Meat Loaf With Pecan Stuffing
A hearty meat loaf filled with crunchy pecan stuffing, offering a savory blend of flavors perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup white bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fat ⓘ
- 2 cups whole wheat bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 cup meat stock or water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, salt, Worcestershire sauce, white bread crumbs, milk, and eggs. Mix thoroughly.
- Place half of this mixture in the bottom of a greased loaf pan.
- Combine one egg, fat, whole wheat bread crumbs, chopped celery, black pepper, and meat stock or water. Mix well.
- Add chopped pecans to this mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Spread the pecan stuffing on top of the meat mixture in the loaf pan.
- Arrange the remaining meat mixture on top of the pecan stuffing.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours.
- Cool slightly before removing from the pan and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist meatloaf, ensure the ground beef has a good fat content, ideally around 80/20. If you want a gluten-free version, substitute the bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats. Adding herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor. You can also experiment with different nuts instead of pecans for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This meatloaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort meal. A side salad or roasted vegetables can add freshness to the plate. For a heartier option, consider serving it with a side of mac and cheese or a slice of crusty bread. It also goes well with a tangy barbecue sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice individual portions and warm in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or cover the entire loaf with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Loaf With Pecan Stuffing contains roughly 762 calories, with 36g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), protein (72% of the Daily Value), and iron (68% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 909mg per serving (40% 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 turkey instead of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. Just make sure to add a bit more fat, such as olive oil, to keep the turkey moist. The cooking time may be slightly less, so check for doneness around 1 hour.
How can I prevent my meatloaf from falling apart?
To help your meatloaf hold its shape, ensure you mix the ingredients thoroughly and avoid overworking the meat. The eggs act as a binder, so don’t skip them. If it's still crumbly, try adding an extra egg or a bit more bread crumbs to the mixture.
What can I serve with leftover meatloaf?
Leftover meatloaf is incredibly versatile. You can slice it for sandwiches, serve it with a side of salad, or even crumble it into a pasta dish. It also works well in a meatloaf hash with potatoes and veggies for a hearty breakfast option.
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).