Herb Meat Loaf
Herb Meat Loaf combines savory ground beef and sausage with aromatic herbs and a rich tomato-based sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. lean sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 onion, grated ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 rib celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Accent
- 6 oz. chili sauce
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 cup herb seasoned stuffing mix ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce
- 16 oz. can tomatoes ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped onion saturated in 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare the meat mixture by combining ground beef, lean sausage, grated onion, garlic salt, chopped celery, beaten egg, and chopped saturated onion in butter.
- Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the sauce by mixing chili sauce, milk, herb seasoned stuffing mix, pepper, tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, and tomato paste.
- For a spicier sauce, mix ingredients thoroughly.
- Pour the sauce over the meat loaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes or until fully cooked and browned on top.
- Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist meatloaf, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or using ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option. If you don’t have herb seasoned stuffing mix, breadcrumbs seasoned with Italian herbs can work in a pinch. For additional flavor, sauté the celery and onion before adding them to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the herb meat loaf with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside the Easy Chili Mac Dish for a delightful combo.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover herb meat loaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave on medium power until warmed through, or cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herb Meat Loaf contains roughly 883 calories, with 21g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (92% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (91% of the Daily Value), and calcium (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 648mg per serving (28% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that turkey may require additional seasoning to enhance the flavor, so consider adding more herbs or spices.
How do I know when the meat loaf is fully cooked?
To ensure the meat loaf is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 160°F. Additionally, the top should be nicely browned, and juices should run clear when you slice into it.
Can I freeze the meat loaf?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked meat loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).