Mamas & Papas-
in an effort to get some veg into our picky boy, I just mixed the following together in the food processor. an onion, one bag of frozen broccoli, one box frozen squash, one pound sirloin, one cup of plain breadcrumbs, one tspn salt and pepper and two eggs. I've divided it into two bread pans (about 1/2 to 2/3 full), topped with a bit of ketchup, and am about to pop into the oven.
now for the questions-
can I cook this at 400 while I bake potatoes?
texture seemed right, but do you think there will be a lot of shrinkage because of all the wet ingredients?
daycare provided lunch, pre-school does not. I am trying hard to make things which my boy might actually eat, because what's the point of sending it if it comes back untouched, and I've got a grouch in the class all afternoon.
Thanks a bunch.
F. B.
They came out fine. but next time, either more meat, or less veg probably for the sake of masking the veg.
For those who asked, the taste was innocuous, the color was more of a creamy beige rather than a greyish brown the way you get with a standard meatloaf. Also, I would probably bake in one bread pan.
Thanks for those who had other tips on how to add sneaky vegetables.
F. B.
I usually put zuchinni in mine and it does get a little soft but tastes really good. Was the broccoli what made it a little strong tasting?
400 is too hot. You'll burn/dry the outside and not cook the inside.
375'F for about 40-45 minutes or until it's 160'F inside with a meat thermometer.
Glad it worked out. I slip veggies into food by pureeing them and then freezing the purees into cubes. Then I match the frozen vegetable to the food by color and my kids never know. For example, macaroni and cheese gets one or two cubes of frozen sweet potatoes or squash. Sloppy joes gets a cube of beets and a cube of kale (the sauce can usually mask darker colors).
I'd go for 350 and just expect the potatoes to take longer.
Also, try adding some brown beef gravy next time. Yummmmm. My daughter loves it. I make them in advance and freeze them.
Yes you can bake the meatloaf while you bake potatoes.
Next time, cook the veggies first in a skillet, it will come better. I use onion, celery, carrot, and spinach (frozen chopped). Also try baking without the loaf-pan, it will allow extra grease to escape.
Yum! I will be trying the same thing for my picky little guy. Thanks for sharing!
I put veggies in meatloaf or burgers all the time. Lower the temp and you should be fine.
Depending on the size of the potatoes, I'd worry that the potatoes wouldn't cook thoroughly (are they baked whole?). I make my "baked" potatoes in the microwave - easy peasy and turns out great every time. :) Also, you can add the seasoned breadcrumbs for a little extra zest/flavor. I love your idea of adding all the veggies! I will be trying this next time! :) Have you thought of thawing the frozen veggies then squeezing out extra fluid in a cloth bag or paper towels and then throwing them in the processor? This may help with the moisture problem you're worried about,... just a thought.
