Hurry-Up Meat Loaves
Hurry-Up Meat Loaves are a quick and satisfying dish featuring the savory flavors of ground chuck, onion, and barbecue sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, these loaves are easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground chuck, bread crumbs, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and evaporated milk in a bowl, stirring until the mixture is thoroughly blended.
- Shape the mixture into 6 loaves.
- Place the loaves on the rack of a greased broiler pan.
- Spoon barbecue sauce over the loaves.
Tips & Substitutions
For quicker prep, use pre-made breadcrumbs or swap in crushed crackers. If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce. To keep the meatloaves moist, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Ground turkey can be a lighter alternative, and you can experiment with different sauces like teriyaki for a unique flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat loaves with a side of mashed potatoes or creamy corn soup for a comforting meal. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables can add freshness to your plate. For a fun twist, pair them with No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies for dessert to round out your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meat loaves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them on a microwave-safe plate for 2-3 minutes, covered to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hurry-Up Meat Loaves contains roughly 249 calories, with 8g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1505mg per serving (65% 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 these meat loaves?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meat loaves. Shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding additional time as needed. Cooked meat loaves can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of evaporated milk?
You can substitute evaporated milk with a mixture of whole milk and heavy cream in equal parts. Alternatively, use almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free option, though the texture may vary slightly. Just ensure to adjust for sweetness if using flavored non-dairy milks.
How do I know when the meat loaves are done?
The meat loaves are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) as measured with a meat thermometer. They should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain their juices.
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).