As the fall season approaches, you may look for hearty foods on cooler nights. The good news is the South Beach Diet has healthier versions of your favorite comfort foods. This classic dish features fresh ingredients and is easy to prepare, which means less time in the kitchen.

South Beach Diet Meat Loaf With Vegetables (Phase 2)

Description
Brown rice helps keeps this meat loaf moist and lends a pleasing nutty flavor that you won’t find in traditional versions.

Serves 6

Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 pound extra-lean ground beef
1/2 pound ground turkey breast
1 cup chunky salsa
1 egg, beaten
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup cooked brown rice

Instructions
Cook rice ahead of time. Preheat the oven to 350° F.

Heat the oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes, or until tender.

In a large bowl, combine the beef, turkey, salsa, egg, salt, black pepper, and garlic. Stir in the vegetables and rice. Place the mixture in a round baking dish and pat into an oblong loaf.

Bake for 45 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the center registers 160° F and the meat is no longer pink.

Nutritional information
Per serving:
225 calories
10 g fat (3 g sat)
16 g carbohydrate
17 g protein
1 g dietary fiber
366 mg sodium
79 mg cholesterol