If you're looking for a low-calorie meal option that is also protein-rich and delicious, you might want to give this 100 G Meat Loaf with Beef and Pork in Tomato-Based Sauce a try. With only 156 calories per serving, it's a satisfying meal that won't break your calorie bank.

This meat loaf is not only low in calories, but it's also packed with protein, which is important for building and repairing muscles. Beef and pork are excellent sources of high-quality protein, and they are complemented by other nutritious ingredients like eggs, onion, and garlic. Plus, the tomato-based sauce adds a burst of flavor and nutrients, including lycopene and vitamin C.

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of this meat loaf as a quick and easy meal option that is perfect for meal prepping and great for leftovers. We'll also take a closer look at its nutritional value and how it can contribute to a healthy and balanced diet.

Low-Calorie Meal Option

One of the main benefits of this meat loaf is that it is a low-calorie meal option, which is suitable for people who want to lose or maintain their weight. With only 156 calories per serving, it provides a satisfying meal without exceeding your daily caloric needs. You can serve it with a side of vegetables or salad to add volume and fiber to your meal. The low-calorie content of this meat loaf also makes it a suitable choice for people who want to reduce their risk of chronic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. By choosing low-calorie meals and snacks, you can create a calorie deficit that leads to weight loss or maintenance.

Protein-Rich Dish

This meat loaf is also a protein-rich dish that provides all the essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and repair. With 15 grams of protein per serving, it can help you meet your daily protein needs and support your active lifestyle. Protein is also important for satiety and appetite control, as it takes longer to digest and keeps you fuller for longer. By incorporating protein-rich dishes like this meat loaf into your diet, you can reduce your cravings for high-calorie and high-fat foods and maintain a healthy weight.

Delicious and Satisfying Meal

Apart from its nutritional value, this meat loaf is a delicious and satisfying meal that can please your taste buds and fill your stomach. The combination of beef and pork with aromatic herbs and spices creates a complex flavor that you'll love. The tomato-based sauce adds a tangy and sweet note that complements the meat loaf and makes it even more flavorful. You can serve this meat loaf alone or with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, depending on your preferences. You can also customize the ingredients and spices to suit your taste and experiment with different variations. The possibilities are endless with this versatile dish!

Quick and Easy to Prepare

Another advantage of this meat loaf is that it is quick and easy to prepare, even if you're not a seasoned cook. You don't need any special equipment or advanced skills to make it, and you can finish it in less than an hour. To make this meat loaf, you'll need ground beef, ground pork, eggs, onion, garlic, bread crumbs, milk, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. You'll mix all the ingredients in a bowl, form a loaf shape, and bake it in the oven for 45-50 minutes. You can use a meat thermometer to check if it's cooked through and serve it hot with the tomato-based sauce.

Perfect for Meal Prepping

If you're someone who likes to plan ahead and prepare meals in advance, this meat loaf is a perfect choice for meal prepping. You can make a large batch on the weekend and portion it into individual servings for the week. You can also freeze the leftovers for later use and thaw them in the microwave or oven. Meal prepping can save you time, money, and stress, as you won't have to cook every day or rely on fast food and takeout. Plus, you'll have a nutritious and delicious meal ready whenever you need it.

Great for Leftovers

Even if you don't plan to meal prep, this meat loaf is still great for leftovers. You can store the uneaten portion in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat it in the microwave or oven for a quick and easy meal. You can also use the leftover meat loaf as a sandwich filling or salad topping for lunch. By using leftovers, you can reduce food waste and save money on groceries. You can also get creative with the leftovers and mix them with other ingredients to make a new dish. For example, you can chop the meat loaf into small pieces and add them to a stir-fry or pasta sauce.

Healthy and Nutritious Lunch or Dinner

Overall, this meat loaf with beef and pork in a tomato-based sauce is a healthy and nutritious meal option for lunch or dinner. It is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and low in calories, fat, and carbs. It can satisfy your cravings for comfort food while still supporting your health goals. However, it's still important to balance this meal with other nutrient-dense foods and stay within your caloric needs.

Reduced-Fat Meat Loaf

If you're concerned about the fat content of this meat loaf, you can make a reduced-fat version by using leaner cuts of beef and pork, reducing the amount of bread crumbs and milk, and skipping the cheese. You can also add more veggies like grated zucchini, carrot, or cauliflower to the meat mixture to bulk it up and add more fiber and nutrients. You can experiment with different variations and find the one that suits your taste and needs.

Tomato-Based Sauce Adds Flavor

The tomato-based sauce is an essential part of this meat loaf that adds flavor and richness to the dish. Tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that can protect your cells from damage and lower your risk of cancer and heart disease. They are also rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, which are important for immune health and blood pressure regulation. To make the sauce, you'll need canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. You'll sauté the garlic and onion in the oil, add the canned tomatoes, and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. You can adjust the seasonings to your taste and serve it hot with the meat loaf.

Versatile Dish for Any Occasion

Finally, this meat loaf with beef and pork in tomato-based sauce is a versatile dish for any occasion. You can serve it as a weeknight dinner, a weekend brunch, a picnic food, or a potluck dish. It can also be a good option for parties and gatherings, as it can feed a large crowd and please different palates. You can customize the presentation of the dish by adding garnishes like fresh herbs or lemon zest, and serving it in a baking dish or platter. You can also pair it with your favorite beverage, such as wine, beer, or juice, to enhance the flavors and create a festive mood.