Mama’s Comfort Meatloaf
Mama's Comfort Meatloaf with Thyme-Lemon Rice (or Mashed Potatoes!): Postpartum Nourishment
Becoming a new mother is a beautiful but demanding journey. This comforting meatloaf and thyme-lemon rice (or mashed potatoes!) recipe is designed to nourish and soothe during the postpartum period. It's gentle on the stomach, rich in vital nutrients, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy new moms. The warm, comforting flavors provide a sense of home and well-being, while the ingredients work to replenish energy, support healing, and ease postpartum recovery. Plus, mashed potatoes can be substituted for the rice for an even softer, more comforting meal.
Ingredients:
Mama's Comfort Meatloaf:
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 cup saltine cracker crumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup broth or water (to keep moist)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup (plus extra for glaze)
1/2 finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon garlic salt
Fragrant Thyme-Lemon Rice (or Creamy Mashed Potatoes):
1 cup white rice (or 2 pounds peeled and cubed potatoes)
2 cups bone broth (or water)
2 tablespoons ghee (or butter)
1 lemon, zest and juice
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
Salt to taste
(For Mashed Potatoes: 1/2 cup warmed milk or cream, salt and pepper to taste)
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatloaf:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, turmeric, saltine cracker crumbs, egg, sea salt, Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons ketchup, finely chopped onion, and garlic salt.
Add broth or water to keep the meatloaf moist.
Mix gently until just combined.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf for a glaze.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cook the Thyme-Lemon Rice (or Mashed Potatoes):
Rice:
Rinse the white rice.
Combine the rice and bone broth (or water) in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat.
Stir in the ghee (or butter), lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh thyme leaves.
Season with salt to taste.
Fluff with a fork.
Mashed Potatoes:
Boil the potatoes until tender. Drain.
Mash the potatoes with ghee (or butter), warmed milk or cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Stir in lemon zest, juice, and thyme.
Assemble and Serve:
Slice the meatloaf and serve it over the fragrant thyme-lemon rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
Health Benefits:
Ground Beef/Turkey:
Provides iron and protein, essential for replenishing blood volume and supporting tissue repair. Ground turkey is a leaner option.
Turmeric:
A powerful anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce postpartum inflammation and promote healing.1
Saltine Cracker Crumbs:
Provides a gentle source of carbohydrates and acts as a binder in the meatloaf.
Egg:
Rich in protein, choline, and essential vitamins, supporting brain health and overall recovery.
White Rice/Potatoes:
Easily digestible, providing quick energy, which is crucial for postpartum fatigue. Potatoes are also a good source of potassium.
Bone Broth:
Rich in collagen, minerals, and amino acids, supporting tissue repair, bone health, and overall recovery.
Ghee/Butter:
Provides healthy fats, which are essential for hormone balance and energy production.3 Ghee is easily digested.
Lemon:
Rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function and aiding in iron absorption.
Fresh Thyme:
Possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and can aid in digestion.
Sea Salt:
Helps to replenish electrolytes.
Worcestershire Sauce:
Adds umami flavor and some trace minerals.
Ketchup:
Adds a touch of sweetness and lycopene, an antioxidant.
Onion:
Provides antioxidants and prebiotics for gut health.
Garlic Salt:
Garlic has immune-boosting properties.
