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Meatloaf is a favourite in my family, and this is a recipe for a much healthier version. You can use extra-lean minced (ground) beef, but the healthiest way is to use minced turkey or chicken. Here in Spain I can´t get lean, low fat minced beef, so I use half beef mince and half chicken instead. Find out how to make a healthy meatloaf. Subscribe to Type-A Mom articles

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This recipe serves 6, and as the meatloaf is very filling, I tend to serve with just a rich gravy and a selection of seasonal vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs extra lean ground meat (minced beef, chicken, turkey or a combination of these)
• 8 fl oz tomato juice
• 3 oz large flake oats
• 1 lightly beaten egg
• 1 small onion, peeled and chopped
• a dash of Worcestershire sauce
• salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

• Pre-heat oven to 175º C / 350 F / gas mark 3
• Get a big mixing bowl and combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Add a few extra oats if the mixture seems too wet. It should hold together well in the bowl.
• When mixed, transfer into a loaf tin, approx 8 inches by 4 inches. If you don´t have a loaf tin, press the mix into a loaf shape in any high sided tin or ovenproof bowl. It should be firm enough to keep it´s shape.
• Bake in the oven for about an hour, until the top is browned and the crust is slightly crispy. If you have a meat thermometer, then it should read 90º C / 195ºF for beef when interted into the centre of the loaf. For chicken or turkey mix the thermometer shoud read 80º C / 175ºF .
• Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Drain any juices away. These can be added to the homemade gravy for extra taste.

Transfer to a serving dish and slice. Here are some serving suggestions to keep this a healthy meal. You can add any of the with a clear conscience:

• a selection of freshly cooked vegetables and a rich onion gravy
• salad and coleslaw ( especially the low fat variety)
• a mixed bean salad or cassoulet
• a jacket potato, boiled baby new potatoes and salad

Let me know your favourites, the combinations are endless. Just keep well away from those french fries!