Get Veggie Meatloaf

“Get Your Veggies” Meatloaf

This meatloaf is packed with veggies, an excellent way to get your greens!GetVeggieCookedMeatloaf_2627

Veggies

  • 1/2 cup julienne sliced sun-dried tomatoes (about half of a 3 oz package of dry pieces)
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 8 cups spicy mustard green leaves (no stems)
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion
  • 3 large cloves garlic
  • 2 cups coarsely chopped sweet peppers (bell pepper, banana pepper, etc.)
  • 2 cups cracker or bagel chip croutons, pounded to small bits with a meat hammer or rolling pin
  • 3 oz or 3 slices any style cheese – 3 oz is about 1/3 cup shredded, if you use sliced cheese, cut it into small pieces
  • 2 eggs or equivalent amount of egg substitute
  • 1 lb. to 1-1/2 lbs. extra lean ground beef (93% lean)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into smaller pieces using kitchen shears. Place in a small, heat proof bowl and add 1/2 cup boiling water; soak for 30 minutes then add the ketchup and stir gently. Set aside.

Remove the curly leaves from the mustard green stems; discard stems and measure 8 cups of leaves.  Dice the leaves until they resemble finely chopped herbs.  You may have to do this in small batches. When all the leaves are chopped, you will have only 4 cups of minced greens.

Chop the onion and garlic into small pieces and pan fry with olive oil on high heat in a non stick skillet until nicely browned, about 4 minutes.  Add the greens and peppers and continue stirring and cooking 3 more minutes on high.  Turn heat off, add cracker crumbs and tomatoes to hot vegetables, then transfer to a large heat proof bowl to combine with the meat, cheese and eggs.

Begin working the meat, cheese, eggs and salt and pepper into the vegetables with your hands (I wear gloves).  When the ingredients are thoroughly combined, turn into a square pan that have been liberally sprayed with Pam.  Shape the meat and veggie mixture into a rectangular loaf.  In my 9×9-inch pan, I had several extra inches on each side.GetVeggiesMeatloaf_2625

 

Bake at 350°F for one hour, then allow the meatloaf to settle for 30 more minutes before slicing.

This meatloaf eats just fine as is because the veggies keep it moist.  But…meatloaf is an acquired taste for kids and even for some adults.  One way to introduce meatloaf to your family is by adding this secret sauce.

Secret Sauce

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2-3/4 cup grape jelly

Mix together and pour over the cooked meatloaf.  Bake at 350°F for 15 more minutes.

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