of us have inherited from our grandmothers. Use these five tips to clean up your favorite meatloaf recipe and fit it to your dietary and fitness goals.
1. Use extra lean beef.
Photo by Helena Lin
Using the leanest beef you can find will cut down on the amount of fat that you’re consuming. If you aren’t a fan of beef or want to try something new you can always use extra lean ground turkey or chicken.
2. Add more veggies.
Photo by Maddie Cole
Toss in a ton of veggies! They add flavor and texture, not to mention a plethora of nutrients for your body. I like a combination of carrots, celery, onion, zucchini, and peppers.
3. Bake in a muffin tin.
Photo by Kathleen Lee
Cooking your meatloaf in a muffin tin will make it easy to avoid overeating the dish—the small portions cook evenly every time. This also makes transporting leftovers easier, and it’s adorable.
4. Swap out the breadcrumbs.
Photo by Nancy Chen
Using whole grains whenever possible is a quick way to increase the nutritional value of any recipe. Switching out breadcrumbs with rolled oats or crumbled Ezekiel bread takes no skin off your back and will not affect the taste in any way.
5. Make a glaze.
Photo courtesy of Steven Depolo on Flickr
If you can’t pass up the ketchup, try making a simple glaze to top your meatloaf with. Combine ketchup (try reduced sugar or organic if you’re really determined to maximize your meatloaf’s health status), Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of cumin to add more flavor than anything else.