The Healthy Good for You Meatloaf

Chef1MOM~Connie's Note:

I came up with this recipe in the attempts to make foods healthier and vitamin enriched. As we approach the underbelly of middle age (50's) there is agreement to eat healthier, live longer, and enjoy nature's bounty. However, this is an old fashioned family comfort food for all ages. Meatloaf is not always high on the list of healthy food but I figured I could doctor it up some.. Here is what I came up with. For moms and dads whose children say NOT SPINACH, ewwwwwwweeeeeee this is a great way to get that iron and antioxidant veggie into them. This recipe can also be made in to hamburgers for the BBQ. Very simple to prepare all in 1 dish

• Total Time: 1 hrs 8 mins
• Prep Time: 8 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Serves: 6-8

Yield: 1.0 meatloaf

• 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (or use a combo of lean beef, turkey, pork,chicken or veal)
• 4 ounces fresh spinach, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon basil
• 1 teaspoon flavor enhancer (I used Mrs. Dash no salt)
• 1 medium onion, diced small
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferrably wheat)
• 2 medium eggs (1 large)

Directions:

1. mix together all ingredients in 2 qt casserole dish.
2. bake in oven 350 degrees for 1 hour.
3. enjoy.
4. for hamburgers: make patties according to size you like. I made 8- 1/4 lb (approx) burgers with above measurements.

Reviews

[I'mPat]

WOW anything that gets the DM to eat greens with relish gets 5 stars and she certainly did this, I used baby silverbeet picked fresh from the garden though only used about 2 1/2 ounces as that seemed plenty but will make sure I add the full amount next time but if DH dining would have to omit the onion for dietary reasons. I used 750 grams of very lean mince (ground beef) and other than the amount of spinach followed the recipe to the tee and with 3 of us dining I had half a meatloaf left, would certainly consider this recipe for making mini meatloafs expecially when in a hurry, thank you Chef1MOM-Connie, made for Aussie/Kiwi Recipe Swap #57 October 2011.

[Elmotoo]

Very tasty! I did use chopped frozen/thawed/squeezed spinach which worked very well. I thought it needed a bit of salt but otherwise perfect!

[JustJanS]

I made this using a mix of super lean beef and chicken I ground myself. I was really happy with the taste and the moistness of it considering how lean the meat I used was. I think the spinach may be the reason for that. Thanks for posting a recipe I think I'll be making again really soon.