Crustworthy Meat Loaf
A savory meat loaf wrapped in a bread crust, featuring flavorful ground beef, onion, and cheese, ideal for hearty family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw the bread dough as package directs.
- Make the meat loaf by mixing ground beef, bread or cracker crumbs, eggs, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and Cheez Whiz.
- Bake the meat loaf at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and drain well.
- Press the bread dough onto the bottom of a greased larger pan.
- Wrap the dough around the meat loaf completely.
- Bake at 350°F for an additional 30 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding spices such as garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you're out of bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can serve as excellent substitutes. Thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator for best results, or leave it at room temperature for a few hours. This meat loaf pairs beautifully with Spun Gold Bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat loaf with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a comforting meal. A fresh garden salad can also provide a nice contrast to the richness of the dish. For a cozy gathering, pair with Henry'S Jerky as an appetizer to set the stage for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meat loaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing the meat loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crustworthy Meat Loaf contains roughly 657 calories, with 20g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 889mg per serving (39% 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 meat loaf?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork can be used as alternatives to ground beef. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check the internal temperature to ensure it's fully cooked.
How can I make the meat loaf more flavorful?
In addition to the basic ingredients, consider adding herbs like parsley or thyme, or even incorporating cheese for richness. A dash of hot sauce or BBQ sauce in the meat mixture can also enhance the flavor profile.
What if I don't have frozen bread dough?
If you can't find frozen bread dough, you can use refrigerated biscuit dough as a substitute. Alternatively, you can make a simple dough from scratch using flour, water, and yeast, though it may require more time and effort.
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).