Italian Style Meatloaf (or Un-meatloaf for Vegetarians)

This is kind of a two in one recipe since they are both so similar. I have never had a kid not like either recipe and adults seem to have no problems polishing off the rest ;)

1 lb ground turkey, preferably a mix of light and dark OR 2 cans black beans, undrained
2 links mild Italian sausage, take off casings (skip for un-meatloaf and add 1/2 t. each oregano, basil, thyme, parsley and 1/4 t. ground coriander)
1/2-1 C. bread crumbs Italian style or add 1/2 t. each oregano, basil, thyme, and parsley to plain crumbs
1/2 medium onion minced
1 T extra virgin olive oil
1-2 eggs
1/4 C. Parmesan cheese
1/2 t. salt
black pepper
2 T. tomato paste

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  
• Saute onion on medium heat for about 5 min. or until soft and clear but not browned. If you are using turkey breast or making the loaf with beans rather than regular ground turkey (which is mixed) add 2 T. olive oil after onion is cooked to help keep the (un)meatloaf from being too dry.
• In a bowl mix together the turkey, sausage, bread crumbs, cheese, and eggs. OR Mash the beans with a potato masher and mix with the bread crumbs, cheese, and eggs. If the veggie loaf seems to dry/crumbly add a few T. water or milk, if it is too wet add more bread crumbs it should be easily mold able and not soupy.
• Let onions cool a few minutes before adding to the mix and mix in thoroughly.
  
• Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Juices should run clear for turkey and center should be firm for veggie loaf. Mix tomato paste with 3-4 T warm water to make easily spreadable and put over the top for the last 10 minutes.

Optional additions:

• Sprinkle dried basil and parley over the tomato paste or lay a few leaves of fresh basil over the top before putting the loaf back in the oven.
• Add 2 diced carrots and 1 diced celery stalk to the onions and saute all together. The extra veggies add flavor, moisture, vitamins, and texture.
  
• Add 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts to the veggie loaf for the extra bite too often missing from meat substitutes.
• Marjoram can be substituted for oregano if preferred.
• Veggie recipe can also be made into patties and cooked in a lightly oiled pan on the stove top or on a baking sheet in the oven with oil brushed lightly over the top. Bake patties for about 15-20 minutes and flip after 10 minutes. Great as burgers with ketchup.