Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Meaty Meatloaf with Veggies

3 lbs. Extra Lean Ground Beef(93/7)
1 lb. Italian Style Sausage
2 Eggs
1 15oz. can pumpkin puree(sneaky)
1 bag seasoned stuffing cubes, processed fine in food processor(about 2 cups ground)
2 Tbl. roasted garlic, finely minced
1 large sweet onion, finely diced
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
sugar
kosher salt
fresh ground pepper

Add about 2 Tbl. olive oil to non-stick spray pan and heat to medium.  Add onions, lower heat, and saute until almost translucent, be careful not to let onions burn or they will become bitter.  Add a pinch of salt, about 2 Tbl. each of balsamic vinegar and sugar.  Simmer until liquid is reduced to at least half.  Add fresh ground pepper and mix well.  Remove from heat and allow to cool to luke warm.

In a large mixer bowl(I use my Kitchenaid because I don't like to touch raw meat) add ground beef, ground sausage, ground stuffing, pumpkin, eggs, garlic, and onions when cool enough(you don't want to add them so hot they will scramble the eggs.  Add about 1 Tbl. of kosher salt and more ground pepper to taste.  Heat oven to 375'.  Use a LARGE roasting pan(I buy the biggest I can find at the dollar tree, turkey size, with a large lip).  Divide meat into two loaves and shape side by side in pan.

Veggies
1 lb. bag baby carrots
5 red potatoes
5 russet potatoes

Scrub and rinse veggies very well.  In a large bowl throw in baby carrots.  Cut potatoes lengthwise and then in wedges approx. 1/4-1/2 inch thick.  You want them similar is size to the carrots so they'll all cook evenly.  Add potatoes to bowl.  Drizzle with approx. 2 Tbl. olive oil and your favorite seasoning, like Pappy's, Lawry's, etc....  Mix well with hands and surround meat loaf with veggies.  Cook on large cookie sheet, uncovered, for 60-90 minutes.  Check it after 45 minutes and cover the veggies if needed so as not to burn.  Internal temp. of meat loaves need to reach 180'.  Cover with foil and let rest 10-15 minutes before serving.

The pumpkin is a sneaky way of getting in even more veggies.  You won't notice or even taste it.  Pumpkin is very moist.  A lot of recipes call for milk but I don't do dairy and it works as a perfect replacement.

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