Cranberry Hamburg Loaf
A savory meatloaf infused with tart cranberry sauce and warm herbs, offering a sweet and tangy flavor profile perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread the light brown sugar over the bottom of a greased loaf pan.
- Spread the cranberry sauce over the sugar.
- Combine all other ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Put the meat mixture on top of the cranberry sauce.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Cool for 10 minutes and turn onto the serving platter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using ground turkey instead of hamburger for a lighter option. You can also swap out the cranberry sauce for raspberry or cherry preserves for a different flavor profile. If you don't have soft bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or stale bread. Adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavor further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cranberry Hamburg Loaf with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Alice'S Barbecue Beans for a hearty dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and consider a light salad on the side to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices on a plate for 1-2 minutes, covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Hamburg Loaf contains roughly 1136 calories, with 29g protein, 246g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (196% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1061mg per serving (46% 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 frozen cranberry sauce instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberry sauce, just ensure it is thawed before spreading it in the pan. The texture might be slightly different, but it'll still provide that delicious fruity flavor that complements the meatloaf.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture and layer it in the pan a day in advance, then cover and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it goes in the oven cold.
What can I serve with Cranberry Hamburg Loaf?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Try serving it with roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts, or a simple green salad. For a comforting option, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese for a satisfying 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).