Grandma Babe'S Meat Loaf
A hearty meatloaf with bold flavors from horseradish, Heinz 57 sauce, and Tabasco, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings seeking comfort food with a kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Drain the excess fat and squirt catsup on the top of the meatloaf.
- Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, try adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or substituting half of the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version. If you prefer a sweeter topping, mix ketchup with a spoonful of brown sugar before spreading it on the meatloaf. To keep it moist, avoid overmixing the ingredients when combining them.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Grandma Babe's Meat Loaf with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort meal. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also add a refreshing contrast. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes like Nonnie'S Hot Dish for a hearty family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Babe'S Meat Loaf contains roughly 152 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of calcium (17% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1596mg per serving (69% 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 beef for this meatloaf?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so you might want to add a bit more moisture, such as an extra egg or some additional milk, to keep the meatloaf from drying out.
How can I tell when the meatloaf is done?
The best way to check if your meatloaf is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. It should read 160°F in the center. Alternatively, you can cut into the loaf; the juices should run clear, and there should be no pink in the middle.
Can I make this meatloaf in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Alternatively, you can fully bake the meatloaf, let it cool, and then refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Just reheat it when you're ready to serve.
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).