Are you tired of cooking the same dishes every weeknight? Try this easy meatloaf recipe that has only 280 calories per serving. It's a perfect dish to serve for dinner to satisfy your family's cravings without breaking the calorie bank.

This meatloaf recipe is moist, tender, and flavorful. It's made with lean ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and a blend of spices. Each serving is a good source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12.

In this article, we'll explore some variations and healthy ideas to upgrade your meatloaf game. We'll also share the best sides, leftover recipes, and sandwich ideas to make the most of your meatloaf leftovers. Let's get cooking!

Easy Meatloaf Recipe for Dinner

To make this easy meatloaf recipe, you'll need the following ingredients: Mix the ingredients in a bowl and shape the mixture into a loaf. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve. This recipe makes 8 servings. You can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months.

How to Make Moist Meatloaf

Moist meatloaf starts with the right balance of ingredients and cooking method. Here are some tips to make your meatloaf moist and tender: - Use ground beef with a higher fat content (around 15%) to ensure moisture. - Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keep the meatloaf moist.

Healthy Meatloaf Recipe Ideas

Make your meatloaf healthier by adding more veggies or using leaner ground meat. Here are some healthy ideas to try: - Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. - Add chopped spinach, grated zucchini, or shredded carrots to the meatloaf mixture for added nutrients and moisture.

Variations of Meatloaf Recipe

Meatloaf is a versatile dish that you can customize to your liking. Here are some variations to try: - BBQ Meatloaf: Add BBQ sauce to the meatloaf mixture and brush some on top before baking. - Italian Meatloaf: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and parmesan cheese to the meatloaf mixture.

Gluten-Free Meatloaf Options

If you're gluten intolerant, here are some options to make gluten-free meatloaf: - Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs. - Use oats, cooked quinoa, or cornmeal as a binder instead of breadcrumbs.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Meatloaf

Meatloaf goes well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to try: - Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes - Green beans or roasted veggies

Leftover Meatloaf Recipe Ideas

Leftover meatloaf can be turned into a delicious new meal. Here are some ideas to inspire you: - Meatloaf Sandwich: Toast slices of bread, add mayo, lettuce, tomato, and a slice of meatloaf. Yum! - Meatloaf Quesadilla: Top a tortilla with shredded cheese, sliced meatloaf, chopped veggies, and another tortilla. Cook on a griddle until cheese melts.

Tips for Freezing Meatloaf

If you want to save some meatloaf for later, follow these tips to freeze it properly: - Wrap the meatloaf tightly with plastic wrap or foil. - Freeze for up to 3 months.

Meatloaf Sandwich Ideas

Meatloaf sandwiches are a delicious and easy way to use your meatloaf leftovers. Here are some ideas to try: - Meatloaf Muffin Sandwich: Slice a meatloaf muffin in half and add cheese, lettuce, and mayo. - Grilled Cheese and Meatloaf Sandwich: Add a slice of meatloaf to a grilled cheese sandwich for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Meatloaf Recipe for Kids

If your kids are picky eaters, try these kid-friendly meatloaf variations: - Mini Meatloaf Muffins: Bake the meatloaf mixture in a muffin tin to create mini meatloafs that are fun to eat. - Pizza Meatloaf: Add pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and diced pepperoni to the meatloaf mixture for a pizza-inspired flavor.