Are you looking for a low-calorie and nutritious dish that can satisfy your cravings for meatballs and meat loaf? Look no further than this medium meatball meat loaf made with ham, not luncheon meat! With only 53 calories per serving, this dish is a guilt-free delight that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere.

Made with real ham, not luncheon meat, this meat loaf is a protein-packed meal that can fuel your body and satisfy your hunger. Ham is a great source of essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B6, which can support your immune system, red blood cell production, and brain health. Plus, ham is low in fat and calories, making it a healthier alternative to other processed meats.

In this article, we'll share some tips and tricks on how to make this delicious meatball meat loaf and how to customize it to your liking. Whether you're a weight watcher, a fitness enthusiast, or a meat lover, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and give you the nutrition you need.

Low-Calorie and Nutritious Delight

This medium meatball meat loaf made with ham is a low-calorie and nutritious delight that can help you maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. With only 53 calories per serving, this dish is perfect for those who want to enjoy a hearty meal without guilt or excess weight. In addition to being low in calories, this meat loaf is also high in protein, which can keep you full and energized for hours. Each serving provides about 5 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle building, repair, and regeneration. Moreover, this dish is low in fat and carbs, which can help you control your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. To boost the nutritional value of this dish, you can serve it with a variety of healthy sides such as steamed veggies, brown rice, or quinoa. These ingredients can add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your meal, which can promote digestion, immunity, and overall health.

Made with Real Ham, Not Luncheon Meat

One of the highlights of this meatball meat loaf is that it is made with real ham, not luncheon meat. Ham is a natural and wholesome ingredient that can enhance the flavor, texture, and nutrition of this dish. Unlike luncheon meat, which is often processed, seasoned, and packed with preservatives, ham is a fresh and authentic meat that can provide a genuine meat taste and aroma. Ham is also a versatile and easy-to-cook protein that can adapt to different cooking methods and flavor profiles. You can use ham in soups, stews, salads, or sandwiches, or you can bake, grill, or fry it to your preference. Moreover, ham is a budget-friendly and widely available meat that you can find in most supermarkets and delis, making it a convenient option for meal prep or quick dinner fixes. When choosing ham for this recipe, make sure to select a quality ham that is lean, fresh, and free from additives or fillers. You can ask your butcher or deli for advice on which ham to choose and how to slice it properly for the best results.

Ideal for Weight Watchers and Fitness Enthusiasts

Are you following a weight loss plan or a fitness program? This medium meatball meat loaf made with ham is an ideal dish for you! With only 53 calories per serving and 5 grams of protein, this dish can satisfy your meat cravings while keeping your calories and macros in check. Moreover, ham is a low-carb and low-fat meat that can support your metabolism and energy levels. To make this meat loaf even healthier, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, which can reduce the fat content and increase the protein content of the dish. You can also add some veggies like grated carrots, chopped onions, or minced garlic, which can add flavor, texture, and nutrition to the meatballs. Another way to make this dish more fitness-friendly is to serve it with a side of salad or roasted veggies, which can add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your plate. You can also avoid using sugary or creamy sauces, which can add extra calories to your meal, and opt for simple yet flavorful spices or herbs like paprika, cumin, or oregano.

Great for Meal Prep and Quick Dinner Fixes

Do you struggle to find time to cook healthy meals during the week? This medium meatball meat loaf made with ham can be a lifesaver for you! With its easy recipe and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for meal prep and quick dinner fixes. You can make a batch of meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for later use. To make this dish even more convenient, you can use a muffin tin to shape the meatballs, which can save you time and effort. Simply spray the tin with some cooking spray, spoon the meat mixture into the cups, and bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked. You can also customize the spices and seasonings of the meatballs to your liking, such as adding some chili powder or hot sauce for a spicy kick, or some basil or thyme for a herbal twist. When you're ready to eat, you can serve the meatballs hot or cold, with a variety of sides and sauces. You can make a simple tomato sauce, a creamy mustard sauce, or a tangy barbecue sauce, or you can dip the meatballs into some yogurt, hummus, or guacamole. The possibilities are endless!

Can be Served with a Variety of Sides and Sauces

This medium meatball meat loaf made with ham is a versatile and flexible dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Whether you're in the mood for something sweet, sour, spicy, or creamy, you can find a perfect match for the meatballs. Some popular sides and sauces that go well with this dish include: - Tomato sauce: A classic and simple sauce that can add a tangy and sweet flavor to the meatballs. You can make your own tomato sauce by sautéing some onions and garlic in a pan, adding some diced tomatoes and herbs, and simmering for 10-15 minutes. - Spicy mustard sauce: A zesty and hot sauce that can complement the savory and salty taste of the ham. You can make your own mustard sauce by whisking together some Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar, and hot sauce, and adjusting the seasoning to your preference.

