Lightened-Up Cheesy Meat Loaf Minis

 This lightened-up Cheesy Meat Loaf Minis recipe tastes like a decadent rich dish. You’ll never miss the fat and calories that are missing in this dish.

I first developed this Lightened-Up Cheesy Meat Loaf Minis recipe a couple of years ago when I was losing weight. I couldn’t believe how good it was, and I have made it several times since. It’s great every time and proof that lightened up dishes don’t have to taste like it or make you feel like you’ve deprived yourself in any way.

There are so many diet programs out there. It’s no secret that I’ve struggled with my weight my whole life (almost). I was either losing or gaining. There wasn’t any maintaining in my maintenance. For me, it’s because a lot of the programs that I tried didn’t fit into my life. They were all or nothing.

Getting healthy was as much an education as anything physical that I experienced. I learned that I can eat amazing food that my whole family enjoys by making just a few changes. Just like I did in this Cheesy Meat Loaf Minis. I cook these individual meat loaves on a broiler pan so any extra fat drips off of the meat. Meatloaf is generally cooked in a loaf pan and allowed to cook in its own juices (fat).

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5 from 7 votes

Cheesy Meat Loaf Mini Recipe

This lightened-up Cheesy Meat Loaf Minis recipe tastes like a decadent rich dish.  You'll never miss the fat and calories missing in this dish.

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Total Time 40 mins

Servings 6 people

Author Julie Menghini

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 garlic cloves finely minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese grated
• 3/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt kosher
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese cubed
• 1 1/2 lb ground sirloin
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup barbeque sauce divided
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley optional

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add onions and saute until browned and softened. Add garlic and saute for another minute.
• Combine all ingredients, reserving 1/4 cup barbecue sauce to brush on tops.
  
• Shape into 6 (4 x 2) loaves and place on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray; spread remaining barbecue sauce over each loaf. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until done.
  
• Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 773mg | Potassium: 472mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 430IU | Vitamin C: 5.4mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 3.5mg

This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.

Tried this recipe? That's awesome!Mention @hostessatheart or tag #hostessatheart!

This Cheese Meat Loaf recipe makes 6 servings, I will often put a couple of them in the freezer for a busy day. John will ask if we have any in the freezer when I seek his inspiration for dinner ideas. I guess I should make them more often. Or better yet, make a double batch. Another thing that I do is use block cheddar cheese. I have a lot more options for using it. You use whatever works for you.

 Here are a couple other recipes that are delicious and healthy too!

Easy Oven Baked Chicken Fajita Recipe

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe

Healthy Shrimp Fettucine Recipe

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