Aunt Rose'S Meat Loaf
A hearty meatloaf with tender ground beef, oats, and savory spices, baked to perfection. Ideal for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine beaten eggs, salt, pepper, ginger, and chopped onion in a bowl.
- Add tomato juice, ground chuck, and oats; mix well.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place on a sprayed rack in a roaster pan.
- Add 1/3 cup of water to the bottom of the roaster.
- Cover the pan with a lid or foil.
- Place in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven.
- Bake for 1 1/2 hours.
- Baste the meatloaf twice during baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider mixing in some finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms. If you don't have ground ginger, fresh ginger or even a pinch of nutmeg can work as a substitute. You can also replace oats with breadcrumbs for a different texture. Remember to baste the meatloaf halfway through to keep it juicy. For a flavorful twist, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Aunt Rose's Meat Loaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic dinner. You can also serve it with a side salad, like Bunny Salad (A Great Easter Treat For Your Table!), for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, consider adding a slice of crusty bread or a side of roasted vegetables. Leftovers make for great sandwiches the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, it freezes well; wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 20-30 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Rose'S Meat Loaf contains roughly 893 calories, with 33g protein, 205g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (220% of the Daily Value), iron (138% of the Daily Value), and calcium (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1326mg per serving (58% 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 a different type of meat for this meatloaf?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the ground chuck. Keep in mind that leaner meats may require additional moisture, so consider adding a bit more tomato juice or an extra egg to maintain the texture.
How can I tell when the meatloaf is done cooking?
The best way to ensure your meatloaf is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F (71°C) in the center. Alternatively, you can cut into the loaf to check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into a loaf, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld. Just adjust the baking time if it's coming directly from the fridge.
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).