Best Meat Loaves
Juicy, flavorful meat loaves combining beef and pork, seasoned with herbs and topped with chili sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings, served hot or chilled as sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. lean ground pork ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning or sage ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 4 slices soft bread, cubed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 cup chili sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup boiling water ⓘ
Instructions
- Thoroughly mix the ground beef and pork.
- Stir in chopped onions, celery, salt, poultry seasoning or sage, pepper, and dry mustard, mixing well.
- Soak bread cubes in milk, then add eggs to the milk and bread mixture; beat with a rotary mixer.
- Combine the meat mixture with the egg, milk, and bread mixture.
- Divide the mixture and form into two loaves.
- Roll each loaf in dry bread crumbs.
- Place the loaves in greased shallow pans or one large pan.
- Score the tops of the loaves with a knife.
- Spread 1/2 cup chili sauce over each loaf.
- Pour boiling water into the pan around the loaves.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Serve hot with vegetables and salad, or chill, slice, and serve as sandwiches with mustard.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister meat loaf, consider adding a tablespoon of ketchup or barbecue sauce to the meat mixture. If you prefer a different flavor profile, swap the Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce. Using stale bread instead of fresh can enhance the texture, and feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices for added depth. If you're short on time, pre-made chili sauce can substitute for homemade.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat loaves hot with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic meal. They also pair beautifully with salad or roasted vegetables. For a fun twist, slice the meat loaf and use it as a filling for a hearty sandwich, similar to the Hamburger Hoagie, topped with mustard and pickles for a satisfying lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meat loaves can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, slice the meat loaf and place it in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth; cover with foil and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave slices for 1-2 minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Meat Loaves contains roughly 473 calories, with 13g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1412mg per serving (61% 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 freeze the meat loaves before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the formed but unbaked meat loaves. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in the freezer. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This is a great way to have a quick meal ready for busy days.
What can I use instead of ground pork?
If you don't have ground pork, you can use additional ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.
How do I know when the meat loaves are done?
To ensure the meat loaves are fully cooked, check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer. The loaves should be firm to the touch and have a nice brown crust on the outside. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing for the best texture.
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).