Little Meat Loaves
Juicy, savory little meat loaves combining ground meats and mashed potatoes, baked in a flavorful broth, perfect for hearty family dinners or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the ground chuck, ground ham, and mashed potatoes together in a bowl.
- Add the beaten eggs and condensed milk to the mixture and mix well.
- Work in the dry bread crumbs or crushed Wheaties until evenly incorporated.
- Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Form the mixture into small loaves about 3 inches long and 2 inches wide.
- Place the loaves in rows in a buttered coffee cake tin.
- Pour the water with dissolved bouillon cubes over the loaves in the tin.
- Cover the tin with aluminum foil.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture and flavor, consider mixing in some finely chopped onions or bell peppers. If you don't have ground ham, ground turkey can be a lighter substitute. Adjust the seasoning to your taste; adding garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavor profile. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the loaves to ensure they are cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat loaves with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a comforting meal. They pair nicely with a fresh salad or the Chili Pepper Potato Salad for a zesty contrast. For a complete dinner, consider offering a slice of homemade bread or a light dipping sauce like BBQ or gravy on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meat loaves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but this may affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Little Meat Loaves contains roughly 970 calories, with 38g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (77% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), and iron (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2940mg per serving (128% 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 the little meat loaves?
Yes, you can freeze the little meat loaves before or after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.
What can I use instead of bread crumbs?
If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed crackers, oatmeal, or even cooked rice can serve as effective alternatives. Each will add a different texture, so choose based on your preference and what you have on hand.
How do I know when the meat loaves are done cooking?
The meat loaves are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Additionally, the loaves should be browned on the outside and firm to the touch.
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).