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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.Lightened-up Cheesy Meat Loaf Minis

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.

Lightened-up Cheesy Meat Loaf Minis 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.

Lightened-up Cheesy Meat Loaf MinisGetting 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).Lightened-up Cheesy Meat Loaf Minis

Don’t have time to make it now? Pin it for later!

A metal plate filled with a large meatball and one meatball cut in half garnished with fresh parsley over a striped napkin. A pan of meatballs sits in the background.

Cheesy Meat Loaf Mini Recipe

Author: Julie Menghini
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.
5 from 7 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword: Cheesy Meeat Loaf Mini
Servings: 6 people

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: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 27gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 773mgPotassium: 472mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 430IUVitamin C: 5.4mgCalcium: 146mgIron: 3.5mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

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?Let me know how it was!

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

A metal plate filled with sliced chicken red peppers, mushrooms, and asparagus mixed with spices sitting on a red striped towel. Fresh vegetables sit in a metal basket in the background.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe

Top view of a bowl of diced chicken marinated and baked in a Teriyaki sauce over rice. Grilled asparagus sit next to the chicken. The bowl sits over a blue napkin.

Healthy Shrimp Fettucine Recipe

A white bowl with an orange stripe filled with fettuccine noodles in a tomato sauce topped with shrimp and sauteed spinach. A bowl of fresh spinach and a bowl of grated cheese sit in the background.
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Recipe Rating




Michelle

Tuesday 1st of January 2019

Meatloaf is the perfect comfort food! Love this!

Julie Menghini

Monday 7th of January 2019

Thank you, Michelle!

Michaela Kenkel

Monday 31st of December 2018

What an AMAZING recipe this is!! We enjoyed the heck out of these little guys!

Julie Menghini

Monday 31st of December 2018

Thank you, Michaela!

Sandra Shaffer

Sunday 30th of December 2018

These meatloafs sure look delicious and definitely don't look like I would be missing out with this lightened up meal. That bbq sauce coats the mini loafs so well!

Julie Menghini

Monday 31st of December 2018

Thank you, Sandra! They're a regular at our dinner table.

Debra

Friday 28th of December 2018

What a great tip to roast on a broiling pan - that is so smart! AND this recipe looks amazing, moist and tender lightened up meatloaf - definitely on our menu plan!

Julie Menghini

Saturday 29th of December 2018

Thank you, Debra! We seriously don't think that they taste lightened up. Just delicious and easy for a week night.

Dor

Saturday 6th of January 2018

wow, these look great Julie, love the idea of lightening them up, the individual portions would be a great help with weight control too , ps your photography is outstanding xxx

Julie Menghini

Saturday 6th of January 2018

Thank you so much Dor, you've just made my day! Thank you so much for the compliments and stopping by!

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