Meat Loaf With Tomatoes
A hearty meat loaf with a flavorful tomato sauce, combining ground meat, oats, vegetables, and cheese for a satisfying family meal with a savory kick.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 can water ⓘ
- 1/4 to 3/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 to 3/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. allspice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. brown or white sugar ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef or mixture of beef, veal, and pork ⓘ
- 1/2 cup rolled oats or bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sharp cheese, grated or diced ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the ground beef, rolled oats or bread crumbs, diced green pepper, diced onion, and grated or diced cheese together.
- Add 1/2 cup or more tomato sauce to the mixture, mixing well.
- Shape the mixture into a meat loaf or pack into a loaf pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- If using veal-beef-pork mixture, bake at 325°F (160°C) for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve with extra tomato sauce on individual portions.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce works as a great substitute. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Adjust the garlic powder and oregano according to your taste preference; skipping the crushed red pepper can make it family-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this meat loaf with a generous drizzle of extra tomato sauce on top for added flavor. Pair it with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It also goes well with steamed vegetables or baked beans, making it a versatile option for family dinners. For a twist, consider serving it alongside the Hamburger Balls And Gravy.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the meat loaf cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual slices for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Loaf With Tomatoes contains roughly 701 calories, with 21g protein, 170g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (200% of the Daily Value), and calcium (141% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2145mg per serving (93% 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 a different type of meat for this meat loaf?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or even a blend of meats like veal and pork. Each will give a unique flavor and texture, allowing you to customize the dish to your liking.
How can I make this meat loaf gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the rolled oats or bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives such as almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure that your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat.
What can I serve with meat loaf?
Meat loaf pairs wonderfully with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad. For a hearty meal, consider serving it with baked potatoes or macaroni and cheese. You might also enjoy it with a side of roasted vegetables for added nutrition.
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).