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While meatloaf purists focus on the meat, we like to look at meatloaf as a way to pack extra veggies and whole grains into a meal, as we do in this healthy, classic meatloaf recipe.

Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2013

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Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

Directions

Instructions Checklist
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray (or see Loaf Pan Variation).

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  • Pulse onion, bell pepper and celery in a food processor until finely chopped. (Or finely chop them with a knife.)

  • Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetables and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.

  • Add 2 tablespoons ketchup, Worcestershire, mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper to the vegetables; stir to combine. Stir in egg and breadcrumbs. Add ground beef and with clean hands gently knead the vegetable mixture into the meat; do not overmix. Pat the meat mixture into a loaf shape (about 12 by 5 inches) on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the remaining 3 tablespoons ketchup on top.

  • Bake the meatloaf until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165 degrees F, about 45 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 3, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Let stand at room temperature while oven preheats; bake until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F, about 1 hour.

Tip: To make your own fresh breadcrumbs, trim crusts from whole-wheat bread. Tear bread into pieces and process in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. To make fine breadcrumbs, process until very fine. To make dry breadcrumbs, spread coarse or fine breadcrumbs on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F until dry, about 10 to 15 minutes. One slice of bread makes about 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs or about 1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs.

Loaf Pan Variation: If you want a more uniform-shaped “loaf” you can bake your meatloaf in a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan instead of on a baking sheet. Coat the pan with cooking spray, pat the meatloaf mixture into the pan and cover with the topping. Bake for about 1 hour. Let stand for 10 minutes in the pan before slicing.

Easy cleanup: Recipes that require cooking spray can leave behind a sticky residue that can be hard to clean. To save time and keep your baking sheet looking fresh, line it with a layer of foil before you apply the cooking spray.

Nutrition Facts

69 calories; protein 2.1g; carbohydrates 10.3g; dietary fiber 1.6g; sugars 3.6g; fat 2.3g; saturated fat 0.4g; cholesterol 18.6mg; vitamin a iu 419.8IU; vitamin c 15.5mg; folate 12.9mcg; calcium 19.5mg; iron 0.8mg; magnesium 7.8mg; potassium 156.8mg; sodium 282.5mg; added sugar 1g.

1/2 starch, 1/2 vegetable, 2 1/2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat

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