Meatloaf

Meatloaf with Vegetables: a Simple and Delicious Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6-8

If you want to impress family or friends with a hearty and flavorful dish, meatloaf with vegetables is the perfect choice. It's a quick and easy recipe that combines the delicious flavors of meat with the crunchy texture of vegetables. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g ground meat (pork, beef, or a mix)
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 large onion
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 2 eggs
- 100 g breadcrumbs
- 100 ml milk
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 small zucchini, 2-3 green onions, or 100 g chopped mushrooms

Preparation:

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Peel and finely chop the carrots and onion. Add them to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly soft and fragrant. If desired, you can also add the diced zucchini or mushrooms for a richer flavor.

2. In the last 2 minutes of sautéing, add the minced garlic. This will give a special aroma to the dish. Mix well and let the ingredients cool slightly.

3. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, eggs, breadcrumbs, and milk. This mixture will make the meatloaf moister and tastier. Add the sautéed vegetables, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Make sure all the vegetables are evenly distributed in the meat. If you prefer a stronger taste, you can add herbs like thyme or chopped parsley.

5. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Pour the mixture into a loaf pan lined with baking paper or greased with oil. Smooth the surface with a spatula.

6. Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes or until it turns golden and easily pulls away from the edges of the pan. Check if it's done by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

7. Let the meatloaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a platter. You can serve this meatloaf warm or at room temperature, ideally alongside a fresh salad.

Serving suggestion: You can add a garlic yogurt sauce or a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Possible variations: Instead of pork or beef, experiment with chicken or turkey for a lighter option. You can also replace the breadcrumbs with oats for a gluten-free option.

Useful notes: If you want a meatloaf richer in protein, you can add feta cheese or grated cheese to the mixture. Make sure the vegetables you choose are fresh and in season for the best results.

This meatloaf with vegetables is not only a simple recipe but also an excellent choice for family meals or special occasions. Enjoy it with your loved ones and savor every bite!

 Ingredients: 1kg ground pork and beef, 200g breadcrumbs, 200g carrots, 1 medium onion, 2 cloves of garlic, thyme or other herbs to taste, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 3 eggs, 2 tablespoons of butter, salt, pepper.