Kids favorite Meatloaf: a timeless dish that has graced family dinner tables for generations. While adults appreciate its savory flavor, kids can be more selective, which is why creating a kid-friendly version is key.
This recipe for Kids Favorite Meatloaf is designed to be both delicious and nutritious, making it a hit with the entire family. Packed with hidden veggies, lean proteins, and a touch of sweetness, it’s sure to become a household favorite.
Why Kids Love This Meatloaf
1. Sweet and Savory Balance: Children often prefer flavors that are not too strong or spicy. This recipe incorporates a sweet ketchup glaze that balances the savory meat perfectly, appealing to young taste buds.
2. Hidden Veggies: To ensure the dish is nutritious, we’ve included finely grated carrots and zucchini, which blend seamlessly into the meatloaf. The kids get their veggies without even knowing it!
3. Soft Texture: The texture of this meatloaf is soft and tender, making it easy for kids to chew and enjoy. The combination of breadcrumbs and milk helps keep the meatloaf moist and delicate.
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground turkey (or chicken)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely grated
- 1 small zucchini, finely grated
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Meatloaf:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground turkey, chopped onion, grated carrot, grated zucchini, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated but avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
3. Shape and Bake:
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf. Bake for 35-40 minutes.
4. Prepare the Glaze:
- While the meatloaf is baking, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
5. Glaze the Meatloaf:
- After the initial baking time, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the glaze evenly over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Rest and Serve:
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result. Serve slices with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information for Kids Favorite Meatloaf
This Kids Favorite Meatloaf recipe is not just tasty but also packed with nutrients that growing kids need. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 7g
The addition of ground turkey helps reduce the overall fat content, while the vegetables add fiber and essential vitamins without compromising the flavor that kids love.
Tips for Making the Best Kids Meatloaf
1. Choose Lean Meats:
- Opt for lean ground beef and turkey to reduce the fat content while still providing plenty of protein. The combination of beef and turkey offers a balanced flavor that’s both hearty and mild.
2. Grate Vegetables Finely:
- By grating the carrots and zucchini finely, they blend into the meatloaf seamlessly, making it more likely that picky eaters won’t notice the veggies.
3. Sweeten the Glaze:
- The brown sugar in the glaze adds a touch of sweetness that kids find appealing. Adjust the amount of sugar based on your family’s taste preferences.
4. Don’t Overmix:
- When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough meatloaf, which can be less appealing to kids.
5. Let It Rest:
- Allow the meatloaf to rest after baking. This step is crucial for maintaining a moist texture.
6. Pair with Kid-Friendly Sides:
- Serve the meatloaf with sides that kids enjoy, like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, or buttered corn. This makes the meal more appealing and well-rounded.
Making It Fun for Kids
Getting kids involved in the kitchen can make them more excited to eat what they’ve helped create. Here are some ways to make meatloaf night fun:
1. Let Them Help:
- Kids can help mix the ingredients or spread the glaze on top of the meatloaf. This not only teaches them basic cooking skills but also gives them a sense of ownership over the meal.
2. Shape the Meatloaf:
- Instead of a traditional loaf shape, consider forming the meatloaf into fun shapes like a heart, a star, or even individual mini meatloaves. Kids will love the playful presentation.
3. Customize the Glaze:
- Let kids choose the flavor profile for the glaze. Whether they prefer it sweeter or tangier, giving them a choice can make the meal more enjoyable.
10 FAQs About Kids Favorite Meatloaf
- Can I use all ground beef instead of a mix with turkey?
- Yes, you can use all ground beef if you prefer. The mix of beef and turkey helps lighten the dish, but it’s flexible based on your preferences.
- How do I make the meatloaf more moist?
- Ensure you don’t overmix the ingredients, and consider adding a bit more milk or a small amount of applesauce for extra moisture.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, meatloaf freezes well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- What other vegetables can I add?
- You can add finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes. Just ensure they are grated or chopped finely to blend well with the meat.
- Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats.
- How can I reduce the sodium content?
- Use low-sodium ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, and be mindful of the amount of salt you add to the mixture.
- What’s a good substitute for the egg?
- If you need an egg substitute, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) or 1/4 cup of applesauce.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, you can substitute the milk with a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk. Ensure it’s unsweetened and unflavored.
- How long can I store leftovers?
- Leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- What are some other kid-friendly sides to serve with meatloaf?
- Consider serving mashed sweet potatoes, baked beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple pasta salad.
Conclusion
Kids Favorite Meatloaf is the perfect dish for families looking to enjoy a comforting, nutritious meal together. With its balanced flavor, hidden veggies, and soft texture, it’s sure to win over even the pickiest eaters. Whether served with classic sides or something new, this meatloaf is bound to become a regular on your dinner table. So, gather the family, get cooking, and enjoy a meal that everyone will love.