Isn’t it the most wonderful thing when you find a healthier version of your childhood favorite, and it actually tastes good?! Like, Whole Grain Meatloaf for instance. When you get the craving for that nostalgic staple, but are trying to make better choices for your body, this lower-carb, lower-fat version is a great option! It swaps the fatty beef for some heart-healthy ground turkey, while still providing lots of savory, sweet, and tomatoey flavors. Who knew you could take care of yourself while enjoying it?! Hurray for this Whole Grain Meatloaf!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup plus 1 teaspoon water, divided
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 large clove garlic, chopped
- 1 (20-ounce) package turkey, ground
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, divided
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Step 3 –In a saucepan over high heat, combine the quinoa and 1/2 cup of the water and bring to a boil.
Step 4 –Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes. Set the quinoa aside to cool.
Step 5 –Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 6 –Add the onion to the skillet and cook, stirring regularly, until it softens and turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 7 –Add the garlic to the onion and cook for 1 minute.
Step 8 –Transfer the onion mixture from the heat to cool.
Step 9 –In a large bowl, combine the turkey, the cooked quinoa, the onion mixture, the tomato paste, the hot sauce, 2 tablespoons of the Worcestershire sauce, the egg, the salt, and the pepper and stir until well combined.
Step 10 –Shape the turkey mixture into a loaf and place it onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 11 –In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, the remaining Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining water.
Step 12 –Rub the brown sugar paste over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 13 –Bake the meatloaf until it is no longer pink and a thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 160 degrees F, about 50 minutes.
Step 14 –Allow the meatloaf to cool for 10 minutes.
Step 15 –Serve.
