Ain't Yo Mamma's Meatloaf... Cake?!

April Fools Day. A day for being a trickster. Really, that seem like every day in our house! And no, this post isn't a joke, though it's probably been close to a year since my last post!

My kids were super excited when I told them we were having cake for dinner... little did they know it was meatloaf (full of veggies no less!) and mashed potatoes!

My 7 year old daughter thought it was hilarious!
My 3 year old son was not very happy with me!
Muahahaha!!

This meatloaf recipe is one I get asked for ALL THE TIME! It's made people who claim to hate meatloaf into believers again. And goes great with mac & cheese, as well as the classic mashed potatoes.

And if my kids (and hubby) have no idea the dreaded veggies are all up in this, then I'm guessing yours won't either...

Meatloaf

2 lbs ground beef, pork or turkey (or combine 2 different kinds, or all 3... whatever...)
1 smallish zucchini -super diced in a food processor
a handful of baby carrots- super diced in a food processor
1/2 of a yellow onion- super diced in a food processor
About a 1/2 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs
2 eggs
A couple teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4-1/2 cup ketchup
A few Tablespoons A-1 sauce
A couple teaspoons 21 Seasoning Salute from Trader Joe's
A generous sprinkle of Garlic powder
Salt & Pepper

Combine it all (I use my hands, that way it doesn't get tough...)
Form it into a loaf in a baking dish, bake for an hour to an hour and 15 minutes at 375.

If you're making it into cake form, like what is shown in the pictures, spread the meat mixture evenly into two 9in cake pans, bake at 375 for an hour, let "rest" for about 10 minutes before transferring the first meatloaf cake-patty to a cake stand. Evenly spread mashed potatoes over it, enough so that it's about an inch thick. Add the second meatloaf cake-patty, and put the rest of the potatoes on top, and spread evenly around, covering all the way down the sides. Top with diced steamed carrots for decoration.