Savory Buffalo Veggie Quinoa Meatloaf: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish

Step 1

Begin by preheating your oven to a toasty 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and generously grease a lovely 9x5-inch loaf pan to prepare it for the culinary magic that is about to unfold.

Step 2

In a saucepan, let the water and quinoa mingle and dance together until they reach a gentle boil. Then, lower the heat to a cozy medium-low setting, cover the pot, and let them simmer until the quinoa turns tender and soaks up all the water, approximately 10 to 15 minutes of simmering serenity.

Step 3

Meanwhile, in a skillet, warm up some olive oil over a medium flame, and sauté a delightful medley of onion, sweet potato, kale, and red bell pepper until they are all tender and bursting with flavor, a process that should take around 10 to 15 minutes of aromatic mingling.

Step 4

Next, in a mixing bowl, bring together the buffalo meat, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, ketchup, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and thyme, letting the flavors intertwine in a harmonious symphony. To this flavorful concoction, add the sautéed vegetable medley and the cooked quinoa, stirring everything together until the ingredients are beautifully combined. Gently transfer this flavorful mixture into the awaiting loaf pan, and gracefully crown it with a thin, tantalizing layer of barbecue sauce.

Step 5

Pop this masterpiece into the preheated oven and let it bake until it transforms into a glorious creation, no longer pink in the center, which should take approximately an hour of patient baking. To ensure perfection, use an instant-read thermometer, inserting it into the center to confirm that the internal temperature reads a heavenly 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Enjoy this culinary delight straight from the oven to your plate, a true feast for the senses!