Homestyle Meat Loaf(Makes Its Own Gravy.)
Homestyle meat loaf with savory flavors, topped with its own rich gravy, perfect for comforting family dinners and hearty meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix together ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs, diced onion, and diced green pepper in a large bowl.
- Work the mixture as little as possible to prevent tough meat.
- Press the mixture into a loaf shape in a baking dish.
- Pour the can of tomato soup and water over the meatloaf to create its own gravy.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes or until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
To keep your meatloaf tender, avoid overmixing the ingredients; just combine them until evenly distributed. If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can serve as a great substitute. For added flavor, consider mixing in some Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder. This dish can also be adapted with different meats, such as ground turkey or pork, while still maintaining its homestyle charm.
Serving Suggestions
For a comforting meal, serve the meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. The savory gravy pairs beautifully with buttery corn on the side. Consider making a simple salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. This dish is perfect for family dinners and leftovers make a great sandwich filling for lunch the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and place it in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat slices in an oven set to 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homestyle Meat Loaf(Makes Its Own Gravy.) contains roughly 1555 calories, with 37g protein, 289g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value), protein (74% of the Daily Value), and iron (65% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1508mg per serving (66% 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 freeze meatloaf before cooking?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked meatloaf. Just shape it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of ketchup and water or even a homemade tomato sauce. This will still give you that rich, tomato flavor needed for the gravy.
How do I know when meatloaf is fully cooked?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F. If you don't have a thermometer, you can cut into the center; the meat should be brown with no pink remaining.
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).