Garden Patch Meat Loaf For A Crowd
A hearty meatloaf packed with ground meats, oats, and flavorful seasonings, glazed with catsup and mustard, perfect for feeding a crowd with comforting, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Generously grease a 12-cup ring mold.
- Combine ground chuck, ground pork, and ground veal in a very large bowl; mix well.
- In a medium bowl, combine milk, honey, oats, onion soup mix, eggs, basil, and cayenne pepper; stir to combine.
- Add the wet mixture to the meat mixture and mix well.
- Pat the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Place the pan on a jelly roll pan.
- Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven.
- Run a knife around the edges and carefully unmold onto the pan.
- Brush with a mixture of catsup and spicy mustard.
- Return to the turned-off oven for 10 minutes until glazed.
- Fill the center with carrots and peas.
- Serve with mashed potatoes if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly healthier version, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground chuck. If you don’t have old-fashioned oats, quick oats can work, but they may alter the texture slightly. Consider adding diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, mix in a bit of brown sugar with the catsup and mustard.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Roasted or steamed vegetables like carrots and peas complement the dish well, adding color and nutrition. This dish also pairs beautifully with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, consider serving with a slice of crusty bread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Patch Meat Loaf For A Crowd contains roughly 359 calories, with 24g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (48% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. At about 359 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and shape it into the mold a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
What can I use instead of veal?
If you want to avoid veal, you can substitute with more ground pork or ground turkey. This will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious. Adjust seasoning as needed to maintain flavor.
How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?
To keep the meatloaf moist, avoid overmixing the meat mixture and ensure you're using enough fat from the ground chuck and pork. Adding grated cheese or vegetables can also help retain moisture during baking.
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).