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.
Italian Turkey Quinoa Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ pound ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- ½ medium yellow onion, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup grated zucchini (about 1 large or 2 small zucchini)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, more for garnish if desired
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 jar of your favorite tomato (pasta) sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or line with a Silpat baking mat.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients EXCEPT tomato sauce. I use my hands, because you don’t want to over-mix this or it will get tough.
- Form into a meatloaf shape on your prepared baking sheet. Mine was long, skinny, and short because I didn’t want to have to bake it forever.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve topped with heated sauce or pour sauce over meatloaf in last 10 minutes of cooking.
Notes
- I got the 85% lean (85/15) ground turkey for this so it wouldn’t be too dry, but feel free to try the leaner version.
- Double the recipe and freeze a loaf for a busy day!
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!
What a great dinner idea! I’ve never thought to put quinoa in a meatloaf. Genius!
This looks wonderful – love turkey and quinoa together!
Oh, how yummy! I’m a huge fan of meatloaf (AND meatballs :)) and your healthier version looks amazing! I have a stash of quinoa waiting in my pantry…I will definitely use it instead of breadcrumbs for my next meatloaf!
Loving this, Rach. I’m a big fan of quinoa!
I love this idea for a healthy dinner! We love meatloaf here and the fact that there’s still turkey in this one (to please my husband) and quinoa for added health benefits is great!
yum! i love quinoa as a filler–never thought to use it in meatloaf :)
I love quinoa recipes and LOVE meatloaf, and almost always use ground turkey! This looks fabulous, definitely will have to give it a try!
Thanks Kristy! I almost always use turkey too. My mom prefers to mix turkey and pork–I’ll have to try that next time.
We have the issue with heart disease on both sides of our family so we try very hard to eat properly for our daughter’s sake. Your words are a good reminder about that though. The meatballs-morphed-to-meatloaf looks delicious. Hard to believe something that yummy-looking is healthy!
Rachel first of all this dish is amazing. The photos are beautiful. And I laughed out loud over the making it meatloaf instead of rolling them into meatballs. I’ve been guilty of that myself on occasion.
Secondly thank you so much for joining us today. It’s a huge honour to have you and I’m touched you joined us. I’m also just a little overwhelmed you moved your other post for us, that was beyond sweet. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Lastly your sentiments about being around for your kids. I’ve struggled so much with my own health and as I age I get fearful of following in my mom’s footsteps so your words hit home with me today. Thank you for that. xx
I love turkey meatloaf, and cannot wait to try this bumped-up version of it! Also, I love your philosophy on leaving the meatballs up to the fam to “create”!
Thank you so much for joining in for such a wonderful blog post!