J. R.'S Meat Loaf
J.R.'s Meat Loaf is a hearty, flavorful dish combining ground beef and pork with herbs and vegetables, baked to perfection. Its savory taste and moist texture make it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special occasions, offering comforting and satisfying flavors in every slice.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb ground pork ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp sage
- 1 tsp monosodium glutamate (optional) ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp thyme ⓘ
- 4 cups bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water or bouillon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley or 2 1/2 tsp dried parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix ground beef, ground pork, pepper, salt, sage, monosodium glutamate (if using), beaten eggs, thyme, bread crumbs, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, water or bouillon, and parsley in a large bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Shape the mixture into a jelly roll on a sheet of aluminum foil.
- Wrap the roll in foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider including a grated carrot or zucchini into the mixture. If you're out of bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oatmeal can serve as effective substitutes. To elevate flavor, try adding Worcestershire sauce or barbecue sauce. For a spice kick, mix in some hot sauce or diced jalapeños. Make sure the meatloaf is well combined but don't overmix to keep it tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat loaf with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort meal. A tangy barbecue sauce drizzled on top enhances the flavor. It also pairs beautifully with Cheesy Beef Cornbread for a hearty feast. For a lighter option, consider a fresh garden salad on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of J. R.'S Meat Loaf contains roughly 888 calories, with 26g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value) and protein (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1302mg per serving (57% 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 only ground beef instead of the mix with pork?
Yes, you can certainly use just ground beef if you prefer. However, combining it with ground pork adds moisture and flavor. If you go with only beef, consider adding a bit more liquid or fat, like an extra egg or some milk, to maintain the meatloaf's texture.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, shape it and place it in the oven. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld together for a tastier dish.
What can I do if my meatloaf is too dry?
If your meatloaf turns out dry, consider adding a sauce on top, such as ketchup or barbecue sauce, during the last 15 minutes of baking. Additionally, serving it with a rich gravy or a side of Beef Tips And Gravy can help enhance moisture and flavor.
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).