Vegetable Meatloaf with Balsamic Glaze

Unfortunately, I didn't get a very good picture of the plate. :(

This is perfect for meatloaf lovers and non-meatloaf lovers alike. The balsamic glaze just totally makes it. It is extremely simple to make, but there is some time involved in chopping up veggies and herbs, totally well worth it though.


I found this recipe browsing on the Food Network as I tend to do quite often and figured why not try it and see if I can actually make a meatloaf that I like. Be warned that this is a healthy recipe and made with ground turkey. I am sure that you could substitute for ground beef if you wanted to, but really, why would you? It tastes great how it is. I did not use zucchini as the recipe suggests since nobody else in the house liked zucchini, but I'm sure it would taste great with it as well. 

Vegetable Meatloaf with Balsamic Glaze

Roasted Asparagus, Onion-Roasted Potatoes, Parmesan Crusted Green Beans

Dinner Rolls

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, finely diced
• 5 cloves garlic, smashed to a paste with coarse salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (90 percent lean)
• 1 cup panko (coarse Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
2. Saute diced bell peppers, smashed garlic and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes with EVOO until soft, about 5 minutes. 
3. Combine ground turkey, egg, chopped herbs, panko breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of the ketchup and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
4. Add cooled veggies and mix together thoroughly. 
5. Transfer to loaf pan and form into loaf.
6. Mix together 1/4 cup each of ketchup and balsamic vinegar with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
7. Brush mixture onto meatloaf and cook in oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.

The sides are extremely simple to make and can even be cooked while your meatloaf is in the oven.

1. Cut potatoes into chunks and mix with one packet of Lipton Onion Soup Mix. Bake for 35 minutes. Once these finish you can start on your asparagus and green beans.
2. Roast asparagus drizzled with EVOO and sprinkled with salt and pepper for 20-25 minutes in oven at 425 degrees on a baking sheet or large casserole dish. Also add a little butter ontop for a yummy flavor.
3. Combine 2 cans rinsed green beans with grated parmesan cheese and some panko breadcrumbs. Put in oven with meatloaf and asparagus for around 10 minutes.
4. Once asparagus and green beans have finished cooking, put store bought dinner rolls on a baking sheet and put in oven for 5-7 minutes.
5. Once the rolls are finished, your meatloaf should be done and ready to cut after resting for about 10 minutes. 

And the last step of course is to fix you up a plate and enjoy!