Lily'S Meat Loaf
Lily's Meat Loaf features tender ground beef mixed with grated potato and onion, seasoned with crushed salty crackers and topped with ketchup. Baked to perfection, it's a hearty, flavorful dish ideal for family dinners and leftovers make delicious sandwiches, offering comfort and a nostalgic homemade taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix ground beef, beaten egg, grated potato, grated onion, crushed salty crackers, ketchup, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.
- Scoop up portions of the mixture and form into balls about the size of a baseball.
- Place the meatballs in a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Pour approximately 1 cup of water into the pan.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until the meat is browned.
- Remove from oven, drain off grease and water.
- Squirt ketchup over each meatball and return to the oven for about 5 minutes until ketchup is set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding Worcestershire sauce or your favorite herbs to the meat mixture. If you don't have salty crackers, breadcrumbs can work as a substitute, though adjust the liquid slightly. Ensure the meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking. Try making mini meatloaf muffins for a fun presentation, reminiscent of the Colossal Cheeseburger.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lily's Meat Loaf with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comforting meal. A fresh garden salad can provide a nice crunch and balance. For a unique take, serve it with a side of Sloppy Joe Sandwiches (Cooking For A Crowd) for a fun mix of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. For best results, avoid reheating more than once.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lily'S Meat Loaf contains roughly 775 calories, with 26g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (52% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1103mg per serving (48% 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 ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef in this recipe. However, it is typically leaner, so consider adding a bit of olive oil or a small amount of bacon to keep the meatloaf moist.
What can I use if I don't have ketchup?
If you don't have ketchup, you can substitute with barbecue sauce or a mixture of tomato sauce and a bit of vinegar and sugar. This will give a similar tangy sweetness to the meatballs.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture and form the meatballs a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Alternatively, you can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
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).