I haven't experimented with a "surprise" recipe in a long time. This was a "I need to clean out my fridge and I don't want to go to the store again this week" type of dinner. So, what does a person (me) do with a ton of leftover taco night food? Why, make a meatloaf of course! It was pretty awesome, if I do say so myself.
Jen's Mexiloaf Surprise
Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup of leftover, seasoned taco meat (I threw this in just because I wanted to use it.)
1 cup of Mexican rice
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 eggs beaten
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup of whole wheat bread crumbs
1/2 cup salsa of your choice, plus additional for topping
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large skillet, saute onions and peppers over high heat until soft and starting to get browned (like you would want in fajitas.) Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Transfer mixture to a large bowl. In the same large bowl, mix all of the other ingredients with the exception of 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly. Form ingredients into a loaf shape (I actually use a non-stick loaf pan, but you could use a lined sheet pan to make a free-formed loaf, as well.) Spread additional salsa on top and bake for 45 minutes-1 hour, uncovered. Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Cut into slices and top each portion with a sprinkle of the remaining cheddar cheese.
The Result:
This turned out to be fantastic! When I started cooking, I was not sure where I was going with this dinner, but I'm happy to say it ended up being pretty darn great. I served a small salad and leftover refried beans as side dishes, which complemented my meatloaf perfectly. Yum! This "surprise" is a keeper.
Showing posts with label meatloaf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label meatloaf. Show all posts
October 5, 2011
July 22, 2009
Jen's Italian Meatloaf, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Broccoli
It was the husband's birthday yesterday, so I decided to make him a dinner that he really enjoyed. This Italian meatloaf was a hit the first time around, so I thought I would make it again. I had to skip a couple ingredients, since I did not realize I was short-handed until I started cooking. The version I made last night did not incorporate green peppers or sun dried tomatoes. I must say, it was still good, but the original recipe was much better (in my humble opinion). The husband still really liked his birthday dinner, so it was really not a huge issue. Next time, I will just make sure I have everything on hand before I start cooking! I made steamed broccoli and garlic mashed potatoes to go with our meatloaf. Then, after dinner we went to my In Law's for birthday dessert. All in all, I think the hubs enjoyed his special day.
Jen's Italian Meatloaf
This is such a homey and comforting dinner! I love meatloaf!!!
Jen's Italian Meatloaf
This is such a homey and comforting dinner! I love meatloaf!!!
March 17, 2009
Jen's Italian Meatloaf Surprise
I haven't made one of my "surprise" recipes in quite awhile! For those of you just tuning in, let me explain what a "surprise" dish encompasses. You see, I lead a rich fantasy life. Sometimes, I like to play mad scientist in my kitchen. I like to forage in my pantry and freezer and find items that need to be used and/or look interesting. Usually, I am inspired and I can concoct a dinner idea around whatever I find. There is no actual recipe, and I am not sure how it is going to turn out. I have a rough idea of what I want, but I never know how I am going to get there. The fun of a "surprise" recipe is not fully knowing where it is going, even as you start cooking. It is all just beakers, and Bunsen Burners, and smoking vials of formula in my kitchen, until POOF...dinner. Can you hear that???? I am even working on my evil, ghoulish, mad scientist-type laugh....MOOO-WHOOOO HA! HA! HA!
Tonight is such a night where I feel like experimenting on my family. I originally had a salmon recipe slotted for our evening meal, but for some reason, I just don't feel like making it. I switched around my menu plan and went to check out what I have on hand. I settled on a meatloaf of sorts; I thought that Italian meatloaf sounded good. I have a couple standard meatloaf versions that I make regularly, but I wanted something a little different. I actually want this dish to taste more like my stuffed peppers than my regular meatloaf. I am also going to make some roasted potatoes, and roasted asparagus to go with my masterpiece. I will give you a rough blueprint of what I am doing, but I will probably re-write the recipe after dinner (i.e. write down what I actually end up doing). I will make sure to post a review and photo to let you know how it all goes down, too. Wish me luck! MOOO-WHOOOO HA! HA! HA!
Jen's Italian Meatloaf Surprise
Ingredients:
Sauce:
1/2 onion, diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 green pepper, diced
5 sun dried tomatoes, drained and minced
1 small can of plain tomato sauce (no salt added)
1-2 Tablespoons of tomato paste
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. of dried or fresh basil
1 small can of water (just use tomato sauce can)
2 Tablespoons of canola oil
Meat mixture:
1 egg
seasoned bread crumbs, Italian-style
1/2 cup of instant white rice
salt and pepper to taste
dried Italian Seasoning to taste (if needed)
dried oregano to taste (if needed)
1 lb. of ground beef
1/3 cup of Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
1 15 oz. can of drained diced tomatoes (no salt added) for topping
Directions:
Saute onions and green peppers in a skillet with canola oil over medium heat. Add garlic and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes,sun dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add small can of tomato sauce and water. Simmer until water evaporates. Turn off heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Mix all other ingredients (excluding marinara sauce that you just made and can of diced tomatoes)into a large bowl. Using a large spoon, combine 1-2 heaping spoonfuls of marinara sauce into the meat mixture. If meat mixture is too 'wet',add additional bread crumbs or rice as needed. Season mixture with additional spices, salt and pepper if needed.
