Harvest Meat Loaf
A hearty and comforting meat loaf featuring tender ground beef blended with bread crumbs, applesauce, and subtle sage, topped with tangy catsup. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish offers a moist texture and savory flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, applesauce, salt, catsup, and sage in a bowl.
- Mix lightly with a fork until well blended.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a greased 8-inch square pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for one hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister meatloaf, try adding 1/4 cup of grated carrot or finely chopped onion to the mixture. If you're out of bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work as a substitute. To enhance flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or some finely chopped herbs like parsley. Don’t overmix the meat, as it can lead to a dense loaf.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Harvest Meat Loaf with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Best Ever Baked Beans for a heartier spread. Consider topping it with additional catsup or a tangy barbecue sauce for extra flavor. A fresh garden salad can also complement the dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice individual portions and warm them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or place the whole loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Harvest Meat Loaf contains roughly 327 calories, with 4g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 558mg per serving (24% 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 beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. However, it may result in a drier meatloaf, so consider adding a little more applesauce or a splash of broth to keep it moist.
What can I do if my meatloaf falls apart?
If your meatloaf is falling apart, it could be due to insufficient binding agents. Make sure to include enough bread crumbs or consider adding an egg to help hold the mixture together. Also, avoid overmixing, as that can create a crumbly texture.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
To check if the meatloaf is done, insert a meat thermometer into the center; it should read 160°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the center to ensure it’s no longer pink and the juices run clear.
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).