Confetti Meatloaf

Confetti Meatloaf Recipe with Ground Beef, Spinach, and Carrots

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Confetti Meatloaf is a colorful and flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf recipe. Packed with nutritious ingredients like spinach, carrots, and onions, this dish is not only delicious but also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your diet.

History

The origins of Confetti Meatloaf are unclear, but it is believed to have been created as a way to make traditional meatloaf more appealing to picky eaters. By adding colorful vegetables and a tangy tomato sauce, this dish became a family favorite in many households.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) lean ground beef
0.5 (13.5 oz (383 g)) can spinach, squeezed dry and chopped
2 carrots, grated
1 tbsp worcestershire sauce (optional)
1 egg, beaten (or 0.25 cup egg mix + 0.25 cup water, mixed)
0.5 cup vegetable or tomato juice
0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
0.25 cup fine dry breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
0.25 cup onion, finely chopped
black pepper, to taste

Sauce

0.25 cup vegetable or tomato juice
0.25 cup ketchup

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a 1 qt (946 ml) loaf pan.
Cover the pan with foil and bake for 50 – 55 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the meatloaf reads 160°F (71°C).
Remove the foil, drain any excess juice from the pan, and spread sauce on top of the meatloaf. Bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of the dish.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the taste of the meatloaf.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to squeeze the spinach dry before adding it to the meatloaf mixture to prevent excess moisture.

- Grate the carrots finely to ensure they cook through and blend well with the other ingredients.

- For a boost of flavor, add Worcestershire sauce to the meatloaf mixture.

- Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Confetti Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.

- Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard.

- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of crackers for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Confetti Meatloaf can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Simply cover the loaf pan with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the meatloaf and arrange it on a platter with fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes for a colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Confetti Meatloaf with a side salad and a glass of red wine for a delicious and well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Confetti Meatloaf contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Confetti Meatloaf contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Confetti Meatloaf contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Confetti Meatloaf contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Confetti Meatloaf is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium due to the inclusion of spinach, carrots, and tomato juice in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (parmesan cheese) and gluten (crackers) allergens.

Summary

Confetti Meatloaf is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Confetti Meatloaf is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf recipe. Packed with colorful vegetables and a tangy tomato sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a chilly fall afternoon and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a colorful, vibrant picture caught my eye - Confetti Meatloaf. The name alone intrigued me, and as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I knew I had to give it a try.

Growing up, meatloaf was a staple in our household. My mother would make it at least once a week, each time with a slightly different twist. But this Confetti Meatloaf was unlike anything I had ever seen before. It was filled with a rainbow of vegetables - bell peppers, carrots, onions, and even some corn. It was a far cry from the plain, bland meatloaf of my childhood, and I couldn't wait to recreate it in my own kitchen.

I set out to gather the ingredients, making a list and heading to the grocery store. The vibrant colors of the vegetables stood out against the dull grey of the meat counter, and I felt a surge of excitement as I picked out the freshest, most colorful produce I could find. Back at home, I started to chop and dice, the sharp knife slicing through the peppers and carrots with ease.

As I mixed the vegetables into the ground beef, I couldn't help but think back to my own childhood. My grandmother had been the one to teach my mother how to make meatloaf, passing down her own recipe and techniques. I remembered standing on a stool by her side, watching as she seasoned the meat and shaped it into a loaf. She always had a way of making even the simplest dishes seem special, and I hoped to do the same with this Confetti Meatloaf.

The kitchen was filled with the savory aroma of cooking meat and vegetables as the meatloaf baked in the oven. I couldn't help but peek through the oven door, watching as the colors of the vegetables melded together with the rich, browned beef. When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into it.

The first bite was a revelation. The meatloaf was tender and juicy, with bursts of flavor from the vegetables. The bell peppers added a hint of sweetness, while the carrots provided a subtle crunch. It was unlike any meatloaf I had ever tasted, and I knew that this recipe would become a new favorite in my household.

I shared the Confetti Meatloaf with my family that night, watching as their faces lit up with each bite. My husband declared it the best meatloaf he had ever tasted, and even my picky eater of a son asked for seconds. As I sat at the table, surrounded by my loved ones, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction.

In the days and weeks that followed, I made the Confetti Meatloaf again and again, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. Each time, it brought back memories of my grandmother and the joy she had brought to our family through her cooking. I knew that she would have loved this colorful, flavorful dish, and I felt her presence in my kitchen as I prepared it.

As the years passed, my own children grew up and moved away, but the Confetti Meatloaf remained a constant in my kitchen. It became a tradition, a dish that I would make whenever I wanted to feel close to my family, even when they were miles away. And every time I made it, I would think back to that chilly fall afternoon when I first discovered the recipe, and how it had brought me so much joy and connection to my past.

So now, as I pass this recipe down to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that it brings you as much happiness and warmth as it has brought me. May you always find joy in the simple act of cooking, and may this Confetti Meatloaf remind you of the love and memories that have been passed down through our family for generations. Enjoy, and remember that the best recipes are the ones filled with love and tradition.