Italian Turkey Meatloaf

This meatloaf isn't a typical meatloaf but it has become my favorite.  Made with turkey meat, stuffed with cheese, basil and marinara sauce.  It's loaded with flavor.  

I like to serve with roasted vegetables (zucchini, red pepper, onion and mushrooms).  

Ingredients:

2 lbs. ground turkey (I use Jennie-O Lean Ground Turkey) 

2  garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup chopped onion, finely chopped

2 eggs

1/2 cup panko crumbs

1/2 cup marinara sauce 

4 oz. Asiago cheese, diced

1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup basil, chopped 

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

After cooked 1 hour add:

3/4 cup marinara sauce

4 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced (I like Bel Gioioso Brand)

Mix everything together and form into a loaf on a baking sheet. Bake at 375 for around 1 hour.  Remove from oven and spoon marinara over top and place fresh mozzarella slices over it bake an additional 15 minutes.  Garnish with fresh basil.

Recipe adapted from Proud Italian Cook 

Korean Beef and Rice

This dish is super easy and I had it on the table in 15 minutes!  It has the same flavors as bulgogi, a traditional Korean dish.  But, with Bulgogi, thinly sliced sirloin has to marinate for hours.  So, not only was this quick and easy it was so flavorful.  It makes 4 small servings so if you have bigger eaters or want leftovers I would double this recipe.  

INGREDIENTS

• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed 
• 1/4 cup soy sauce 
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger or 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 pound ground beef 
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 
• Cooked rice, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes and ginger. 
• In a large skillet over medium high heat, brown ground beef and garlic until browned making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; drain excess fat. Stir in soy sauce mixture until well combined, allowing to simmer until heated through, about 2 minutes.  Top with green onions and serve over rice.