Individual Chili-Cheddar Meatloaves

This lactose free recipe is a “sight for sore eyes,” in more ways than one! A traditional long lost comfort food favorite, this lightened version also offers the nutritional benefits of Lycopene (found richly in tomato-based foods), which many researchers believe aids in protecting healthy vision. Cabot’s individual chili cheddar meat loaves are so hearty that you’d never guess the recipe is a lightened version of this comfort-food favorite. Use a regular muffin tin for personal-sized dinner portions or a mini muffin pan for bite-sized appetizers with just the right amount of spiciness.

Ingredients

Cooking spray
½ small onion, chopped
¼ green bell pepper, chopped
1 small garlic clove, minced
¼ cup chili sauce or ketchup, divided
6 ounces Cabot Lite75 Cheddar, grated (about 1½ cups)
6 ounces raw extra-lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon chili powder
6 crushed saltine crackers
a dash of salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
Dash of red pepper flakes
1 large egg, lightly beaten

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 350°F.

COAT a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; place over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic and sauté 3 to 5 minutes or until tender.

COMBINE onion mixture, 2 tablespoons chili sauce, ½ cup grated cheese and remaining ingredients in a medium bowl.

SPOON meat mixture into 4 paper or foil muffin cups coated with cooking spray and placed in a regular sized muffin tin. Top evenly with remaining cheese. (Use a mini-muffin tin to make appetizer size meatballs and reduce cooking time.)

BAKE at 350°F for 12 minutes; top with remaining 2 tablespoons chili sauce. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until a thermometer registers 160 degrees. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

*Tip: Don’t be tempted to use a higher-fat ground beef. Using the leanest meat available helps ensure the right texture in this meatloaf since the juices don’t drain away during cooking.

Recipe courtesy of Cabot Creamery Co-operative. Photo courtesy of Katie Webster.