Santa Fe Meatless Meatloaf

Yes, I am a vegetarian that misses meals like meatloaf and shepherds pie. I do not crave or want to eat red meat, but I do miss those home-style dishes. Luckily for people like myself there is a pretty decent product that lends well to making fake meatloaf or burgers. This veggie ground beef is called "Gimmie-Lean" and is wrapped in a "Jimmy-Dean" style case and can be found in the refrigerated section of Whole Foods or stores like that. There are two flavors of Gimmie-Lean: Hamburger and Sausage. Use the burger flavor for making meatloaf.

Santa Fe Meatless Meatloaf

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/3 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp ground cumin

3 - 4 cloves garlic, minced

1 TBS (2 peppers) canned minced chipolte chili's in adobe sauce

2 pkg Gimmie-Lean

3/4 cup dried bread crumbs

2/3 cup bottled salsa, divided

1 tsp dried oregano

2 lg eggs

3/4 cups Pepper-Jack cheese, shredded (or more if you like!)

1. Pre-heat oven to 350

2. Saute onion, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin and garlic about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in chipolte chilies and saute another minute or so.

4. Combine with Gimmie-Lean in a large bowl. (TAKE OFF YOUR RINGS!!!) Add breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup salsa, oregano and eggs. Mush and mix with your hands.

5. Place 1/2 the mixture in an 8 X 4 inch loaf pan coated with oil. Arrange the cheese over the top, leaving a slight boarder around the outside edge. Arrange the remaining mixture over the top, pressing edges to pack.

6. Spread remaining 1/3 cup salsa on top and bake 45 minutes.

This was dinner last Tuesday and I served this with homemade mac and cheese which was awesome! That recipe will be a later post, sorry. Frozen peas for a veggie. Delicious!