Gluten-Free Turkey Meatloaf + Cauliflower Mash

It's funny when the creation of one thing is inspired by the unsuccessful creation of something else! Okay, this may sound confusing.... but basically this meatloaf recipe was inspired by this accidental cauliflower mash I made the other day. (seen in picture) I was processing my cauliflower in the food processor into cauliflower rice for a completely different recipe, but due to my lack of patience the cauliflower was still too warm and turned to MUSH. So, instead of throwing it out, I looked at it as an opportunity to make something else! I had called my mom during this process to laugh about my foodie fail with her. Her response, "YUM, I would eat some of that... if I can add some butter and heavy whipping cream" and it was in that moment that the idea of meatloaf popped into my head! My mom makes a GOOD meatloaf, and over the years she has made the switch from using beef or pork to using ground turkey and/or chicken! Also, due to me being gluten free for a period of time she began using oats instead of breadcrumbs. Despite all the changes from the typical meatloaf, it came out delicious! Therefore, I wanted to share this simple, gluten free, meatloaf with all of you! This is a lighter version of your typical meatloaf and mashed potatoes, but the flavor and satisfaction is still alllll there! Perfect to make for you and your significant other, the family, or even for your dinner guests! 

Gluten-Free Turkey Meatloaf

• Prep time: 15 mins 

• Cook time: 1 hour

Serves: 6 

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey *
• 1/2 pound ground chicken *
• 1/2 cup oats, soaked in about 2 tbsp of water --- Like my mom says, you want them wet, but not "swimming" :) 
• 1 small zucchini, diced 
• 1/2 cup onion, diced 
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning 
• 1 tsp. salt 
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 cup ketchup (I used Tessemae's ketchup) 
• Jar or can of marinara sauce to top (I used Rao's) 

* Beef and pork can be used in place of these if desired. 

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. Grease baking dish.
3. Sautee zucchini and onion until tender, and set veggies aside to cool. 
4. Combine all ingredients, adding veggies last, and mix thoroughly.  
5. Pour meatloaf mixture into loaf pan and form into a loaf shape **
6. Bake for 1 hour, or until internal temp reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 

** Option: Pour mix into a loaf pan and spread evenly. 

Cauliflower Mash

• Prep time: 10 mins

• Cook time: 10 mins 

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, in florets
• 1/4 cup onion, diced 
• 2 heads garlic, minced
• 1-2 Tbsp. ghee, or butter. 
• Salt and pepper to taste 

• Instructions:  

1. In a large pot bring water to boil, add cauliflower florets and cook until tender to fork touch. 
2. Sautee onion and garlic on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, making sure garlic doesn't brown.
3. Strain cauliflower, and add to food processor *
4. Blend until creamy consistency similar to mashed potatoes 
5. Add in cooked onion and garlic and blend until well incorporated. 
6. Scoop cauliflower mash into a pot, and place on the stove at medium heat to warm.
7. Add in salt, pepper, and ghee or butter until the flavor satisfies you, and it is to the temperature you desire! 

*depending on size of food processor, you may have to do this in several batches.