Crushed crackers, garlic, diced onions, and ketchup are staples in any meatloaf recipe. But if you want to add some dazzle to your mound of ground, boost the veggie and herbal content to enhance flavor and nutritional value.

• Innovative ideas. For those with taste buds sensitive to texture changes, grate confetti-sized strips of zucchini and carrots into the mix. Or add mushrooms, which blend quietly into the background while enriching overall flavor. Knead mashed avocado or pureed squash into the beefy blend. You can also use other meats, such as turkey, or try a meatless option, such as vegetable burger crumbles.

• Audacious additions. Think outside the recipe box with bold culinary inserts. Turn up the heat with diced jalapenos and sprinkle in fresh cilantro for a Southwestern spin. Or slice up a topping of red and green bell peppers. Accent your loaf with Asian ingredients by throwing in Chinese cabbage, sugar snap peas, broccoli florets, and some ginger. Add crushed nuts if you dare.

• Simple standbys. You can’t go wrong with the bag of frozen veggies in your freezer. Drop a medley of corn, green beans, and carrots into your mixture. Or try chopped spinach.

The bottom line: no vegetable is off limits. Tap your inner chef for innovative ideas that will have your family asking, “You can put that in meatloaf?”