Meat Loaf With Vegetable Stuffing
A comforting turkey meatloaf with hearty vegetable stuffing, featuring earthy mushrooms, sweet canned carrots, and tender green beans, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. ground turkey or beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup canned mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 cup canned carrots ⓘ
- 1 cup canned green beans ⓘ
- 3/4 oz. dried bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 1/2 oz. rolled oats ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain the canned mushrooms, carrots, and green beans.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained mushrooms, carrots, green beans, bread crumbs, and one egg.
- Set the vegetable mixture aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, chopped onion, rolled oats, the second egg, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Spread half of the meat mixture in the bottom of an ungreased loaf pan.
- Layer the vegetable mixture evenly over the meat.
- Spread the remaining meat mixture on top of the vegetables.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the loaf cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the meat mixture. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the bread crumbs with ground almonds or gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also swap out the ground turkey for lean ground beef for a richer taste. Using a mix of fresh vegetables instead of canned can add a fresher flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat loaf sliced with a drizzle of ketchup on top for extra flavor. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad. For a comforting side, consider serving it alongside buttery corn or roasted vegetables. You could also enjoy it with a slice of the delicious Banana Pudding Layered Dessert for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to maintain the loaf's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Loaf With Vegetable Stuffing contains roughly 517 calories, with 17g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (109% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 695mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh vegetables! Just make sure to chop them finely and sauté them briefly to soften before mixing them into the loaf. This will enhance the flavors and give you a fresher taste.
How can I tell when the meat loaf is done?
The best way to check if the meat loaf is done is by using a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F in the center. If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear when you cut into it.
Can I freeze the meat loaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked meat loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the baking instructions as usual.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).