Mediterranean Style Meatloaf

Submitted by threeovens

"I call this recipe Mediterranean style because instead of using any breadcrumbs to bind the meatloaf, fine bulgur wheat is used. This is also used throughout the Mediterranean to make meatballs and kebabs. I buy bulgur in a Turkish market. They sell three different grinds of bulgur wheat. A coarse grind, which is brown in color and resembles buckwheat groats and cooks up like rice; a medium grind, which is a pasta color and just has to be soaked for 20 minutes in water; and the very fine grind which is like really tiny, tiny pasta (it had no instructions for cooking, but the package stated that it was for meatballs). I like to use bulgur instead of white rice or, in this case, breadcrumbs because it has a lower glycemic index and is packed with nutrients and proteins. Instead of the seasoning listed you could use a good seasoned salt or my current favorite, Badia Complete Seasoning."

 

• Ready In: 55mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1⁄2 onion, chopped
• 1 celery rib, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup ketchup
• 1⁄2 cup Bulgar wheat (fine)
• 1⁄4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lb ground beef

directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F; place a rack over a rimmed baking sheet (I use a metal cookie cooling rack).
2. In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat egg.
3. Add in onion, celery, ketchup, bulgur, cheese, cumin, oregano and season with salt and pepper to taste; mix well.
4. Add ground beef and mix well; using your hands works best.
5. Shape loaf to desire size and shape and place in the center of the rack.
6. Bake until an instant read meat thermometer registers 165 degrees F, about 45 minutes.