How was everyone’s Thanksgiving? Mine was wonderful, except for the fact that the hubs was sick with that flu congestion cold that’s going around and I happened to catch it by Saturday, ughs. Hoping at least it goes away quickly! I thought since I don’t report to an office loaded with people anymore that I’d avoid the cold and flu season this year, but unfortunately, when you’re married to a teacher, they’re pretty much a walking petri dish of cold and flu bugs. But I digress, how many of you still have leftovers from Thanksgiving? An extra box of stuffing? Apples? Onions? Some pork sausage? Well do I have a recipe for you, using all those ‘leftover extras’ one might have after cooking Thanksgiving for a small army!
This meatloaf recipe is super unique from your typical meatloaf recipes. One, it doesn’t use any beef, it’s all pork and ground turkey! Also, instead of your typical meatloaf, this include apples and onions. I know, I know, apples in meatloaf? I’m not crazy, it’s delicious! Add in some maple syrup, some cornbread stuffing, and you have yourself a unique twist on your average meatloaf! This also is super dense and won’t fall apart in the pan (one of my biggest complaints with regular meatloaf)! It’s great with mashed potatoes or an apple kale salad! Also, if you have any leftover cranberry sauce, it’s delicious with this! Have some rolls? Make meatloaf sliders with cranberry relish! This is super versatile and great for Thanksgiving leftovers! So grab a bowl and let’s start mixing up this meatloaf!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
- 1 lb uncooked maple pork sausage (can also use breakfast sausage or apple sausage)
- ½ cup of uncooked oatmeal
- 1 package uncooked pre-made cornbread stuffing
- 1 granny smith apple, peeled and food processed (or very finely chopped)
- 1 medium sized onion, peels and food processed (or very finely chopped)
- 1/3 cup of 100% pure maple syrup + 3 T for drizzling on top
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 T Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°. Spray or grease a large meatloaf/bread pan (easier to do this prior as your hands are about to get messy). In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except 3 T of maple syrup. Mix with hands until well combined. Place meatloaf mixture in greased meatloaf pan and form a meatloaf shape. Make sure to have a high center and lower edges so that maple drizzle can get all over the outside and make it nice and crispy. Drizzle remaining maple syrup on top of meatloaf and spread it out evenly with a spoon making sure all exposed meatloaf has some syrup on it. Place meatloaf in oven on middle rack and cook for about 60 minutes or until top in golden brown and internal temp is 165°. Remove from oven, let set for 10 minutes, then cut and enjoy!
