Hearty Harvest Meat Loaf

Hearty Harvest Meat Loaf Recipe from USA with Olive Oil, Turkey, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 50-60 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hearty Harvest Meat Loaf is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Packed with flavorful ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, this meat loaf is sure to become a favorite in your household.

History

The origins of meat loaf can be traced back to ancient Rome, where a dish called "minutal" was made with minced meat and various other ingredients. Over the centuries, meat loaf has evolved into a popular comfort food in many cultures, with each region adding its own unique twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
0.75 lb (340 g) ground turkey breast meat
3 cups cooked rice
3.5 cups oil-packed chopped sun-dried tomatoes
2 eggs, beaten
0.25 cup ketchup
1 tbsp italian seasoning
0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
0.25 tsp poultry seasoning

How to prepare

Heat oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes or until the onion is tender.
Remove from heat.
Combine turkey, rice, sun-dried tomatoes, eggs, ketchup, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and poultry seasoning in a large bowl.
Mix until well blended, using hands if necessary.
Press the mixture into a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 50 to 60 minutes.
Unmold onto a serving platter, slice into 6 slices, and serve.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or chicken for the turkey.
Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Top the meat loaf with a glaze made of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard before baking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the onions and garlic until they are tender to bring out their full flavor.

- Mixing the ingredients by hand ensures that everything is well blended and results in a moist and tender meat loaf.

- Let the meat loaf rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hearty Harvest Meat Loaf with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the meat loaf in a loaf pan ensures that it cooks evenly and retains its shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meat loaf mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the meat loaf with fresh parsley or basil leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Hearty Harvest Meat Loaf pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hearty Harvest Meat Loaf contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hearty Harvest Meat Loaf contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hearty Harvest Meat Loaf contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Hearty Harvest Meat Loaf contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hearty Harvest Meat Loaf is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat.

Summary

Hearty Harvest Meat Loaf is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hearty Harvest Meat Loaf is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Packed with protein and essential nutrients, this meat loaf is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my dear friend Martha. The pages were worn and stained, a testament to the countless meals that had been prepared using its recipes. As I turned the pages, a particular recipe caught my eye - Hearty Harvest Meat Loaf.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the ingredients sounded intriguing - ground beef, oats, apples, and a variety of spices. It was a unique combination that promised a delicious and satisfying meal. I knew right then and there that I had to make it.

I asked Martha about the recipe, and she told me that it had been passed down to her from her grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago. The story behind the recipe only added to my excitement, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in the kitchen. The smell of the meatloaf baking in the oven filled the house with a warm and comforting aroma. As I waited for it to cook, I reminisced about all the recipes I had learned over the years - from my own grandmother, from friends, from cookbooks, and from trial and error.

Cooking had always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and show love to those around me. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, a memory of the person or place where I had learned it. And now, Hearty Harvest Meat Loaf would join the ranks of those cherished recipes.

When the meatloaf was finally done, I took it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. The aroma was irresistible, and I couldn't wait to taste it. I sliced into the loaf and took a bite - the flavors exploded in my mouth, a perfect blend of savory and sweet, with a hint of spice. It was even better than I had imagined.

I shared the meatloaf with my family that evening, and they all raved about how delicious it was. They asked me where I had learned the recipe, and I told them the story of Martha and her grandmother's friend. It was a recipe that had traveled through time and brought joy to so many people along the way.

From that day on, Hearty Harvest Meat Loaf became a staple in our household. I made it for special occasions, for family dinners, and for unexpected guests. Each time I prepared it, I thought of the journey that recipe had taken to reach my kitchen, and I felt a deep connection to all the people who had made it before me.

As the years went by, I continued to cook and bake, always seeking out new recipes and techniques to add to my repertoire. But Hearty Harvest Meat Loaf remained a favorite, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Now, as I pass the recipe on to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will take it into your own kitchen and make it your own. Add your own twist, share it with your loved ones, and create your own memories around the table. Cooking is a gift that keeps on giving, and I am grateful to have shared this recipe with you.

May it bring you as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me over the years. And remember, the secret ingredient in any recipe is love - so cook with your heart, and the results will always be delicious. Enjoy!