Mary'S Meatloaf Casserole
A hearty meatloaf casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, topped with a flavorful ketchup glaze, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 3 lb ground chuck ⓘ
- 2 packages Lipton onion soup mix
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 3/4 cup onion, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cup cracker crumbs or seasoned bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons celery salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Tabasco sauce to taste
- 8 to 10 small red potatoes, peeled ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces ⓘ
- 5 quart baking dish ⓘ
- Cooking spray ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a 5-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- Place the ground chuck in the dish and make a well in the middle of the meat.
- Add all ingredients except potatoes and carrots to the well.
- Mix thoroughly with hands until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a lengthwise loaf in the center of the dish.
- Spread approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of ketchup on top of the loaf.
- Sprinkle ground black pepper over the ketchup.
- Sprinkle additional salt and pepper on the bottom sides of the meatloaf.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding chopped mushrooms or grated carrots to the meat mixture. If you're out of cracker crumbs, crushed cornflakes or oatmeal can work as substitutes. Adjust the Tabasco sauce to your heat preference, and try adding Worcestershire sauce for extra depth. Ensure the meatloaf is cooked through for optimal texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatloaf casserole with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or a baked potato pairs beautifully with this dish, allowing you to soak up the delicious ketchup topping. For a comforting side, try serving with Easy Cinnamon-Raisin Biscuits to complement the savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This dish also freezes well; wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Meatloaf Casserole contains roughly 1298 calories, with 30g protein, 290g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (251% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (197% of the Daily Value), and iron (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 chuck?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. However, keep in mind that it may result in a drier texture, so consider adding a bit more moisture with extra ketchup or sauce.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
To ensure the meatloaf is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 160°F. Alternatively, the juices should run clear when cut into, and the meat should no longer be pink.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just form the loaf in the baking dish and bake it when you're ready to serve. This saves time on busy nights!
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).