Good Old Meat Loaf
A hearty meat loaf with tender vegetables, infused with ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners and versatile for various occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- With wet hands, mix all the ingredients and shape into a loaf.
- Place in the center of a 9 x 13-inch dish.
- Peel and slice 3 medium potatoes and 3 onions into 1/4-inch thick slices.
- Peel quarter lengthwise or slice the 3 carrots.
- Put vegetables around the meat loaf.
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake at 375°F for 1 hour or until vegetables are tender.
- Uncover and bake for 10 minutes more to brown the meat loaf.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a moist meat loaf, don't overmix the ingredients; just combine until everything is incorporated. If you want to add flavor, consider substituting half of the ground beef with ground turkey or adding finely chopped bell peppers. For a twist, try adding a tablespoon of mustard or Italian seasoning to the mix. This meat loaf pairs beautifully with Vegetable Casserole With Herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat loaf sliced alongside the roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. Mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad complement it beautifully. For a family gathering, consider pairing it with Baked Bean And Hamburger Casserole for a comforting spread that everyone will love. A drizzle of extra ketchup on top adds a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the meat loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it, wrapped in foil, for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Good Old Meat Loaf contains roughly 836 calories, with 21g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2017mg per serving (88% 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 make this meat loaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat loaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just shape it into a loaf and cover it tightly. When you're ready to bake, simply place it in the oven, adding an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
What can I substitute for evaporated milk?
If you don't have evaporated milk, you can use regular milk mixed with a bit of cream to achieve a similar consistency, or substitute with equal parts of sour cream or yogurt for a tangy flavor. Almond milk can also work as a non-dairy alternative.
How do I know when the meat loaf is done?
To check if the meat loaf is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer; it should read 160°F in the center. Alternatively, you can cut into the loaf and ensure there are no pink areas. The juices should run clear, indicating it's nicely cooked.
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).