Economy Loaf
A hearty meatloaf with grated carrots, green peppers, and canned tomatoes, offering savory flavors suitable for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the hamburger, grated carrots, chopped celery, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, toast crumbs, chopped green pepper, canned tomatoes, melted butter, and milk.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until cooked through and browned on top.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken in place of hamburger. You can also substitute grated zucchini for carrots for a different texture. If you don't have toast crumbs, crushed crackers or breadcrumbs will work. Don't skip the resting time after baking—it helps the loaf hold its shape. For a twist, try adding herbs like thyme or oregano.
Serving Suggestions
This Economy Loaf pairs beautifully with Greens Sauteed With Bacon And Lemon for a colorful, balanced meal. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or a simple salad for a complete dinner. For a comforting lunch, enjoy it with a dollop of mustard or ketchup. Leftovers can be transformed into delicious sandwiches or served alongside roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers 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 the whole loaf in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Consider serving cold slices in sandwiches for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Economy Loaf contains roughly 644 calories, with 7g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2086mg per serving (91% 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 Economy Loaf?
Yes, you can freeze the Economy Loaf. After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F until heated through.
What can I use instead of canned tomatoes?
If you don’t have canned tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce. About 1 cup of diced fresh tomatoes or 1/2 cup of tomato sauce will work fine. Just be sure to adjust the moisture in the mixture if necessary by reducing the milk slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make this Economy Loaf gluten-free, simply replace the toast crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Always check labels to ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, especially the canned tomatoes and any seasonings.
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).