Marie'S Favorite Meat Loaf
A hearty meatloaf with savory beef and bread crumbs, perfect for comforting family dinners and adaptable to various flavors and sides.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, dissolve the beef bouillon cube in boiling water.
- Add the beaten egg, bread crumbs, dry powdered milk, chopped onion, salt, and basil.
- Add the hamburger and mix well.
- Pat the mixture into a loaf pan or shape into a loaf in a shallow baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 50 to 60 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like basil or oregano into the meat mixture. You can substitute the nonfat dry milk powder with regular milk if preferred, but adjust the liquid accordingly. If you want a more moist meatloaf, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce. For a twist, consider incorporating grated cheese or finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Marie's Favorite Meat Loaf with mashed potatoes and a side of Tart Green Beans With Bacon for a comforting meal. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a lighter option. For a heartier dinner, consider serving it alongside Baked Beans With Franks for a delicious combination.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the meatloaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. For reheating, slice the meatloaf and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marie'S Favorite Meat Loaf contains roughly 506 calories, with 20g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2383mg per serving (104% 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 hamburger?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the hamburger in this recipe. Just be aware that turkey is leaner, so you might want to add a bit of olive oil or adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavor. The cooking time may also vary slightly, so check for doneness.
How can I tell when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The best way to check if the meatloaf is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of the loaf; it should read 160°F. If you don't have a thermometer, you can cut into the center to ensure that the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
Can I freeze meatloaf?
Absolutely! To freeze, cool the meatloaf completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake at 350°F until heated through.
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).