October 4, 2017
updated
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Need an easy way to get more veggies in your kid’s meals? Meatloaf is one of those recipes that is versatile and it’s really easy to make. Using leftovers, these veggie and meatloaf swords pack a fun veggie-filled school lunch!
What’s better than Mom’s homemade meatloaf? LEFTOVERS of Mom’s homemade meatloaf!
Isn’t it funny how much better meatloaf tastes the next day? I take full advantage of this next day “meatloaf phenomenon”, and throw any leftovers I have into a lunchbox for the next day.
Related: Top 5 Lunchboxes We’ve Tested
To make it fun for the kiddos, I decided to put little meatloaf bites on food picks. This makes these leftovers not only taste good, but are way FUN to eat! Many kids, especially toddlers, are big dipping fans, so you can include a small container of ketchup or other favorite dipping sauce.
Pair your Meatloaf Swords with some fresh fruit and delicious veggies for a tasty lunch using leftovers!
Sneaky Kids Veggie Meatloaf Swords Lunch
Ingredients
- 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
- ½ zucchini, chopped
- 1 handful spinach, finely chopped
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ pounds ground turkey or beef
- 2 eggs
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- In a food processor or mini chopper, chop carrots, zucchini, spinach, onion, and garlic until they are finely chopped. Pour in a large bowl.
- To veggies, add breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, pepper, ground beef or turkey and eggs.
- Using your hands, combine ingredients until they are all well mixed.
- Pack meat loaf ingredients in a 10-inch loaf pan.
- Combine tomato sauce and barbecue sauce and pour over meat mixture.
- Bake 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes. Oven times and temperatures will vary so check after 50 minutes.
Priscilla
Can I make these as meatballs or as muffins intead? Just wondering how the BBQ sauce and tomato sauce should be added if I can make this into a meatball.
Thanks!
MOMables
That would definitely work! I would just drizzle the sauce over them.
Sandi S.
What are the swords that you used?
Sandi S.
I just found them! Are they really sharp? Or good for young kids? I’ve been looking for something for my 6 year olds lunches! :)
Laura
Sandy, I typically use starbucks green “swords” or “stick” that are by the condiment table. the true use is to seal hot drinks ;)
Keeley McGuire
Mmm, meatloaf! Yummers :)