Meat Loaf Meal
A hearty meat loaf meal combining ground beef, vegetables, and a savory tomato soup sauce. This dish offers comforting flavors with tender meat and flavorful vegetables, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It’s easy to prepare and satisfying for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground hamburger and small onion in a skillet.
- Add the cooked meat and onion to a mixing bowl.
- Add the diced potatoes, carrots, diced celery, green beans, tomato soup, salt, and black pepper to the bowl and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you don't have green beans, frozen peas or corn can be great substitutes. For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey instead of hamburger. Adding herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the dish's aroma. This meatloaf can also be served with a side of Baked Beans With Meat for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat loaf with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a hearty bread. For a complete comfort food experience, complement the dish with a serving of American recipes like creamy coleslaw or cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meat loaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, ensuring it stays moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Loaf Meal contains roughly 865 calories, with 19g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), potassium (56% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 659mg per serving (29% 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 freeze the meat loaf before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked meat loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This is a great way to have a homemade meal ready when you need it.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can substitute it with a mixture of crushed tomatoes and a bit of sugar, or use homemade tomato sauce. This will give you a similar flavor profile while maintaining the moisture in the dish.
How do I know when the meat loaf is done?
The meat loaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the center. If you don't have one, ensure the meat is no longer pink and juices run clear when cut.
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).