French Meat Loaf

Servings: 4 Difficulty: Intermediate
A savory, low-fat beef loaf glazed with sweet and spicy French dressing for a classic home-style meal
French Meat Loaf recipe image

French Meat Loaf

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4 Calories: 259.2

Description

This French-style meat loaf offers a delicious twist on the classic comfort food favorite. By combining very lean ground beef with finely chopped onions and wheat germ, you get a tender, moist texture without the heaviness. The secret ingredient is a low-fat sweet and spicy French dressing, which creates a glossy, flavorful crust that balances savory and tangy notes perfectly. It is an excellent choice for weeknight dinners when you want something hearty yet healthy. Simple to prepare and packed with protein, this dish satisfies the whole family while keeping calories in check. Serve it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete, balanced meal that feels indulgent but remains nutritious.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg whites, wheat germ, chopped onions, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix gently by hand until just combined; do not overwork the meat.
  4. Shape the mixture into a loaf on a rack placed inside a shallow baking pan.
  5. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
  6. During the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the top of the loaf with the low-fat sweet and spicy French dressing.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 259.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11.4g18%
Saturated Fat 4.5g23%
Cholesterol 86.3mg29%
Sodium 87.9mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 3.0g1%
Dietary Fiber 0.4g2%
Sugars 0.6g
Protein 32.0g64%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Ensure the meat loaf is cooked to an internal temperature of 160&# 194;°F for food safety.

If you do not have egg whites, you can use one whole egg, though this will slightly increase the fat content.

For added flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or toaster oven.

Keywords: beef, french dressing, ground beef, healthy, lean, low fat, main course, meat loaf, protein, quick dinner, spicy, wheat germ, weeknight meal
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