Meat Loaf Chowder
A hearty and comforting chowder featuring savory meatballs, tomatoes, beans, and rice, perfect for warming up family dinners with rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, sausage, egg, salt, and pepper thoroughly and form into small meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs in a 350°F oven until done.
- Bring water to a boil and add the onion soup mix.
- Let the soup simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Add the cooked meatballs, stewed tomatoes, drained kidney beans, and drained diced carrots to the soup.
- Simmer all ingredients, covered, for 15 minutes.
- Add 1 cup of Minute rice, remove from heat, and let stand covered for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked meatballs can be substituted for homemade ones. You can also use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef and sausage for a lighter option. To enhance the soup, add herbs like thyme or basil. This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover BBQ meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Meat Loaf Chowder with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner. For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated cheese on top before serving. This dish is perfect for chilly nights and is sure to satisfy the whole family.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chowder on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Loaf Chowder contains roughly 1334 calories, with 61g protein, 209g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (121% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (109% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (105% 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 other types of beans in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans based on your preference. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the chowder for the best flavor and texture.
What can I serve with Meat Loaf Chowder?
This chowder is quite filling on its own, but it pairs nicely with garlic bread or a light vegetable side dish. You might also enjoy it alongside a fresh salad to complement the hearty flavors of the soup.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the meat and replace it with plant-based meat alternatives or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of water, and ensure your soup mix is vegetarian-friendly for a delicious meat-free chowder.
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).