How to Stretch Your Expensive Ground Beef in an Easy Salsa Meat Loaf (Diabetic Friendly, Air Fryer or Oven)

This easy salsa meat loaf is one of our favorites and it is a great option for turning a small amount of ground beef into a main dish for four. The loaf has plenty of protein thanks to the addition of cottage cheese to the lean ground beef in the meat loaf mixture as well as shredded cheddar cheese on top of the loaf. If you're on a diabetic diet or want to "eat healthy," the meat loaf is a great option. In terms of taste, the loaf is well seasoned with dried spices and jarred salsa, which also tops the loaf as it cooks. I like to make the small loaf in the air fryer, and the meatloaf comes out nice and moist with a great cheesy layer on top. We like the meat loaf with a salad and corn muffins. Enjoy!

How to Stretch Your Expensive Ground Beef in an Easy Salsa Meat Loaf (Diabetic Friendly, Air Fryer or Oven)

Easy Salsa Meat Loaf (Diabetic Friendly) -- Serves 4

6-8 ounces of lean ground beef (93 percent)

1 large egg

1/3 cup of low-fat cottage cheese

1/2 teaspoon of dried cumin

1/2 teaspoon of dried cilantro

1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon of onion powder

1/4 teaspoon of salt

2 tablespoons of quick oats

1/4 cup of salsa, divided (the kind from a jar is fine)

1/4 cup of shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

Spritz a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or, for easy-clean up, line the loaf pan with aluminum foil and spritz the foil. Set the pan aside. In a large bowl combine the ground beef, egg, cottage cheese, spices, oats, and 2 tablespoons of the salsa and mix everything well until completely combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the cheese on top of the loaf. Pour the remaining salsa on top of the cheese.

Air Fryer: Air fry the meat loaf at 320 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until an instant read thermometer registers 160 degrees. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the loaf and air fry the loaf another minute or two to melt the cheese.

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the meat loaf for 35-45 minutes or until an instant read thermometer registers 160 degrees. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the loaf and bake the loaf another couple of minutes to melt the cheese.

Let the meat loaf stand for at least 5 minutes to firm up a little before serving it.

How to Stretch Your Expensive Ground Beef in an Easy Salsa Meat Loaf (Diabetic Friendly, Air Fryer or Oven)

How to Stretch Your Expensive Ground Beef in an Easy Salsa Meat Loaf (Diabetic Friendly, Air Fryer or Oven)