excitement found in odd places
Don’t laugh but I am kinda obsessed with meatloaf.
It’s the only real “recipe” that I am brave enough to mess around with and make new creations. Something about combining a bunch of things into one loaf and seeing it come out as an amazing concoction really makes me smile.
For real.
I am totally not joking.
I have a BBQ Pineapple Meatloaf (perfect in the summer) and a Turkey Gingersnap Meatloaf (perfect in the fall) up my sleeve.
See? Totally out of the box, right?
One of these days I will share those recipes but not today. Nope. Today we are talking about an Italian Meatloaf with a twist. How about a pizza twist?
Pizza Meatloaf
Serves 5
1.25 pounds ground turkey (or beef)
1/2 can pizza sauce
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs (or oats)
1 egg, beaten
1 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 bag Italian blend cheese
Italian seasoning, to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Mix everything together in a large bowl, except cheese.
Spread half the meat mixture into a loaf pan. Cover with cheese. Spread remaining meat mixture on top.
Bake for 45 minutes.
I am a little giddy looking at the cheese poking out. I am thinking that next time I will add some olives into the mix.
I am such a freak. Only I could be this excited by meatloaf. Heh.
Do you like meatloaf?
I’ll admit that as a child I didn’t care for it but I think I was scarred by the meatloaf-like substance that was served in my school cafeteria. That I promise was not meatloaf.
What Kelly Said 
Hahaha…I LOVE meatloaf, and Ryan is always making fun of me for it. Whatever– it’s dang tasty!!
I love meatloaf too and make a few different kinds but usually for me it’s a winter thing. Maybe I need to try some of your summer recipes!
It is a winter thing, I agree. But the turkey pineapple BBQ meatloaf is so summery. I will post the recipe soon.
As a kid, I didn’t like it either, and I don’t know why. Essentially it is ground beef and ketchup (at least it was growing up). This looks AWESOME! The cheese poking out is for sure the best part. 🙂 I can’t wait to get the other recipes! Very intrigued by the pineapple one.
i used to love meatloaf! i guess i still do but i make it with lentils 🙂
When I was younger, I would cringe at the thought of meatloaf. When my mom made it, I would everything in power to eat a friends or eat somewhere else. hahaha. Now I absolutely love it. I would never think of adding pineapple but that sounds Delicious.
Yumm Kelly…
I hope you have a Greek meatloaf up your sleeves… Cinnamon, feta, kalamata olives…. Pleeeese 🍛😃
Now that is an excellent idea, Mary!
Weird – I totally had a dream about making meatloaf last night. I think I’ve eaten it once in my life. My mom never cooked it when we were kids because my dad had some weird aversion to the idea of it.
Hahaha, I actually can’t stand meatloaf. I think the word is just so….I don’t know? It just gives me the chills. A loaf of meat… haha
Andy loves it though so I make it just about every other week…I’ve never thought of trying different variations though–I’ll have to try some out to see if he likes it!
I love meatloaf.. I’ll have to try your recipe. So far I’ve ventured and made cheeseburger meatloaf and mexican meatloaf.
i only like your meatloaf. No joke. well that and bison meatloaf!
You should try my mom’s! She is one who made me a meatloaf convert for life.
No. No joke.
Seems to be fairy popular with some folks. Not sure if I would try. Maybe.
Bison is usually available at Whole Foods or Treasure Island.
Everyone I’m certain has their own special “meatloaf memories!” There are so many different ways to prepare.
Growing up, our memories can never forget mum’s meatloaf baking in the oven! We would definitely anticipate dinnertime! Also for lunch …. a meatloaf sammie on Silvercup white bread w/mustard + mayo!
THE dinner also consisted of creamy mashed spuds, thick sliced tomatoes, peas & carrots or green beans. Tooo delicious. I think our mom loved making this meal for all of us. As kids, to round out this meal …. we had our choice of applesauce or pudding + a few cookies. Yummers!
These days our family meat (beef) consumption is nil. From time-to-time we do grill turkey or chicken burgers. Poultry works well for holiday meatballs … and the old standby ….. meatloaf.
Good idea Kalli …. I love lentils. You can also use blacks beans w/tofu …. + lots of veggie or vegan ingredients with fab spices. More added good eats + fun; piped mashed potatoes overall. When sliced …. looks (AND TASTES) wonderful.
I think everyone kinda-sorta enjoyed this post …. talking about ….. meatloaf. Ha.