Turkey Meatloaf

This is another great make ahead meal.  In fact I made it around 2:00 and put it in the fridge so I could pull it out right after piano lessons.  Another thing I love about this recipe is that it makes a huge meatloaf!  Before baking, I usually split it in two and freeze one for a meal at a later date. 

What you will need: 1 red bell pepper, 1 carrot, 1 onion, 1 garlic clove, olive oil, 2 lbs ground turkey, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 2 eggs, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp ketchup, 8 strips bacon



Veggie mixture in the food processor

 If not making ahead of time, preheat the oven to 375.  Place the red pepper, carrot, onion, garlic all coarsely chopped into the food processor and pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.  I also threw in a few extra mushrooms that were in the fridge and some radishes just because I had them on hand.  A great thing about this meatloaf is you can 'hide' vegetables in it!

Heat your olive oil in a skillet and add the veggies. Saute until tender.  Meanwhile in a large bowl add everything else, except the bacon.  Once the veggies are done, put them in the bowl too.  Mix this all together really well.  The best way, I find, to do this is to use a potato masher.  If you have plastic gloves on hand, slip them on and use your hands.

Place the meat mixture on a 9x13 baking dish and use your hands or a spatula to shape it into a loaf.  Cover the loaf with the bacon strips. Bake uncovered for an hour.  You may want to drain off excess fat during the baking time and afterward as well.

For sides tonight I think I'll do mashed potatoes and spinach.  I had never had spinach before I met my husband. I led a sheltered life when it came to food.  Now I always have it in the house. I buy it fresh and stick it in everything.  Tonight I will put it in a pan and add some chicken broth (may 1/4 cup) salt and pepper.  Throw the whole bag of spinach in and cover.  Cook until wilted. That's it!  And it is delicious.