Grandma Henson'S Meat Loaf
Grandma Henson's Meat Loaf offers a hearty, flavorful dish with tender ground beef and savory tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak crushed crackers in milk.
- Add ground beef, chopped onion, egg, salt, chopped green pepper, and tomato sauce to the cracker mixture.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister meatloaf, consider adding finely grated carrot or zucchini to the mixture. If you don't have crackers, breadcrumbs or oats can be used as a substitute. To enhance flavor, add Worcestershire sauce or mustard to the meat mixture. For a twist, incorporate herbs like thyme or parsley, which can elevate the dish. Pairing it with mashed potatoes can create a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this meatloaf with classic sides like mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. A side salad or roasted vegetables can add freshness. For a fun twist, consider slicing the meatloaf and serving it on a sandwich with your favorite toppings. This dish pairs beautifully with recipes like Cheeseburger Potatoes for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated thoroughly, ensuring it remains moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Henson'S Meat Loaf contains roughly 694 calories, with 16g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2264mg per serving (98% 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, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef in this recipe. However, turkey tends to be drier, so you might want to add an extra egg or a bit of olive oil to keep the meatloaf moist.
How can I tell when the meatloaf is done?
The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). Additionally, the meatloaf should be firm to the touch and juices should run clear when cut.
Can I freeze meatloaf for later?
Absolutely! You can freeze meatloaf before or after cooking. If freezing before, shape it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
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).