This faux meatloaf employs a mix of vegetables, including carrots, corn and green beans. These mineral-rich ingredients add texture and flavor along with color and moisture. Dried onion and soy sauce add a touch of spice to this fiber-rich loaf tenderized by oats, crushed corn flakes and wheat germ.

Shh! Vegetable Meat Loaf

1 (16-ounce) package mixed vegetables
1 pound extra-lean ground beef
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup crushed corn flakes
1/4 cup wheat germ
2 tablespoons tomato catsup
1 teaspoon dehydrated minced onion
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 large egg white
Cooking oil spray

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Purée vegetables in blender or food processor. Place vegetables, beef, oats, corn flakes, wheat germ, catsup, onion, soy sauce and egg white in a large mixing bowl and mix until well combined and stiff.
3. Lightly coat a microwave/oven safe loaf pan with cooking oil spray. Form meat mixture into a loaf and place in pan. Microwave on medium high for 12 minutes, turning once at 6 minutes.
4. Remove from microwave oven and bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Makes 8 servings.