Form into a loaf shape on a sheet pan. Pour and cover loaf with marinara sauce. Then add whole can of drained diced tomatoes on top of marinara sauce. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 1/2 hour. Uncover and cook for an additional 1/2 hour.
Jen's Notes:
All quantities are approximate. The roasted potatoes and asparagus will be roasted on a sheet pan in the oven along with the meatloaf. I think I will cook the potatoes and asparagus with some salt, pepper, and olive oil; then roast for the last 1/2 hour of cooking at the same temp as the meatloaf. If they need additional crisping, I will turn probably take the meatloaf out to rest and crank up the oven temp (or broil) for 10-15 minutes to finish the job. After they come out, I will sprinkle it all with some Pecorino Romano cheese and call it good!
The Result:
I am really pleased with how this turned out! This was freakin' awesome. The husband said that this was his new, favorite meatloaf. It was exactly what I wanted...I love it when that happens. I need to start cooking more "off the cuff", because I certainly enjoy it more than following a set recipe. It is just more relaxing. I love being creative and responding to the food as it cooks. I think you can taste the difference, sometimes. That is what home cookin' is all about! I loved this whole meal, so we will certainly put it into rotation. I love it when a surprise dish becomes a family favorite! This is a keeper, for sure.
Tonight is such a night where I feel like experimenting on my family. I originally had a salmon recipe slotted for our evening meal, but for some reason, I just don't feel like making it. I switched around my menu plan and went to check out what I have on hand. I settled on a meatloaf of sorts; I thought that Italian meatloaf sounded good. I have a couple standard meatloaf versions that I make regularly, but I wanted something a little different. I actually want this dish to taste more like my stuffed peppers than my regular meatloaf. I am also going to make some roasted potatoes, and roasted asparagus to go with my masterpiece. I will give you a rough blueprint of what I am doing, but I will probably re-write the recipe after dinner (i.e. write down what I actually end up doing). I will make sure to post a review and photo to let you know how it all goes down, too. Wish me luck! MOOO-WHOOOO HA! HA! HA!
Jen's Italian Meatloaf Surprise
Ingredients:
Sauce:
1/2 onion, diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 green pepper, diced
5 sun dried tomatoes, drained and minced
1 small can of plain tomato sauce (no salt added)
1-2 Tablespoons of tomato paste
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. of dried or fresh basil
1 small can of water (just use tomato sauce can)
2 Tablespoons of canola oil
Meat mixture:
1 egg
seasoned bread crumbs, Italian-style
1/2 cup of instant white rice
salt and pepper to taste
dried Italian Seasoning to taste (if needed)
dried oregano to taste (if needed)
1 lb. of ground beef
1/3 cup of Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
1 15 oz. can of drained diced tomatoes (no salt added) for topping
Directions:
Saute onions and green peppers in a skillet with canola oil over medium heat. Add garlic and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes,sun dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add small can of tomato sauce and water. Simmer until water evaporates. Turn off heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Mix all other ingredients (excluding marinara sauce that you just made and can of diced tomatoes)into a large bowl. Using a large spoon, combine 1-2 heaping spoonfuls of marinara sauce into the meat mixture. If meat mixture is too 'wet',add additional bread crumbs or rice as needed. Season mixture with additional spices, salt and pepper if needed.
Form into a loaf shape on a sheet pan. Pour and cover loaf with marinara sauce. Then add whole can of drained diced tomatoes on top of marinara sauce. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 1/2 hour. Uncover and cook for an additional 1/2 hour.
Jen's Notes:
All quantities are approximate. The roasted potatoes and asparagus will be roasted on a sheet pan in the oven along with the meatloaf. I think I will cook the potatoes and asparagus with some salt, pepper, and olive oil; then roast for the last 1/2 hour of cooking at the same temp as the meatloaf. If they need additional crisping, I will turn probably take the meatloaf out to rest and crank up the oven temp (or broil) for 10-15 minutes to finish the job. After they come out, I will sprinkle it all with some Pecorino Romano cheese and call it good!
The Result:
I am really pleased with how this turned out! This was freakin' awesome. The husband said that this was his new, favorite meatloaf. It was exactly what I wanted...I love it when that happens. I need to start cooking more "off the cuff", because I certainly enjoy it more than following a set recipe. It is just more relaxing. I love being creative and responding to the food as it cooks. I think you can taste the difference, sometimes. That is what home cookin' is all about! I loved this whole meal, so we will certainly put it into rotation. I love it when a surprise dish becomes a family favorite! This is a keeper, for sure.
October 15, 2008
Jen's Traditional Meatloaf, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans
I stalled on what to make for dinner tonight until about 5pm. I had thawed some ground beef out, but I was not sure what I was in the mood to make...so I procrastinated. And procrastinated... Well, the husband got home from work and we were toying between cooking something with the ground beef, or going out to dinner (which we seldom do). My cheapskate self won out, and I opted to cook. I just can't justify spending our money at a mediocre restaurant that serves mediocre food, and has mediocre service, at best.
