Zesty Southwestern Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Elevate your dinner with this Zesty Southwestern Slow Cooker Meatloaf, a flavorful twist on a comfort classic. Made with lean ground beef and a blend of spices, this recipe is perfect for those seeking a satisfying yet health-conscious meal. The addition of tangy salsa and rich ketchup elevates the taste while keeping the points low for Weight Watchers enthusiasts. Cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, this meatloaf is hassle-free and ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded, delicious meal that the whole family will love.
N/A
Servings
122
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean Ground Beef
2 lbs (Choose 93% lean for a healthier option.)
Light Bread
3 slices (1 cup crumbled) (Crumble into small pieces.)
Onion
1 cup (Chop (about 1 medium onion).)
Fat-Free Egg Substitute
1/2 cup (Use in place of traditional eggs.)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning.)
Ground Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning.)
Ketchup
1/2 cup (Use as a topping.)
Thick & Chunky Salsa
1/2 cup (Use as a topping.)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the slow cooker. Spray the bottom and sides of a 3.5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
2
Take two lengths of aluminum foil, each long enough to fit along the bottom of the cooker and extend about three inches over the sides. Fold each strip lengthwise to form a 2-inch-wide strip, then arrange them in a cross pattern in the slow cooker, pressing the strips down to ensure they stick to the bottom.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, crumbled light bread, chopped onion, fat-free egg substitute, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
4
Shape the beef mixture into a loaf that fits the shape of the slow cooker. Carefully place the loaf on top of the foil strips in the slow cooker.
5
Create a shallow indentation on the top of the meatloaf. In a separate bowl, mix together the ketchup and thick & chunky salsa, then pour this sauce evenly over the meatloaf.
6
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 3.5 to 4 hours, until the meatloaf is cooked through.
7
Once cooked, use the foil strips as handles to carefully lift the meatloaf out of the slow cooker. Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
9g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Southwestern Slow Cooker Meatloaf?
It is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort meal made with lean ground beef, light bread, and southwestern spices, cooked in a slow cooker.
How many calories are in this meatloaf recipe?
There are 122 calories per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for Weight Watchers?
Yes, it is designed for Weight Watchers enthusiasts by using lean ingredients to keep the points low.
How much fat is in a serving?
Each serving contains 3 grams of fat.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides 16 grams of protein per serving.
What type of ground beef should I use?
It is recommended to use 93% lean ground beef for a healthier option.
How much onion is required?
You will need 1 cup of chopped onion, which is approximately one medium onion.
What type of egg component is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of fat-free egg substitute in place of traditional eggs.
How many slices of bread are needed?
The recipe uses 3 slices of light bread, which equals about 1 cup when crumbled.
What ingredients make up the topping?
The topping is a mixture of 1/2 cup ketchup and 1/2 cup thick & chunky salsa.
How long does it cook on the Low setting?
On the low setting, the meatloaf should cook for 8 hours.
How long does it cook on the High setting?
On the high setting, the meatloaf takes 3.5 to 4 hours to cook through.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 3.5-quart slow cooker is the recommended size for this recipe.
How do I prevent the meatloaf from sticking to the cooker?
Spray the bottom and sides of the slow cooker with cooking spray before adding the ingredients.
How do I use foil strips in this recipe?
Arrange two 2-inch-wide strips of foil in a cross pattern along the bottom and sides to help lift the meatloaf out later.
How do I remove the meatloaf from the slow cooker?
Use the aluminum foil strips as handles to carefully lift the loaf out once it has finished cooking.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 9 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I let the meatloaf rest before serving?
Yes, allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is hassle-free and ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
What side dishes go well with this meatloaf?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
What seasonings are added to the meat mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper.
How do I apply the sauce to the meatloaf?
Create a shallow indentation on the top of the loaf and pour the ketchup and salsa mixture evenly over it.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients required for this recipe.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as a delicious meal that the whole family will love.
What kind of salsa is suggested?
The recipe specifically suggests using thick & chunky salsa.
Is the serving size specified?
The specific serving size is not specified in the current recipe data.
Does this meatloaf contain fiber?
The fiber content is not specified in the provided nutritional information.
What is the sodium content?
The sodium content for this recipe is not listed in the provided facts.
How much cholesterol is in a serving?
Cholesterol information is not available for this specific recipe data.
Is there any sugar in the ingredients?
The specific sugar content is not provided in the nutrition breakdown.