Ingredients and Weight:
- Ground meat (beef or pork) - 1 pound (454g)
- Zucchini - 2 medium (about 150g each)
- Ranch seasoning - 3 tablespoons
- Eggs - 2
- Breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup
- Salt and pepper - to taste
- Onion - 1 small, chopped (optional)
- Cheese - 1/4 cup shredded (optional)
Preparation Time: 2 hours (including preparation and cooking time)
Cooking Time: 45-55 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, ranch seasoning, eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and chopped onion (if using).
- Grate the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor and add them to the meat mixture.
- Form the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased baking dish.
- Top with the shredded cheese (if using).
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information:
(Based on provided ingredients and assuming no additional oil or seasonings during cooking)
Per serving (assuming 8 servings):
Calories: Approx. 300-350 calories depending on additional toppings or seasonings
Fat: Approx. 20-25g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 20-25g
Protein: Approx. 25-30g
Dish Characteristics:
- Unique flavor combination of ranch seasoning and zucchini.
- Ground meat provides a hearty and satisfying texture.
- The dish is easy to customize with additional toppings or seasoning, based on personal preference.
User Comments:
- "This was an excellent way to use up leftover ground meat! The ranch seasoning gave it a great flavor."
- "My family loved the zucchini in this dish. It added a nice crunch and freshness to the meatloaf."
- "I added some extra cheese on top and it was delicious!"
- "This dish was very easy to make and it made great leftovers for lunch the next day."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to cook the meatloaf until the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure safety.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal preference.
- This dish can be easily customized with different types of meat or additional toppings like ketchup or barbecue sauce.
