Marie'S Meat Loaf
A hearty meatloaf with a sweet and tangy topping, featuring ground beef, bread crumbs, and aromatic spices, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add milk and bread crumbs to the beaten egg and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Combine the mixture with ground beef, grated onion, salt, sage, and pepper; then form into a loaf.
- Place the meat loaf in a greased loaf pan.
- Mix brown sugar, catsup, nutmeg, and mustard together to make the topping.
- Pour the topping over the meat loaf.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture and flavor, consider substituting half of the ground beef with ground turkey or pork. If you don’t have dry bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or oats. Allow the meat mixture to rest before shaping it into a loaf; this helps the flavors meld together. For a twist, add some grated cheese or chopped bell peppers to the mix.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat loaf with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic meal. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside a slice of garlic bread. This dish is perfect for family dinners and can easily be featured in your collection of American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meat loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the meat loaf and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marie'S Meat Loaf contains roughly 741 calories, with 7g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1221mg per serving (53% 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 meat loaf?
Yes, you can freeze the meat loaf before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. To bake from frozen, add an extra 15-30 minutes to the cooking time at 350°F. If freezing after baking, slice it for easy portioning.
What can I use instead of catsup?
If you don’t have catsup, you can use barbecue sauce or a homemade mix of tomato paste, vinegar, and a bit of sugar. These alternatives can provide a similar sweetness and tang that enhances the meat loaf's flavor profile.
How do I know when the meat loaf is done?
The meat loaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. You can check this using a meat thermometer inserted into the center. Additionally, the meat loaf should be firm to the touch and the juices should run clear when cut.
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).