Aunt Nettie Deason'S Meat Loaf
A hearty meat loaf with tender ground meat, seasoned with onion and bell pepper, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, versatile for sandwiches or spaghetti.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak cracker crumbs in milk.
- Add eggs to the soaked cracker crumbs and mix well.
- Combine the mixture with ground meat, grated onion, and grated bell pepper.
- Form the mixture into small loaves and place in greased pans.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours.
- Optionally, top with catsup or mustard before baking.
- For meatballs, form the mixture into balls, roll in seasoned flour, and fry.
- Add the meatballs to spaghetti sauce and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister meatloaf, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or diced mushrooms to the mixture. If you don't have cracker crumbs, breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes can work as substitutes. For added flavor, experiment with different spices like garlic powder or Italian herbs. Make sure to let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it from falling apart.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Nettie Deason's Meat Loaf with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comforting meal. It also pairs beautifully with Angie'S Asparagus Roll-Ups for a delightful contrast. For a heartier option, add a side of macaroni and cheese, or enjoy it as a meatball in a sub sandwich with marinara sauce and melted cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. For a crispier texture, reheat in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Nettie Deason'S Meat Loaf contains roughly 378 calories, with 9g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (164% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 560mg per serving (24% 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 turkey or chicken instead of beef for this meatloaf?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef in this recipe. Just be aware that poultry may be drier, so adding a bit more milk or even some grated vegetables can help maintain moisture.
What can I use instead of eggs in the recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg. This will help bind the ingredients together while keeping the meatloaf moist.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Aunt Nettie Deason's Meat Loaf gluten-free, simply substitute regular cracker crumbs with gluten-free crackers or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, including any sauces or seasonings, are gluten-free as well.
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).