Economical Meat Loaf
A hearty, budget-friendly meat loaf featuring savory ground beef, flavorful bacon topping, and a moist bread mixture, perfect for family dinners and comforting meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften bread in 2/3 cup water in a bowl.
- Add ground beef, minced onion, beaten egg, milk, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to the softened bread.
- Mix the ingredients well until combined.
- Shape the mixture into one or two loaves.
- Place the loaves in a baking dish.
- Cut the bacon into thirds and top the loaves with the bacon pieces.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs such as parsley or thyme into the meat mixture. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a suitable substitute. To enhance the moisture, finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots can be added. This economical meat loaf is a great option for using up leftover bread. For a twist, try topping it with ketchup or barbecue sauce before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This economical meat loaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic dinner. You can serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter meal. For an easy weeknight option, consider serving slices in a sandwich with your favorite condiments. This dish is also a great base for a hearty meal, similar to the flavors found in American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meat loaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave 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 Economical Meat Loaf contains roughly 648 calories, with 11g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (27% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2313mg per serving (101% 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 ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Adjust seasonings as ground turkey has a milder flavor, and ensure it's cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety.
How can I make this meat loaf gluten-free?
To make the meat loaf gluten-free, substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Be sure to check the labels of all other ingredients for gluten content.
What can I do with leftover meat loaf?
Leftover meat loaf can be repurposed into various dishes. Crumble it into a pasta sauce for a quick meal, or use it as a filling for a meat loaf sandwich. You can also slice it and serve it cold in salads or wraps.
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).