WW Bacon Mushroom Meatloaf

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WW Bacon Mushroom Meatloaf with Swiss cheese is a more health-focused adaptation of an old comfort food. This is a lean ground turkey or beef recipe that combines mushrooms, onions, and Swiss cheese to give it a full flavor, but does not earn too many points. Topping it with a few strips of center-cut bacon is a way to add a smoky flavor, but remain portion-conscious. The meatloaf remains juicy, tasty, and nutritious yet will not sabotage your plan.  WW Bacon Mushroom Meatloaf with Swiss cheese goes well with roasted vegetables, green salad, or mashed cauliflower to make a full plate, but make it feel satisfying and not over-the-top.

STATS

  • Diet: Diet Watchers friendly.
  • Course: Main dish
  • Cuisine: American
  • Time OF Prep : 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cooking Method: Baking

EQUIPMENT

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Non-stick skillet
  • Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Sharp knife

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 1/2 pounds extra-lean to lean ground turkey or lean ground beef (96% lean)
  • 1 cup chopped mushrooms finely.
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2/3 cup grated light Swiss cheese.
  • ¼ cup skim milk
  • 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 slices center-cut bacon

INGREDIENT NOTES

Ground turkey/lean beef:

  • 96 percent lean beef or 99 percent fat-free turkey are good to reduce fat and maintain the flavor. Either is good in this recipe.

Mushrooms:

  • Moisten the meatloaf and add a mushroom flavor. Mince so that they are mixed up with the meat.

Onion:

  • It adds aroma and sweetness. Roll the dice lest they be huge.

Garlic:

  • Boosts savory flavor. Fresh is best here.

Egg:

  • Serves to keep the loaf in place.

Whole-wheat breadcrumbs:

  • This would provide structure, plus fiber. You can also use oat flour.

Swiss cheese:

  • Provides a nutty, creamy flavor. Light Swiss maintains the low points.

Milk:

  • Wets the mix to ensure that the loaf does not dry up.

Bacon:

  • Center-cut bacon has a smoky richness with a lower number of points than normal bacon.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spray a loaf pan, 9×5 inches, with cooking spray.
  3. In a low flame skillet, sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic until tender, about 5 minutes.
  4. Let cool slightly.
  5. Add ground meat, sautéed vegetables, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, milk, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to a large bowl.
  6. Blend until just mixed.
  7. Pour into the loaf pan that has been prepared.
  8. Shape into an even loaf.
  9. Arrange the strips of bacon on the top of the loaf.
  10. Use a small amount of pressure to affix.
  11. Cook it for almost 50 minutes and keep it uncovered (or until the inside reaches 165°F (74 degrees C).
  12. Allow to rest 5 to 10 minutes, then slice. This helps juices settle.

TIPS

  • Avoid over mixing the meat mixture; the loaf could turn solid.
  • Lay parchment paper across the loaf pan in order to clean it more easily.
  • Use reduced-fat provolone or mozzarella instead of Swiss cheese.
  • Eat with roasted green beans or steamed broccoli to make a whole meal.

STORAGE INFORMATION

Fridge:

  • Keep frozen foods in an airtight sealed jar for 3 days. Heat again in the microwave or the oven.

Freezer:

  • Freeze cooked slices in foil as long as 2 months. Refrigerate, then reheat.

FAQS

Can I make use of turkey bacon?

  • Yes. It is good with Turkey bacon and reduces fat even more.

What do I replace breadcrumbs with?

  • They may be substituted with oat flour, almond flour, or even crushed whole-grain crackers.

Does the bacon get crispy?

  • The bacon, yes, crisps well on the top when baked. To add an additional crispness, broil 1-2 minutes at the finish.

NUTRITIONAL

Calories: 230

Protein: 26 g

Carbohydrates: 7 g

Dietary Fiber: 1 g

Fat: 10 g

Sodium: 320 mg

Depending on the brand ingredients you are using, WW Bacon Mushroom Swiss Cheese Meatloaf is approximately 5 Weight Watchers points per serving.