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Comforting Meatloaf Recipe with Hidden Vegetables Kids Will Love Easily

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A cozy and flavorful meatloaf recipe that sneaks in shredded vegetables like zucchini and carrots, making it a kid-friendly comfort food perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup finely shredded carrots
  • 1 cup finely shredded zucchini
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup (90 g) plain or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk (whole, 2%, or dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) ketchup (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs (Italian seasoning or dried oregano, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Finely shred the carrots and zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Place shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid sogginess.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg with the milk, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the ketchup to create a flavorful base.
  4. Stir in the shredded carrots, zucchini, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Mix gently to combine.
  5. Add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and dried herbs (if using). Gently mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  7. Spread the remaining ketchup evenly over the meatloaf’s surface with a basting brush or the back of a spoon.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the top is nicely browned and slightly sticky.
  9. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Squeeze out excess moisture from zucchini to avoid soggy meatloaf. Mix ingredients gently to prevent a tough texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Tent with foil if browning too quickly. Mini meatloaf muffins can be baked in 25-30 minutes for faster cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatloaf, hidden vegetables, kid-friendly, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef, zucchini, carrots, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/comforting-meatloaf-recipe-with-hidden-vegetables-kids-will-love-easily/