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How to Make a Healthy Vegetables Meatloaf
Making a healthy vegetables meatloaf is a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food without the meat. It’s also a great way to get more vegetables into your diet. Here’s how to make a delicious and nutritious vegetables meatloaf.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, quinoa, lentils, grated carrots, zucchini, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato paste, ketchup, vegetable broth, and olive oil.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with olive oil.
- Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan and press down firmly.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
The Benefits of Adding Vegetables to Your Meatloaf
Adding vegetables to your meatloaf is a great way to make a delicious and nutritious meal. Not only does it add flavor and texture to the dish, but it also provides a variety of health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of adding vegetables to your meatloaf:
- Increased Nutritional Value: Vegetables are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that can help boost your overall health. Adding vegetables to your meatloaf will increase the nutritional value of the dish, providing you with more of the nutrients you need.
- Improved Digestion: Vegetables are high in fiber, which helps to keep your digestive system running smoothly. Adding vegetables to your meatloaf will help to ensure that your body is able to break down and absorb the nutrients from the meal more efficiently.
- Reduced Calories: Vegetables are low in calories, so adding them to your meatloaf will help to reduce the overall calorie count of the dish. This can be especially beneficial if you’re trying to watch your weight.
- Added Flavor: Vegetables can add a variety of flavors to your meatloaf, making it more interesting and enjoyable to eat. From sweet carrots to savory mushrooms, there are plenty of vegetables that can be added to your meatloaf to give it a unique flavor.
Adding vegetables to your meatloaf is a great way to make a delicious and nutritious meal. Not only will it add flavor and texture to the dish, but it will also provide you with a variety of health benefits. So why not give it a try? You won’t regret it!
The Best Spices to Use in Your Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed any time of year. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and make a delicious meal for the whole family. To make your meatloaf even more flavorful, try adding some spices. Here are some of the best spices to use in your meatloaf:
- Garlic: Garlic is a classic flavor that pairs well with beef, pork, and turkey. It adds a savory, earthy flavor to your meatloaf.
- Onion: Onion is another classic flavor that adds a sweet, savory flavor to your meatloaf.
- Paprika: Paprika adds a smoky, spicy flavor to your meatloaf.
- Oregano: Oregano adds a bright, herbal flavor to your meatloaf.
- Thyme: Thyme adds a woodsy, earthy flavor to your meatloaf.
- Rosemary: Rosemary adds a piney, herbal flavor to your meatloaf.
- Sage: Sage adds a savory, earthy flavor to your meatloaf.
- Parsley: Parsley adds a bright, herbal flavor to your meatloaf.
- Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick to your meatloaf.
These are just a few of the spices you can use to add flavor to your meatloaf. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect flavor for your family. Enjoy!
Tips for Making the Perfect Vegetables Meatloaf Every Time
- Start with the Right Meat: For the best meatloaf, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork. The pork adds flavor and moisture to the meatloaf.
- Add Flavorful Ingredients: To give your meatloaf a boost of flavor, add diced onions, garlic, bell peppers, and herbs like parsley, oregano, and thyme.
- Use a Binder: To help the meatloaf hold together, use a binder like breadcrumbs, oats, or cracker crumbs.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the ingredients can make the meatloaf tough. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Shape the Loaf: Place the meat mixture in a greased loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
- Bake at the Right Temperature: Bake the meatloaf at 350°F for about an hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let it Rest: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices redistribute and make the meatloaf more tender.
Creative Ways to Serve Vegetables Meatloaf
- Meatloaf and Veggie Stuffed Peppers: Cut the tops off bell peppers, remove the seeds, and stuff them with a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and your favorite vegetables. Bake in the oven until the peppers are tender and the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Meatloaf and Veggie Shepherd’s Pie: Layer a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and vegetables in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes and bake until the potatoes are golden brown and the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Meatloaf and Veggie Lasagna: Layer lasagna noodles with a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and vegetables. Top with cheese and bake until the lasagna is bubbly and the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Meatloaf and Veggie Pot Pie: Layer a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and vegetables in a pie dish. Top with a pastry crust and bake until the crust is golden brown and the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Meatloaf and Veggie Casserole: Layer a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and vegetables in a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Meatloaf and Veggie Quesadillas: Spread a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and vegetables on a flour tortilla. Top with cheese and fold in half. Grill until the cheese is melted and the meatloaf is cooked through.
- Meatloaf and Veggie Stuffed Potatoes: Bake potatoes until tender. Cut in half and scoop out the insides. Mix the potato insides with a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and vegetables. Stuff the potatoes with the mixture and bake until the potatoes are golden brown and the meatloaf is cooked through.
Try this delicious Vegetables Meatloaf recipe today! It’s a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and protein. Click here to get the full recipe and start cooking!