I quickly threw together my classic meatloaf recipe that I have been making ever since I learned how to cook. This was another dish that I experimented with until I got it just right. I have made it so often, I can literally throw it together in 10 minutes. I should mention that all measurements are estimated. Like so many of my concoctions, this is the first time I am writing this dish down and I am guessing at all my quantities.
I am serving my Garlic Mashed Potatoes and steamed green beans on the side. It smells really good and I cannot wait to eat. I think meatloaf was a good choice!
Jen's Traditional Meatloaf
Ingredients:
1 pound of ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tablespoon of Heinz 57
1 Tablespoon of ketchup
1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup of Italian breadcrumbs (add more depending on consistency of mixture)
1 raw egg
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
cooking spray
Directions:
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients by using your clean hands (it tastes better if you mush and mix it with your hands). Coat cookie sheet with cooking spray. Form meat mixture into loaf shape onto cookie sheet, moulding top to be flat. Pour 1/4 cup of ketchup and 1/4 cup of Heinz 57 sauce into a small bowl and mix. Spread ketchup mix on the top of your meatloaf by smoothing on all sides with back of a spoon. Bake for 30 minutes uncovered at 375 degrees. After time is up, take out of oven and drain any excess grease. Then cover meatloaf with foil coated with cooking spray, and put back into over for an additional 15 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
Jen's Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
6 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
6 cloves of garlic, minced and smashed into a paste with olive oil, salt
2 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup of milk
1/4 cup of chicken stock
1/2 cup of sour cream
1/4 cup of creme fraiche or plain yogurt (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Drop potato pieces in pot of cold, salted water and bring to a boil. Cook potatoes until fork tender. Drain water and place potatoes in large bowl, set aside. Mince garlic and add a big pinch of salt and approximately 1 Tbsp of olive oil directly on cutting board. Mash and scrape garlic repeatedly with the flat side of a large chef knife (not blade) until garlic paste is formed. Combine garlic mixture in bowl with potatoes. Add all other ingredients. Using a potato masher, break up any large potato pieces by smashing in bowl. Once all large pieces are broken down, whip potatoes using an electric mixer. Potatoes should not be completely smooth, but should not have large lumps either. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Serve warm.
Jen's Notes:
These potatoes will be more on the rustic side (i.e. a little lumpy), and not completely creamy/smooth. It is important that you do not over-beat them or they will turn glue-like. They should have a soft texture and mouth feel, but not sticky.
The Result:
I am really not going to offer much of a review, since the photo conveys how yummy this meal really was to eat. I am going to say that this remains one of my favorite dinners...simple, classic, and delicious.
I quickly threw together my classic meatloaf recipe that I have been making ever since I learned how to cook. This was another dish that I experimented with until I got it just right. I have made it so often, I can literally throw it together in 10 minutes. I should mention that all measurements are estimated. Like so many of my concoctions, this is the first time I am writing this dish down and I am guessing at all my quantities.
I am serving my Garlic Mashed Potatoes and steamed green beans on the side. It smells really good and I cannot wait to eat. I think meatloaf was a good choice!
Jen's Traditional Meatloaf
Ingredients:
1 pound of ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tablespoon of Heinz 57
1 Tablespoon of ketchup
1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup of Italian breadcrumbs (add more depending on consistency of mixture)
1 raw egg
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
cooking spray
Directions:
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients by using your clean hands (it tastes better if you mush and mix it with your hands). Coat cookie sheet with cooking spray. Form meat mixture into loaf shape onto cookie sheet, moulding top to be flat. Pour 1/4 cup of ketchup and 1/4 cup of Heinz 57 sauce into a small bowl and mix. Spread ketchup mix on the top of your meatloaf by smoothing on all sides with back of a spoon. Bake for 30 minutes uncovered at 375 degrees. After time is up, take out of oven and drain any excess grease. Then cover meatloaf with foil coated with cooking spray, and put back into over for an additional 15 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
Jen's Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
6 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
6 cloves of garlic, minced and smashed into a paste with olive oil, salt
2 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup of milk
1/4 cup of chicken stock
1/2 cup of sour cream
1/4 cup of creme fraiche or plain yogurt (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Drop potato pieces in pot of cold, salted water and bring to a boil. Cook potatoes until fork tender. Drain water and place potatoes in large bowl, set aside. Mince garlic and add a big pinch of salt and approximately 1 Tbsp of olive oil directly on cutting board. Mash and scrape garlic repeatedly with the flat side of a large chef knife (not blade) until garlic paste is formed. Combine garlic mixture in bowl with potatoes. Add all other ingredients. Using a potato masher, break up any large potato pieces by smashing in bowl. Once all large pieces are broken down, whip potatoes using an electric mixer. Potatoes should not be completely smooth, but should not have large lumps either. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Serve warm.
Jen's Notes:
These potatoes will be more on the rustic side (i.e. a little lumpy), and not completely creamy/smooth. It is important that you do not over-beat them or they will turn glue-like. They should have a soft texture and mouth feel, but not sticky.
The Result:
I am really not going to offer much of a review, since the photo conveys how yummy this meal really was to eat. I am going to say that this remains one of my favorite dinners...simple, classic, and delicious.
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