Are you craving a flavorful and healthy meatloaf recipe that won't derail your diet goals? Look no further than this small meatball meatloaf recipe, which boasts only 29 calories per serving. In this article, we'll explore the many benefits of this unique twist on a classic comfort food, as well as provide you with a step-by-step guide for making your own at home.
Not only does this recipe offer a low-calorie option for meatloaf lovers, but it's also loaded with essential nutrients. Ground turkey, a key ingredient in this recipe, is a rich source of protein and vitamin B6, both of which aid in muscle function and energy metabolism. Additionally, turkey is a lean protein source, meaning it's low in fat and calories compared to other meat options.
Whether you're following a specific diet plan or just looking for a healthier meal option, this small meatball meatloaf recipe is a delicious and nutritious choice.
Introduction to Small Meatball Meat Loaf
Small meatball meatloaf is a unique twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe takes all of the flavors you love from traditional meatloaf and packs them into bite-sized mini meatballs. By swapping out larger portions of ground beef for lean turkey and using minimal additives, this recipe offers a more nutritious and diet-friendly option for meatloaf enthusiasts.
Health Benefits of Small Meatball Meat Loaf
Small meatball meatloaf is not only a delicious meal option, but it's also loaded with essential nutrients. Here are just a few of the health benefits this recipe offers:
- High in protein: Ground turkey is a rich source of protein, which is essential for muscle function and repair.
- Low in calories: This recipe boasts only 29 calories per serving, making it a great low-calorie option for weight loss or diet management.
- Low in fat: With minimal additives and the use of lean turkey, this recipe is also low in fat and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice.
Small Meatball Meat Loaf Recipe
Ready to try this delicious and nutritious recipe for yourself? Here's everything you'll need to get started:
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Ingredients You Need for Small Meatball Meat Loaf
In addition to the ingredients listed in the previous section, you'll also need a few kitchen staples to make this recipe:
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Olive oil spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Guide for Making Small Meatball Meat Loaf
Now that you have all of your ingredients and tools, it's time to get cooking! Here's a step-by-step guide for making small meatball meatloaf:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, almond flour, egg, onion, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Spray a baking sheet with olive oil spray and place the meatballs on the sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions for Small Meatball Meat Loaf
Once your small meatball meatloaf is cooked and ready to serve, there are many ways you can enjoy it. Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:
- Pair with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or quinoa salad.
- Serve on top of a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing salad option.
- Top with marinara sauce and serve with whole wheat spaghetti for a classic Italian meal.
Variations of Small Meatball Meat Loaf
While this recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways you can customize it to suit your personal preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
- Add in your favorite spices, such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder, to give the meatballs an extra kick of flavor.
- Swap out the ground turkey for ground chicken or beef, depending on your dietary needs and preferences.
- Stir in some chopped spinach or kale for an added dose of vitamins and minerals.
Storage Tips for Small Meatball Meat Loaf
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, it's important to store them properly to ensure optimal taste and safety. Here are some storage tips to keep in mind:
- Refrigerate leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze leftover meatballs in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw frozen meatballs in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat leftover meatballs in the oven or microwave until heated through. Be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure safety (165 degrees F for ground turkey).
Here is the nutritional breakdown for one serving (about 5-6 meatballs) of this small meatball meatloaf recipe:
- calories: 29
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 16mg
- Sodium: 116mg
FAQs About Small Meatball Meat Loaf
Still have some questions about this recipe? Here are some common FAQs and answers to help you out:
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Simply swap out the almond flour for a gluten-free flour blend, such as rice flour or oat flour.
- Is it safe to eat ground turkey? Yes! When cooked properly (to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F), ground turkey is safe to eat and a nutritious option for meat-lovers.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the meatballs in advance and freeze them until you're ready to bake them. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking to ensure even cooking.
Small Meatball Meat Loaf: 5 FAQs
1. How many small meatballs are in one serving of meat loaf?
It depends on the size of the meatball, but typically one serving of small meatball meat loaf contains 3-4 small meatballs.
2. Is small meatball meat loaf a healthy option?
Small meatball meat loaf can be a healthy option if made with lean beef, turkey, or chicken, and packed with vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, and carrots. However, it's important to watch the serving size and limit added fats and sodium.
3. Can I make small meatball meat loaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can make small meatball meat loaf ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
4. How can I serve small meatball meat loaf?
Small meatball meat loaf can be served with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or whole grain bread. It can also be sliced and used as a sandwich filling.
5. Can I make small meatball meat loaf without using breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can substitute breadcrumbs with finely chopped oats, quinoa, or almond flour. You can also use mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower rice as a binding agent.