Meat Loaf In Tomato Sauce With Macaroni
A hearty meat loaf in savory tomato sauce with macaroni, featuring robust herbs and Romano cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 Tbsp minced parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can tomato puree ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp dried basil ⓘ
- 8 oz large cut macaroni, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 6 oz dry Italian style bread, soaked in water, excess water squeezed out ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped coarse ⓘ
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz) cans broken-up tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup oil ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix lean ground beef, minced parsley, salt, pepper, grated Romano cheese, egg, soaked bread, and crushed garlic until thoroughly blended.
- Shape the mixture into a 15 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 1 1/2-inch loaf.
- In a Dutch oven or heavy pot with nonstick coating, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add the meat loaf and brown on all sides.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until lightly browned.
- Stir in tomato puree, broken-up canned tomatoes, tomato can water, dried basil, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, add cooked macaroni, and simmer uncovered for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese alongside the Romano. If you prefer a spicier kick, crushed red pepper flakes can enhance the sauce. To keep the meatloaf moist, ensure that the bread is thoroughly soaked but not overly soggy. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, which works well in beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This meatloaf pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. Consider serving it with steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, try it alongside Casserole Roma. A light red wine or a refreshing iced tea complements the dish well, enhancing its flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the meatloaf and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, and cover until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Loaf In Tomato Sauce With Macaroni contains roughly 404 calories, with 16g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value), iron (59% of the Daily Value), and potassium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1802mg per serving (78% 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 prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just shape it into a loaf when you're ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a tastier dish.
What can I use instead of tomato puree?
If you don't have tomato puree, crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce can be used as substitutes. Adjust the seasoning slightly, as these alternatives may be more watery. Ensure to simmer the sauce longer to achieve the desired thickness.
Can I freeze the meatloaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked meatloaf either whole or in slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).