Garden Club Meat Loaf
A hearty, flavorful meatloaf featuring ground beef, bread crumbs, onions, and tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onions, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan, shaping it into an even loaf.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes or until cooked through.
- Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating minced garlic or chopped bell peppers into the meat mixture. If you're short on bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can serve as substitutes. Ensure the mixture is not overworked to keep the meat loaf tender. For a twist, you can top it with a mixture of ketchup and brown sugar before baking, similar to what you might find in Meat Loaf A La James Campbell.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat loaf with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic meal. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables. For a fun twist, consider serving it as a meat loaf sandwich on toasted bread. Browse more American recipes for additional side dish ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meat loaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, slice the meat loaf and place it in a baking dish, covering it with foil to keep it moist, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Club Meat Loaf contains roughly 370 calories, with 9g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (158% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1160mg per serving (50% 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 ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey tends to be leaner, so you might want to add a bit of olive oil or additional tomato sauce to maintain moisture.
How can I tell when the meat loaf is done?
The best way to check if the meat loaf is done is to use a meat thermometer. It should read at least 160°F (71°C) in the center. Additionally, the meat loaf should be firm and no longer pink inside.
Can I freeze the meat loaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze the meat loaf either cooked or uncooked. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking or 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).