Meat Loaf In Clay Pot
A hearty meat loaf baked in a clay pot with vegetables, infused with savory flavors and topped with catsup, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the clay pot in cold water for 20 minutes.
- Combine hamburger, dry onion soup mix, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, catsup, garlic salt, pepper, crushed buns (if using), and cornflakes or bread slices.
- Form the mixture into a loaf and place it in an oven-safe casserole.
- Arrange green peppers, carrots, and potatoes around the meat loaf.
- Pour a little catsup on top of the meat loaf.
- Place the casserole in a cold oven, then turn the oven to 425°F and bake for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture. If you don't have dry onion soup mix, you can substitute it with a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Using crushed crackers instead of buns can also add a lovely crunch. This meat loaf pairs beautifully with Donna'S Baked Beans for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat loaf with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal. A fresh garden salad can help balance the richness of the dish. For a complete dinner, consider pairing it with E-Z Barbecue Pork Chops for a delightful variety of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Loaf In Clay Pot contains roughly 426 calories, with 8g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (41% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1367mg per serving (59% 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 or chicken instead of hamburger?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger. Just be aware that these leaner meats may require slightly less cooking time and can benefit from added moisture, such as a bit of broth or additional Worcestershire sauce.
What can I use instead of clay pot?
If you don't have a clay pot, you can use any oven-safe casserole dish. Just ensure that it is covered or tightly sealed with foil to keep the moisture in while baking the meat loaf.
Can I freeze the meat loaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked meat loaf before baking, or freeze leftovers after cooking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, bake at 425°F until fully cooked, adding extra time as needed.
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).