Meat Loaf In Sauce
Juicy meat loaf in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with tangy mustard and brown sugar, perfect for comforting family dinners and versatile for various side dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the ground beef, beaten eggs, chopped onion, half of the tomato sauce, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and bread crumbs together well and put in a loaf pan.
- Mix the remaining half of the tomato sauce with the vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, and water.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meat in the loaf pan.
- Bake for 1 hour at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute. Feel free to add chopped bell peppers or garlic for extra depth. If you prefer a firmer texture, reduce the amount of water in the sauce mixture. This dish is a classic in American recipes and is best enjoyed fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comforting meal. A side salad can also brighten the plate. Drizzle any leftover sauce over the meatloaf when serving. For a twist, pair it with a tangy coleslaw or try it alongside Spiff Burgers for a hearty dinner.
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 for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Loaf In Sauce contains roughly 555 calories, with 10g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1400mg per serving (61% 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 beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. Just be aware that turkey is leaner, so you might want to add a little olive oil or adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavor. The cooking time may also vary slightly, so keep an eye on it.
How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The best way to check if the meatloaf is done is to use a meat thermometer. It should read 160°F in the center. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the center; the juices should run clear, and there should be no pink color remaining.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can bake it, let it cool, and freeze it for later use. Just remember to adjust the baking time if you're baking from frozen.
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).