Aunt Betty'S Meat Loaf
A hearty meat loaf with a savory blend of ground beef, onions, and spices, topped with ketchup. Perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine egg, horseradish, onion, milk, ground beef, ketchup, bread crumbs, and salt.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
- Cover with foil.
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and drain excess fat before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some grated cheese or diced bell peppers to the meat mixture. If you're out of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats can serve as a great substitute. Adjust the horseradish to your preferred level of spice—start with less and add more to taste. This meatloaf recipe is a fantastic example of classic American recipes that never go out of style.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Aunt Betty's Meat Loaf with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comforting meal. A dollop of extra ketchup on top can enhance the flavors. This dish also pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad for a balanced dinner. For a fun twist, try it in a sandwich with some pickles and mustard.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and place it on a microwave-safe plate, covering it with a damp paper towel. Heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispy exterior, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Betty'S Meat Loaf contains roughly 793 calories, with 32g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (63% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1383mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. Keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so you may want to add a bit more milk or an additional egg to maintain moisture. The cooking time may also vary slightly, so check for doneness.
What can I add to make it more flavorful?
To boost the flavor of your meatloaf, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley, or spices such as garlic powder or smoked paprika. You can also mix in some sautéed mushrooms or grated carrots for added texture and taste.
Can I freeze the meatloaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze the meatloaf before or after baking. To freeze before cooking, shape the mixture in a loaf pan, cover tightly, and freeze. To reheat, bake from frozen for about 1.5 hours. If cooked, slice it and wrap each piece individually before freezing for easy meal prep.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).