Family Favorite Meat Loaf
A hearty family favorite featuring tender ground beef and flavorful seasonings, topped with a sweet and tangy catsup glaze—perfect for comforting dinners and leftovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine eggs with milk, bread crumbs, grated onion, salt, sage, and ground beef in a large bowl.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Shape the mixture into a 9 x 5-inch rectangle, oval, or about 6-inch round.
- Carefully place the shaped meatloaf into a slow cooking pot.
- Cook on low for five to six hours.
- In a small bowl, mix catsup, brown sugar, dry mustard, and ground nutmeg to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked meatloaf.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes.
- Slice and serve while hot or use cold slices for sandwiches.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider mixing in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or finely chopped bell peppers. If you don’t have dry bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oatmeal can be used as alternatives. To enhance flavor, try swapping out ground sage for Italian seasoning or parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic meal. It also pairs beautifully with Yum Yum Cabbage for a delicious twist. For a casual touch, consider using cold slices in sandwiches or adding them to a salad for extra protein.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Family Favorite Meat Loaf contains roughly 904 calories, with 13g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (49% of the Daily Value), calcium (48% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 588mg per serving (26% 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 turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef in this recipe. Keep in mind that turkey may result in a slightly drier meatloaf, so you might want to add a bit more milk or an extra egg to maintain moisture.
How do I know when the meatloaf is cooked through?
The best way to check if your meatloaf is done is to use a meat thermometer. It should read 160°F in the center. If you don't have a thermometer, make a small cut in the center; the juices should run clear without any pink meat.
Can I freeze meatloaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze meatloaf either cooked or uncooked. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).