:: Turkey Meatloaf with Spinach & Mozzarella ::
Looking for a healthy, easy weeknight meal? Look no further! This has been a family favorite for many years! One of my dear friends gave me this recipe when my oldest son was a toddler. We’ve been eating it ever since! This isn’t your traditional meatloaf. It’s healthier with the use of ground turkey instead of ground beef. A layer of fresh spinach topped with shredded mozzarella {optional} is rolled up inside, keeping this dish flavorful and moist! This is one of those great meals that you can prepare earlier in the day and throw into the fridge until you are ready to cook. Also… there really is no need to measure. It just takes a pinch of this and a pinch of that to add flavor! 
Coarsely chop the fresh spinach before layering it onto the prepared meat mixture.
After adding the spinach & mozzarella, use the aluminum foil to help you roll the meatloaf.
Transfer carefully into a baking dish and top with ketchup just prior to cooking. If the mixture does not roll well… don’t worry. You can return the meat mixture to the mixing bowl and combine all the ingredients {spinach & mozzarella included} and form into a loaf. It will taste the same… {in fact, this is a good way to disguise the spinach in the loaf if your kids are resistant to green vegetables}!
- 1 1/2 pounds of ground turkey {use ground beef, if desired}
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup {with an additional 1/4 cup used to top the loaf}
- 1 to 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs {store bought or homemade}
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sage leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- a dash of salt, pepper
- 3/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped {if you use frozen, make sure it's thawed}
- 3/4 cup mozzarella, grated {optional}
- Mix all of the 'Meat Mixture' ingredients into a bowl.
- Lay out a large piece of aluminum foil and flatten the meat mixture on the foil until it is approximately 12 inches x 6 inches.
- Next, sprinkle on a layer of fresh spinach, followed by mozzarella.
- Using the aluminum foil to assist you, begin to roll the meat, removing the foil as you go. Try to pick up the loaf before the final bit of rolling is done and transfer into your baking dish {a 9 x 11 glass baking dish works well}. Completely remove the foil.
- Cover the meatloaf with 1/4 cup of ketchup by smearing it all over the top. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes - 1 hour 30 minutes. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
- Leftover meatloaf is delicious made into a cold or hot sandwich the next day! Simply slice and put between two pieces of your favorite bread. Then add condiments, such as mustard. Enjoy!