Perfect for Kids and Adults Who Love Meatballs and Meat Loaf

Who doesn't love meatballs and meat loaf? These classic dishes are hearty, flavorful, and comforting, and can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. This medium meatball meat loaf made with ham is a perfect example of how to upgrade and elevate these dishes to a healthier, tastier, and more interesting level. You can serve this dish for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack or appetizer. You can also involve your kids in the cooking process by letting them help you shape the meatballs or mix the ingredients. This can be a fun and educational activity for them, and can teach them the importance of healthy eating and cooking skills. To make this dish more kid-friendly, you can add some grated cheese, chopped veggies, or mashed potatoes to the meatballs, which can make them more colorful, fun, and nutritious. You can also serve them with some ketchup, ranch dressing, or honey mustard, which are popular and familiar dipping sauces for kids.

Can be Customized with Different Spices and Seasonings

If you like experimenting with flavors and spices, this medium meatball meat loaf made with ham can be a blank canvas for your creativity. You can customize the spices and seasonings of the meatballs to your liking, and add some extra kick, sweetness, or tanginess to the dish. Some spices and seasonings that work well with ham and meatballs include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. You can use these spices alone or in combination, depending on your taste and mood. You can also add some grated ginger or minced chili for an Asian or Indian twist, or some honey or maple syrup for a sweet and savory contrast. When seasoning the meatballs, make sure to mix the ingredients well and taste the mixture before shaping the balls. This can help you adjust the seasoning and avoid over- or under-seasoning. You can also use a small amount of breadcrumbs, oats, or almond flour to bind the meatballs and make them more moist and tender.

Easy to Cook and Store, Requires Minimal Prep Time

This medium meatball meat loaf made with ham is an easy and hassle-free recipe that requires minimal prep time and cooking skills. You can make the meatballs in less than 30 minutes, and store them in the fridge or freezer for later use. You can also reheat the meatballs in the microwave, oven, or stovetop, without compromising their taste or texture. To cook the meatballs, simply mix the ingredients in a bowl, shape them into balls or a loaf, and bake, grill, or fry them until they're fully cooked and browned. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs, which should be at least 165°F for safety. When storing the meatballs, make sure to let them cool down to room temperature before putting them in the fridge or freezer. You can store them in an airtight container or a freezer bag, and label them with the date and the contents. You can store the meatballs in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating the meatballs, make sure to defrost them first if they're frozen, and heat them until they're piping hot and evenly cooked.

Gluten-Free and Low in Carbs, Suitable for Special Diets

Are you following a gluten-free, low-carb, or diabetic diet? This medium meatball meat loaf made with ham can be a great addition to your menu! Unlike traditional meatballs or meat loaf, which may contain breadcrumbs, flour, or sugar, this dish is gluten-free and low in carbs, making it a safe and healthy option for people with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or carb sensitivity. To make this dish more low-carb, you can use almond flour, coconut flour, or flax meal instead of breadcrumbs, which can add fiber, healthy fats, and nutrients to the meatballs. You can also use stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, which can reduce the glycemic load of the dish. When serving this dish to people with dietary restrictions, make sure to inform them about the ingredients and the nutritional value of the meatballs. You can also provide some alternative side dishes or sauces that are suitable for their needs, such as roasted veggies, cauliflower rice, or homemade mayo or pesto.

Affordable and Widely Available at Supermarkets and Delis

Another advantage of this medium meatball meat loaf made with ham is that it is affordable and widely available at supermarkets and delis. You don't need to shop for exotic or rare ingredients, or to spend a lot of money or time on the dish. You can easily find ham, ground beef, and other ingredients at your local grocery store or deli, and prepare the dish at home without breaking the bank. Moreover, this dish can be a great way to use up leftover ham or ground beef, which can save you money and reduce food waste. You can also make a big batch of meatballs and freeze them for later use, which can save you time, money, and effort. When shopping for ingredients, make sure to check the labels and the prices, and compare different brands and types of ham or ground beef. You can also look for sales, discounts, or coupons that can help you save money on your grocery bill. Additionally, you can consider buying some ingredients in bulk, such as herbs, spices, or oils, which can last longer and cost less in the long run.