Vegetable Meatloaf

So I am pretty excited. My cousins from California, the same cousins I went to Mardi Gras with,  are coming to Houston! They will be here while the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show is going on! I LOVE going to the Rodeo. Though they chose to go to the Band Perry's Concert. I am not a huge fan of them. I really wanted to go see Pitbull (i.e., Mr. International)-- I cannot get enough of the way he talks and sings :) Sadly, I am friends with two boys and I have the hubby- none of whom want to see Pitbull with me :( How could you not love Pitbull?!?-- okay--do not answer that question--just let me love him :) 

I am pretty excited about this recipe! I have never eaten meatloaf before and, duh, never made meatloaf. Growing up, my mom never made meatloaf either. Granted, I grew up on eating traditional Sri Lankan food, since I am Sri Lankan. But I always saw meatloaf as this "American Staple." It looked cool and good enough. You are probably thinking, "Did you just say meatloaf seemed cool?"-- I did! There really is not anything like it, in terms of  an equivalent in Sri Lankan food. The hubby of course has tried meatloaf, but he also could not remember the last time his mom ever made it. So I thought this would be a fun recipe to try. I saw this recipe on the Food Network Website-- it is actually Bobby Flay's recipe :)

The meatloaf was a super simple recipe. Other than sauteing the vegetables briefly, the recipe literally calls for tossing the ingredients into a large bowl, mixing it together and baking. The only part of this recipe that takes time, is the baking. What did I do? Made it, stuck it in the oven, and continued baking and cooking other recipes. Not only was it simple to make, but both the hubby and I really enjoyed how it tasted! It was really moist, meaty, with a great portion of vegetables! I enjoyed this recipe with some other vegetables, as well as with a side of mashed potatoes :) 

VEGETABLE MEATLOAF

Adapted from Food Network

INGREDIENTS

Preheat Oven to 425F Degrees

FOR THE MEATLOAF

2 tbsp. olive oil

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

1 tbsp. garlic

12 oz. frozen bag of three pepper and onion blend, thawed (can substitute with fresh veggies)

1 1/2 pounds of ground turkey

2 large eggs, beaten

1 1/3 c. panko (Japanese) breadcrumbs

2/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 c. ketchup

FOR THE GLAZE

1/4 c. ketchup

1 tsp. red pepper flakes

1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar (optional)

DIRECTIONS

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat-- saute red pepper flakes and garlic until fragrant and garlic is browned. Then add in pepper and onion blend, until warmed and slightly softened, 3-5 minutes (if using fresh veggies cook time will be longer). Set aside and allow to cool slightly. 

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, ketchup and vegetables-- using a spatula, mix well. Then in a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, red pepper flakes and balsamic vinegar for the glaze. 

Grease 9x5 loaf pan with butter or shortening. The gently press turkey mixture into pan. Brush the glaze over the entire loaf. Bake for 1-1.25 hours. (55 minutes on the bottom oven rack, last 20 minutes on top rack). Let rest for 15-20 minute before slicing.

Enjoy,

Chika