Low-Carb, High-Protein & Weight-Watchers-Friendly
This moist, flavorful turkey meatloaf is packed with lean protein, plenty of garlic, and a cheesy center while keeping carbohydrates low. Using lean ground turkey, cottage cheese, and a small amount of reduced-fat cheese helps create a satisfying meal that fits many calorie-conscious eating plans.
Servings
8 slices
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
50–60 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 900 g (2 lb) extra-lean ground turkey (93–99% lean)
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Filling
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Garlic Topping
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly coat with cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Ground turkey
- Eggs
- Cottage cheese
- Onion
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Italian seasoning
- Dried parsley
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Mix gently until just combined.
Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.
Step 3: Create the Cheese Layer
- Press half of the turkey mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
- Spread the mozzarella evenly down the center, leaving a 1 cm (½-inch) border around the edges.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Cover with the remaining turkey mixture.
- Seal the edges well so the cheese stays inside.
Step 4: Add the Garlic Topping
In a small bowl, mix:
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Parsley
Sprinkle evenly over the top of the loaf.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 50–60 minutes.
- The internal temperature should reach:
(165°F for poultry safety.)
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 15 minutes.
Step 6: Rest
- Remove from the oven.
- Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
This helps the juices redistribute and makes cleaner slices.
Optional Weight-Watchers-Friendly Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Pinch of salt
Method
Whisk everything together and serve alongside the meatloaf.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Slice)
Based on 8 servings:
- Calories: 230–270
- Protein: 30–34 g
- Carbohydrates: 2–4 g
- Fat: 10–13 g
- Fiber: <1 g
Weight-Watchers-Friendly Adjustments
To further reduce calories and points:
- Use 99% lean ground turkey.
- Use fat-free mozzarella.
- Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast in the meat mixture.
- Skip the olive oil in the topping.
- Serve with steamed vegetables instead of starchy sides.
