Meat Loaf with Vegetables

Meat Loaf with Vegetables Recipe - Cabbage, Carrot, Onion, and Potatoes

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Meatloaf with vegetables is a classic comfort food dish that combines savory ground beef with nutritious vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meal. This recipe is a delicious twist on the traditional meatloaf, adding in shredded cabbage, carrots, and potatoes for added flavor and texture.

History

Meatloaf has been a popular dish in American cuisine for decades, with variations of the recipe dating back to the early 19th century. Originally made with leftover meat scraps and breadcrumbs, meatloaf has evolved over the years to include a wide range of ingredients, including vegetables, herbs, and spices.

Ingredients

4 cups packed finely shredded cabbage (about 1 lb or 454 g)
1 medium onion, finely chopped (0.5 cup)
1.5 tbsp corn oil
1 cup packed shredded carrot (2 medium)
1 clove garlic, minced (1 heaping tablespoon)
0.5 lb or 227 g ground round or lean ground beef
1 egg white
1 whole egg
0.33 cup bread crumbs, preferably whole wheat
1 tsp dried basil, crumbled
0.25 tsp oregano, crumbled
0.5 tsp fresh ground black pepper, to taste
0.25 cup water
2 tbsp vinegar
1 cup packed shredded potatoes (2 medium)

How to prepare

Sauté the cabbage and onion in the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring them often, for about 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue sautéing the vegetables for 5 to 10 minutes longer, or until the cabbage begins to turn golden.
Add the carrots and garlic to the skillet; sauté the vegetables for another 5 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the vegetables cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, combine the beef with the egg white and whole egg, bread crumbs, basil, oregano, black pepper, water, and vinegar.
Add the cooked vegetables and shredded potatoes to the beef mixture.
Mix all the ingredients well.
Shape the meat and vegetable mixture into a loaf about 8" long in a shallow baking pan.
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes.
Uncover the meatloaf and bake it for an additional 30 minutes.
Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing.

Variations

Add in diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Use ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef for a lighter version of this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely shred the cabbage and carrots to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the ground beef.

- Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the meat mixture helps to enhance their flavors and textures.

- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this meatloaf with vegetables with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the meat mixture helps to enhance their flavors and textures.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in this recipe for a lighter option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the meatloaf and arrange it on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This meatloaf with vegetables pairs well with a side salad and a glass of red wine.

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 this meatloaf with vegetables contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this meatloaf with vegetables contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this meatloaf with vegetables contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this meatloaf with vegetables contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This meatloaf with vegetables is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium from the cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and eggs.

Summary

This meatloaf with vegetables is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Meatloaf with vegetables is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. She was a wonderful cook, always whipping up delicious meals for our family. One day, as we were going through her old recipe box, she pulled out a tattered and stained card with the words "Meat Loaf with Vegetables" scrawled across the top.

"This is a recipe that has been passed down in our family for generations," she explained to me. "It's a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a Sunday dinner."

I watched intently as she gathered the ingredients and began to walk me through the steps of making the meat loaf. I was amazed at how simple it seemed, yet I could tell that there was a lot of love and care put into each step. As the meat loaf baked in the oven, the delicious aroma filled our kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the meat loaf was finally ready, my mother sliced into it and served me a generous portion. The first bite was pure bliss - the savory meat mixed with the tender vegetables created a symphony of flavors in my mouth. From that moment on, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made this meat loaf countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have added extra herbs and spices, experimented with different vegetables, and even tried using ground turkey instead of beef. But no matter how I change it up, the essence of the dish remains the same - a comforting and delicious meal that brings joy to all who taste it.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, I passed down this recipe to my children and grandchildren. I have taught them the importance of cooking with love and care, just as my mother taught me all those years ago. And every time we gather around the dinner table to enjoy a slice of meat loaf with vegetables, I am reminded of the bonds that tie us together as a family.

One of my fondest memories of making this recipe was when my granddaughter, Lily, asked me to teach her how to cook it. She had always shown an interest in cooking and I was delighted to pass on this family tradition to her. We spent an entire afternoon in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, mixing the meat, and shaping the loaf. As we worked together, I shared stories of my own childhood and the memories that this recipe held for me.

When the meat loaf was finally ready, we sat down to enjoy our meal together. Lily took a bite and her eyes lit up with delight. "This is amazing, Grandma!" she exclaimed. "I can't wait to make it for my friends."

I smiled proudly at her, knowing that the legacy of this recipe would continue to live on through future generations. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones and share a piece of myself with them. And as I watch my family enjoy this meat loaf with vegetables, I am filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude for the traditions that have been passed down through the years.

In a world that is constantly changing, it is comforting to know that some things will always remain the same. The simple joy of gathering around the dinner table with loved ones, sharing a delicious meal made with care and love, is a tradition that I will always hold dear to my heart. And every time I make this meat loaf with vegetables, I am reminded of the strong bonds that tie us together as a family, spanning generations and bridging the gap between past and present.