Italian Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf

You’ll love this heart-healthy Italian Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf! You might never go back to using breadcrumbs.

When Kim asked me to participate in an event to raise awareness for heart disease, I knew it was something I wanted to take part in. Kim does this every year on the anniversary of her mom’s passing and I think it is such a great way to not only remember and honor her mom, but to also help other people realize that they may need to make some changes in their life.

Today we are joining together to help raise awareness for Heart Disease. Kim of Cravings of a Lunatic lost her Mom to heart disease when her mother was 47, and Kim was 15. Each year on the day her Mom passed she shares stories and photos of her Mom. This year she joined forces with Jen of Juanita’s Cocina, whose life was also touched by heart disease when her Stepfather had a heart attack. Jen’s Stepfather is alive and well more than a decade later, and for that, Jen is thankful every day. The ladies got in touch with other bloggers to ask them to share their own stories about how heart disease has touched their lives. So today we share stories and recipes from our hearts to yours, in memory and honour of Momzie, Kim’s Mom. We hope you will share your stories with us today as well.

My family and my husband’s family both have a history of heart disease. It is almost hard to find a family that doesn’t. Ever since having kids, I find it even more imperative to protect my heart and my health. I want to be around for a long, long, long time. For my kids, for my husband, and for myself too. I selfishly want to see my children grow old, but I also know that they need me in their life.

I might occasionally (or more than occasionally) indulge in a big juicy burger or a bowl of ice cream, but I do try to make healthy choices and remember the phrase, “everything in moderation.”

One of the big things we do to protect our health and hearts is to eat lean meats such as turkey and lots of whole grains such as quinoa. This quinoa meatloaf fits the bill! I serve it with whole grain pasta and sautéed spinach. Easy dinner that you can feel great about.

However, here’ s a confession: Even though I’m no longer pregnant, and I’m not feeling nauseous, I am still a liiiiiiiittle bit lazy.

Just a little.

As evidenced by the progression of this quinoa meatloaf… I began with a grand plan to make meatballs. A double batch of meatballs. Half to freeze. Then I thought to myself, do I feel like rolling this mixture into a million little balls?

Answer: No.

Lightbulb! Meatloaf. If the family wants meatballs, they can cut the quinoa meatloaf into little chunks. Instant balls-o-meat.

Whenever I’m looking for a great recipe that is also good for me, Dara’s site, Cookin’ Canuck is one of the first places I look. Not only will I see gorgeous photography, but I’ll also find great recipes like these Turkey, Quinoa and Zucchini Meatball Lettuce Wraps, the inspiration for this recipe. Lettuce wraps are always fun for a light meal and I just love the idea of throwing meatballs inside a lettuce wrap.

With the added protein from the quinoa, you’re sure to feel satisfied after eating either those meatballs or this meatloaf. The addition of zucchini helps to keep the turkey nice and moist, because it does have a tendency to be on the dry side. Enjoy! And take pride in your heart. Do something good for your heart.

Today.

It can’t wait.

No really. It can’t.

PS: Prefer a more classic meatloaf? Try this classic meatloaf recipe.  I also really love this mini turkey meatloaf sheet pan dinner or for something kind of unique, this southwestern mini meatloaf recipe made with ground chicken, corn, black beans, and barbecue sauce. 

Verdict: I love this quinoa meatloaf. Extremely flavorful and moist. What more could you want?
Husband’s take: He dubbed this “the best meatloaf he has ever had.” E chowed it down too.
Changes I would make: Nada.
Difficulty: Very easy.