Admit it tough guy, you miss your mommy. I know that I sure do. One thing that always makes me think about my mommy was the killer meatloaf she would have waiting for me some Monday nights after soccer practice. This huge, hunky piece of meat that fills you up, tastes delicious and makes the whole house smell good. Well, I can’t transport your mom to your kitchen to cook for you, but I can give you the next best thing - a simple recipe that will give you that home-cooked goodness, but still help you “meat” your fitness goals. It’s your Mommy’s Meatloaf.
I’d like to highlight some important changes that make this meatloaf a lot cleaner (but not less tasty) than the meatloaf that you are used to eating. Instead of the same fatty hamburger big momma used to use, we are using ground turkey--the “other other white meat”. Turkey, like chicken, is a great source of protein. Six ounces of meat carry a significant 36 grams of protein with only 6 grams of fat (almost none of it saturated). Along with the protein you get ample amounts of potassium, phosphorus, folate, and most importantly cancer-fighting selenium. Instead of bread crumbs, this meatloaf uses rolled oats and some extra veggies to hold it together and give it substance. Celery, while a decent source of fiber (but not really much else), has been replaced by bell pepper (a great source of fiber) vitamins C and K, beta carotene and other cancer fighting carotenoids. Another addition is red onion, a member of the cancer fighting allium family, which a great source of the anti-inflammatory flavonoid quercetin. You might also notice that plain tomato sauce takes the place of your typical high sugar ketchup or BBQ sauce or other nasty condiment. You won’t notice the difference in taste, but you will probably notice the difference in how clean your body still feels after this satisfying meal.
Mommy’s Meatloaf
1 lb Ground Turkey
½ cup quick oats
½ red onion, chopped
½ green bell pepper, diced
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg, whisked
2 tbsp Honey Mustard
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp pepper
½ tsp turmeric
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Combine everything but the tomato sauce in a mixing bowl. Go ahead and dive in with your bare hands to ensure that the mixture is combined thoroughly. Non-stick spray an 8 x 8 baking pan and fold the turkey mixture into the pan, flattening so it is uniform with no gaps on the sides. Pour the tomato sauce over the top, cover the pan with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes until cooked through. You will know it is completely cooked when you can stick a fork or toothpick into the meat and remove it cleanly. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool, then cut into squares or wedges. Serve it with your favorite salad, some roasted veggies or potatoes for one of the best home-cooked meals you’ve had in a while.
Now go call your mother, you slacker!