Vegetarians look away. If meat loaf grosses you out, look away. If you aren’t head over heels in love with meat loaf, look away.
I’m hoping I have some of you still looking. I get why people don’t like meat loaf. I mean, pretty much anything with the word LOAF in it that isn’t related to bread is a bit freaky. But in our attempts to get Elle to eat, we’ve triiiiied so many dishes. She actually really likes meat loaf. Like most toddlers, she runs from vegetables and like all overprotective parents, we try to find ways to incorporate vegetables in dishes that she already likes. I’m learning that the key with these crazy kids is to just psyche them out. With everything! Very deceiving, I know, but honestly…I never once said I know what I’m doing in this child raising thing.
I’m pretty much getting by with the hairs on my chinny chin chin.
And so our version of veggie meatloaf was born. Take your recipe and add the following…
[yumprint-recipe id=’2′]Wouldn’t you know? This girl can’t get enough of it. “Ma-moor!” she shouts as she gobbles her third helping. This is a big deal in Toddler Land because these kids can be so incredibly picky. Even towards things they’ve liked in the past. I stopped trying to make sense of it all and just go with the flow.
You should also know that this meat load is incredibly moist. Thanks to the vegetables, you won’t get that I’m eating a brick feeling as you munch on it.
Also, please note that the plate that you see was shared between Esposo and myself. Although, he ate the carrots because I can really only deal with carrots if they’re roasted or tossed in a pan with buttah and brown sugar. Just sayin’…
I love this version of meat loaf so much that I’m trying to think of other vegetables that I can put in it. Eggplant? My beloved kale? Collard greens? Okay, that’s doing the most but you can’t blame me for trying. This girl will love veggies!
Hopefully.
Soon.
Do you like meat loaf? Got any special ingredients that you like to toss in yours?
I am a big fan of hiding veggies in things, too. I throw them in anywhere I can!
I’ve been lucky in that son will eat his veggies. But i’ve been known to sneak a few extra in for hubby who won’t eat them.
Cauliflower would probably work really well as it makes a great substitute for higher carb sides like rice and potatoes because it will break down easily and blend with other ingredients and it takes on the flavor of whatever it’s mixed into.
Great tip. Thanks! I LOVE cauliflower. Unfortunately, I’m the only one in my house who does. 🙁
If they can’t tell it’s in there… 😉
This was going to be my tip as well. Cauliflower in rice and mashed potatoes! Also my mom used to sneak some carrots into her sauce for spaghetti and meatballs.
I think this is a great idea. I’m not a huge meat lover…so the idea of eating (and serving) literally a Loaf of Meat…doesn’t appeal to me. Adding some healthy, nutrient rich veggies sounds like a plan!
We do meatballs and I put onions and green peppers inside. No trickery there, but the flavor’s on fleek! I try to sneak carrots in the chili, hubby hates it, so I gotta puree it, lol.
I love this idea! Our entire family enjoys meatloaf, so I think we’ll definitely try this new recipe next time. Thanks for the great suggestion.
This is EXACTLY how my mother got me to eat more vegetables! She hid them in EVERYTHING. Pasta sauce, meatloaf, smoothies everything had hidden veggies XD
This is a good recipe for sure. I love hiding veggies in my meals.
GREAT way to get in some extra veggies- I know my 3 year old PICKY when it comes to veggies!!
I am pretty good about hiding veggies in other recipes. Just tonight I sauted some mushrooms in our stuffed peppers recipe.
Ohhh man, this is GENIUS. So smart. And avoids many dinner table battles. Definitely going to try this meatloaf next time!
This would be perfect for us. I love my veggies and the boyfriend is a meat eater!
I love meat loaf. When I went away to college one of the first meals I asked my mom to make was meat loaf.
Im going to try your recipe! Looks delicious!
My aunt used to put mac and cheese in her meatloaf. That was not good. But this? THIS looks GREAT.
I was never a big fan of meatloaf but this looks delicious and I love when you can hide healthy veggies in something!
What a smart idea. I would never have thought of adding those veggies. I normally add peppers and tomatoes 🙂
I have just started doing this! Love it
I love this idea. I tend to not use too much veggies when I cook but my toddler loves them.
I love that spinach in there. I wonder if my hubby would eat it… can’t hurt to try!
That is a fabulous idea. Such a tasty meal.
Oh yum! I love meat loaf, especially with ketchup! This looks hearty and healthy!
Great idea on how to get veggies into the kids diets. They love meatloaf so this would work great with the grandkids
I need to make this for my hubs! He’s such a meatloaf dude!
Its a great Recipe … but it could be a bit more moist.. great alternative
I have been looking for a great veggie packed meat loaf recipe. thanks for sharing!
What a great alternative to the traditional meatloaf.
This looks like a delicious meal! I am loving this idea. YUM!
I have been trying to include veggies more into my meals. I will be trying this!
I’ve never been a meatloaf type of girl but this look yummy…..