Classic Meat Loaf
A classic comfort food featuring tender ground beef glazed with a sweet and tangy tomato-mustard topping, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Reserve 1/4 cup of tomato sauce.
- Combine ground beef, remaining tomato sauce, bread crumbs, egg, onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly.
- Shape the beef mixture into an 8 x 4 1/2-inch loaf and place it on a rack in an open roasting pan.
- Combine brown sugar and dry mustard and blend with the reserved tomato sauce.
- Spread the sauce mixture over the top of the loaf.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra moisture, consider adding 1/2 cup of grated carrots or zucchini to the meat mixture. If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oatmeal can be used as substitutes. Ensure the onion is finely chopped for even distribution. You can also experiment with adding herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat loaf with classic sides like mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with macaroni 'N' cheese pizza for a fun twist. For a lighter option, consider a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. Slices can also be served on a sandwich with your favorite condiments.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meat loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven, wrapped in foil, for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Classic Meat Loaf contains roughly 560 calories, with 9g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.
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, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef in this recipe. However, since turkey is leaner, you may want to add a bit of olive oil or extra egg to maintain moisture. The cooking time may also need adjusting, so check for doneness.
How can I make this meat loaf gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs or oats instead of regular bread crumbs. Ensure all other ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce, are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meat loaf without gluten.
What can I do with leftover meat loaf?
Leftover meat loaf can be used in various ways. Try slicing it for sandwiches or dicing it to add to a hearty corned beef salad. You can also crumble it into pasta dishes or use it as a pizza topping for a creative meal.
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).