Meatloaf Dinner- with clean mashed potatoes and bacon green beans

My family is big on the "family meal."  My kids like us to eat all at the table, while they take turns telling us about their day.  Today, my daughter won an award for her grades, so I let her pick her favorite meal.  Her answer of course was meatloaf with REAL mashed potatoes.  

This meatloaf recipe differs from others by using oatmeal to hold the loaf together.  It was hearty, filling and had just the right amount of seasoning.  For the potatoes, I used red potatoes and left the skin on.   This adds just a bit more fiber to the potatoes, which Jacob really needs.  The green beans are my mother's recipe.  I use Oscar Mayer's Natural bacon, which is preserved using celery juice rather than chemical preservatives.  All in all, although this isn't a "diet" meal, it's a comfort food done right. :)

Meatloaf Ingredients:

1 lb organic, grass fed ground beef

1/2 cup Quaker quick oats

1 egg

2 cloves garlic finely minced

3 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp Wildtree Steak Ranchers Rub

Mix all ingredients in bowl and form a loaf.  Bake loaf 350* in a greased pan for 45 minutes.  After 45 minutes, top with ketchup if desired and bake for another 15 minutes

Mashed Potatoes Ingredients
4-5 red potatoes depending on size

1/4 cup almond milk

1 Tbsp butter

1 tsp garlic powder

1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Boil potatoes for approx 45 minutes with skin still on.  When the potatoes are soft enough they slip off a fork when stabbed, transfer them to your Kitchenaid or a bowl.  Add all other ingredients, mixing in one at a time.  I recommend an electric mixer for this. Takes minutes and why do by hand what technology makes easier? ;)  Serve topped with shredded cheese if desired.

Green beans ingredients:

3 pieces uncooked bacon

1/2 yellow onion diced

2 cans green beans- no salt added

I use a cast iron pan for this.  I feel like it's somehow more authentic. :)  Fry bacon and onions in the skillet until the onions are soft.  Add cans of green beans, draining one before pouring in the pan.  Cook til beans are warm and softened.  

ENJOY!

I hope your family enjoys this meal as much as mine does!  :)  Happy eating!