If ever there was a comfort food that takes you back to all those good feelings that come with a home-cooked meal prepared by your mom, it is probably meatloaf. But as time goes on, as much as we love meatloaf, it is pretty high in saturated fats and cholesterol, and may not fit our desire for healthier eating. Here is a fabulous recipe from the book, The Dude Diet, by Serena Wolf. The best thing is that not only is this easy, and low cost, everyone loves it, even the kids!
Wine and Beer Pairing:
Wine pairing recommendations include: A Cabernet Sauvignon is rich with fruit and structure and a Cabernet Franc adds a little earthy spice and the Merlot rounds it all out (these grapes all come from the same region). This combination kind of matches the flavors in the dish, which makes for highly satisfying sipping. Cabernet Franc, with its rich dark, ripe fruit and black pepper nuance would also work nicely with the meatloaf. Additionally, due to the variety of meats and other ingredients used, you just can’t go wrong with Zinfandel. Zinfandel is one of the most meat-friendly wines out there. And no matter what the meat, whether beef or pork or sausage, Zinfandel will combine quite well. And lastly, you might consider a Cotes du Rhone, or a Pellaverga with this recipe or if you like a lighter styled red, and are feeling Italian, Dolcetto makes for a great pairing. Dolcetto has a sweet tannin, and acidic splash to it that makes it a great pair with a meatloaf with any sort of tomato sauce accompaniment.
As far as beer pairings, you might consider a Pale Ale, IPA, or an Irish Red Cost: The cost of this side is typically $2-3 depending on whether your sources for the ground turkey and beef (e.g., grass fed).
Time and Effort:
This recipe doesn’t take too much time or effort and you end up with two pans and a baking sheet to wash in the end.
Alex Approved:
This was served on a bed of cauliflower puree and presented as meatloaf and mashed potatoes. It was consumed with delight. When asked if it was ‘Alex Approved’, he replied, “spicy is not my favorite, but this has just enough to still be delicious”.
Leftovers:
Meatloaf is always great as a leftover for lunch, in sandwiches or for another full dinner plate.
Health:
As the title says, this is a healthy meatloaf. That said, this recipe is pretty low in saturated fats, but if you are on a heart healthy regimented diet, it may consume your daily allowance for dietary cholesterol. Sodium and sugars are pretty low as well.