low carb italian dressing

LOW CARB MEATLOAF

This Low Carb Meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite! Wrapped in crispy bacon and topped with a simple yet delicious sauce, it’s baked to juicy perfection. Everyone will love this flavorful twist on a classic meal.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 1/2 onion
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup almond flour (see note)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup powdered Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 slices thin-cut bacon
  • 3 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon bottled Italian salad dressing

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Mince the green pepper, onion, and garlic.
  • In a large bowl, combine the minced vegetables with the ground beef, eggs, almond flour, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together using your hands.
  • Shape the mixture into a loaf (about 7×4 inches) and place it in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Cut the bacon slices in half and lay them over the meatloaf.
  • Bake the meatloaf for 25 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and Italian dressing. Spoon half of the sauce mixture over the meatloaf.
  • Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Afterward, spread the remaining sauce over the meatloaf.
  • Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C).
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

TIPS & NOTES

  • You can substitute crushed pork rinds for the almond flour, though the meatloaf may not hold together as well. The carb count will be slightly lower with pork rinds. Use a nutrition calculator to adjust the totals based on your substitutions.

NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)

  • Calories: 356 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 5g (2%)
  • Protein: 31g (62%)
  • Fat: 22g (34%)
  • Saturated Fat: 8g (50%)
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 148mg (49%)
  • Sodium: 798mg (35%)
  • Fiber: 1g (4%)
  • Sugar: 1g (1%)
  • Net Carbs: 4g (8%)

ITALIAN WHITE BEAN SOUP

This uncomplicated Italian white bean soup is packed with bold flavors. It’s thick, garlicky, spicy, and deeply satisfying. Perfectly nourishing, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for an easy, healthy meal.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 cans (14oz/400g each) cannellini or other white beans
  • 1 (7oz/200g) large potato, diced
  • 2 cups (480ml) low sodium vegetable broth
  • ½ – ⅔ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • A few cracks of black pepper

Parsley Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 handful Italian flat parsley (about 1 cup, lightly packed)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Rinse and drain the beans under cold water to remove any cloudy liquid.
  • In a large soup pot, heat 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 4 minutes until the onion softens.
  • Stir in the beans, diced potato, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potato is tender.
  • Once the potato is fork-tender, remove the pot from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt as desired. If you prefer a thinner soup, add a little more broth.
  • For the parsley dressing: Finely chop or blend the parsley with the remaining garlic. Stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil to create a flavorful dressing.
  • To serve, ladle soup into bowls and add a small spoonful of parsley dressing in the center. Stir gently. Garnish with extra red or black pepper flakes and serve with crusty bread or croutons.

NOTES

  • Leftovers: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months in airtight containers, leaving 1-inch space at the top.
  • Nutritional Info: The following values are estimates for one serving based on an online calculator. Please consult a professional for personalized dietary advice.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 247 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Sodium: 304mg
  • Potassium: 766mg
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Vitamin A: 248 IU
  • Vitamin C: 14mg
  • Calcium: 102mg
  • Iron: 4mg