The Best Meatloaf Ever

Good meatloaf.  Is there such a thing?  Yes and you'll never guess where this recipe came from.  I'll save the chef to the end otherwise I may lose some of you right off the bat!

This meatloaf makes 2 batches, so I put one in the freezer for another day.  It is LOADED with vegetables diced so fine you will barely see them...or should I say your kids will barely see them.  It was perfect for us since it included all the vegetables we got from the crop share.  I threw in a yellow squash too since I had it handy.

Hearty Meatloaf

Ingredients

2 pounds organic ground beef (I usually do ground turkey)
2 to 3 eggs
3/4 to 1 cup celery, finely chopped, I use food processor on pulse
3/4 to 1 cup onion, finely chopped, I use food processor on pulse
3/4 to 1 cup green pepper, finely chopped, I use food processor on pulse
3/4 to 1 cup carrots, finely chopped, I use food processor on pulse
About 1 1/2 to 2 cups breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned if on hand. Otherwise, plain works too), may need more breadcrumbs depending on the consistency of the meatloaf
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded or grated)
1/4 to 1/2 cup ketchup.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic salt

Some of the vegetables getting ready for a twirl in the Vitamix

Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and divide equally into two separate meat loaves. 

Add a squirt of ketchup to the top of each in a zig-zaggy design. 

Cover with foil and bake in either a meatloaf pan or a glass bread baking dish at 350 degrees for about an hour (depending on oven) or until bubbly and center is no longer pink.

During the last 15 minutes or so, I remove foil covering and finish baking uncovered.

The picture doesn't do it justice - trust me!

I plan to serve this tomorrow with sweet potatoes and green beans.  

The Chef?  Kate Gosselin from John and Kate Plus 8.  Yep.  AND she has out a new cookbook (which I love!) that reminded me of this recipe.  I usually make a new recipe every day so I have made MANY variations of almost any recipe out there.  This is the best meatloaf recipe I have made  The bonus is it is so healthy with all the vegetables.

I keep forgetting to try to make this recipe into meatballs. I bet that would be awesome.

Today we had the usual activities and hung out at home. We decided to go out to a local Italian restaurant after football since it ended so late instead of cooking.

House is in order for the week ahead.  May it be quick and easy journey to all to make it to Friday!