Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small zucchini , finely diced
1 red bell pepper , finely diced
1 yellow bell pepper , finely diced
5 garlic cloves , smashed to a paste with
coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 large egg , lightly beaten
1 tablespoon ground thyme or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or 1/4 cup dried parsley
1 lb 90 % lean ground beef
1 lb mild Italian sausage
1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs or 1 cup oats
1 cup parmesan cheese ( shredded )
3/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Italian Vegetable Meatloaf with Balsamic Glaze is a delicious, hearty meal that is perfect for a weekend dinner with family or friends. This meatloaf is made with a variety of vegetables, lean ground beef and Italian sausage, and a balsamic glaze that adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the dish. The vegetables used in the recipe add texture and nutrition to the meatloaf, making it a great option for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet without sacrificing taste. Serve this meatloaf as the main course alongside a salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, garlic paste, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.
3.In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked vegetables, salt, pepper, egg, thyme, parsley, ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs or oats, shredded parmesan cheese, and ketchup. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
4.Line a loaf pan with baking paper, add the meat mixture to it, and pat down until it is evenly compacted.
5.In a separate bowl, mix together 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
6.Bake the meatloaf for approximately 55 minutes or until it is cooked through and a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!

PROS

This recipe is a great way to sneak in vegetables to a meal and makes for a comforting and filling dinner.
The balsamic glaze adds a nice touch to the overall flavor of the meatloaf.

CONS

The preparation of this dish takes some time, so it might not be ideal for a weekday dinner.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The vegetables in this meatloaf provide a wealth of essential nutrients that are good for your body. The garlic in this recipe contains an active compound called allicin which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. The lean protein from the ground beef and Italian sausage helps to maintain muscle mass while providing energy to your body.

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