Italian Meat Loaf

If you’re looking for a flavorful twist on traditional meat loaf, this Italian-inspired version is the perfect choice. Packed with Italian seasonings and topped with spaghetti sauce, this meat loaf pairs beautifully with pasta for a delicious and satisfying meal.

To make the Italian Meat Loaf, you’ll need extra-lean ground beef, bread crumbs, low-sodium spaghetti sauce, egg substitute, onion flakes, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. These ingredients come together to create a savory and aromatic meat loaf with a touch of Italian flair.

Here’s how to prepare the Italian Meat Loaf:

1. Fold a 30-inch (75 cm) long piece of foil in half lengthwise. Place it in the bottom of the slow cooker, allowing both ends to hang over the edge of the cooker. Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the extra-lean ground beef, bread crumbs, low-sodium spaghetti sauce, egg substitute, onion flakes, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on top of the foil in the slow cooker.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 2½ to 3 hours or on low heat for 5 to 6 hours. The meat loaf will be cooked through and tender when done.

Once the Italian Meat Loaf is cooked, slice it and serve it alongside your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. You can spoon some additional spaghetti sauce over the meat loaf slices for extra flavor. This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds (900 g) extra-lean ground beef
• 2 cups (230 g) bread crumbs
• ½ cup (123 g) low-sodium spaghetti sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) egg substitute
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) onion flakes
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

PREPARATION:

1. Fold a 30-inch (75 cm) long piece of foil in half lengthwise and place it in the bottom of the slow cooker, allowing the ends to hang over the edge. Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, spaghetti sauce, egg substitute, onion flakes, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on top of the foil in the slow cooker.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 2½ to 3 hours or on low heat for 5 to 6 hours.
5. Once cooked, slice the meat loaf and serve it with pasta and additional spaghetti sauce if desired.

YIELD:

• 8 servings

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Serve the Italian Meat Loaf with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine.
• Spoon additional spaghetti sauce over the meat loaf slices for extra flavor.

TIPS:

• Customize the flavor by using different varieties of low-sodium spaghetti sauce, such as marinara or tomato basil.
• Feel free to add grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella on top of the meat loaf during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 92 g water
• 399 calories (50% from fat, 27% from protein, 23% from carbs)
• 26 g protein
• 22 g total fat
• 8 g saturated fat
• 9 g monounsaturated fat
• 2 g polyunsaturated fat
• 23 g carbs
• 2 g fiber
• 4 g sugar
• 223 mg phosphorus
• 70 mg calcium
• 4 mg iron
• 94 mg sodium
• 477 mg potassium
• 136 IU vitamin A
• 0 mg ATE vitamin E
• 2 mg vitamin C
• 78 mg cholesterol

Enjoy your Italian Meat Loaf meal with pasta and savor the delicious flavors of Italy!