You’ll love this heart-healthy Italian Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf! You might never go back to using breadcrumbs.
When I was asked to participate in an event to raise awareness for heart disease, I knew it was something I wanted to take part in. My friend 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. Here’s what Kim says:
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, marinara sauce, 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 little 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 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.
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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.
Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf
Ingredients
For Meatloaf
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium yellow onion, cut into quarters
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and ends cut off, cut into large chunks
- 1 stalk celery, cut into large chunks
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 pounds ground turkey (85/15 preferred)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, additional for garnish if desired
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
For Glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet or 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat two eggs.
- Place onion, celery, carrot, and garlic in a small food processor and pulse until finely chopped. You should have about 1 cup of the mixture (discard any extra). Add to the mixing bowl.
- Add ground turkey, cooked quinoa, chopped parsley, ¼ cup ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined (you can use your hands). Gather the mixture together, place on the sheet pan. Form into a loaf shape, about 11 x 5 inches, pressing firmly to shape the mixture.
- Bake for 35 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine ¼ cup ketchup, brown sugar, and red wine vinegar
- After 35 minutes, remove meatloaf from the oven. Brush meatloaf with ketchup mixture and bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, or until the middle of the loaf reaches at least 165ºF when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
- Let the meatloaf cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Quinoa: We use regular quinoa, not a tri-color blend, because the color blends in better with the meatloaf. Maybe add how to cook quinoa? Or a link to one of our posts?
- Ground meat: If you prefer, the meatloaf can be made with a different type of ground meat instead of turkey, such as lean ground beef or ground chicken.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
I love making turkey meatloaf Rachel! But I have never added quinoa to it. I’m quite intrigued. This is a must try. :)
What a great event! Love this quinoa meatloaf!
So glad to be a part of this group with you, Rachel! And yes, I am totally up for instant meatballs any day of the week! :)
What a great idea and way to raise awareness while also honoring those who have battled heart disease. It’s a terrible thing because it can so easily go undetected. My husband has battled high blood pressure for the past 10 years and he is only 35! Admittedly our diets aren’t the best, but give me a recipe like this and I think I would be totally on board with heart healthy eating. :)
When you talk about wanting to live a long life because your family and kids need you in your life, it really underscores the fact that it’s a bit selfish to *not* take care of yourself. Thank you for that.
And I am lazy–just a little, of course–too. I’d choose meatloaf over meatballs any day! Love the reference to Balls o’ Meat. I mean, who wouldn’t want that?! lol
This looks DIVINE rachel. I love meatloaf!
I want to snuggle that.
This looks delicious…Ive always loved meatloaf, but I loved that you healthified it up! We will definitely be trying this one…my husband says he doesnt like meatloaf, so I may have to disguise them as meatballs :) Thanks for that great idea!
This meatloaf is absolutely gorgeous, and the sauce looks delicious, perfect meal for any day!
Heart disease runs in my family as well. Both of my grandfathers suffered from heart attacks, one fatal, when I was in my late teens/early 20s. Those experiences make me realize how important it is to make healthy eating and exercise a part of my daily life. Great post!
It makes me so happy that you were able to use my meatball recipe to make this gorgeous meatloaf. I will definitely be doing the same for my family! Thank you for your kind words, Rachel.