Meat Loaf(Quantity)
A hearty meat loaf combining savory ground beef with vegetables and a rich bacon topping, perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering comforting flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place ground beef in a large mixing bowl.
- Finely chop onions, green pepper, and celery.
- Add chopped vegetables to the meat.
- Add all other ingredients including eggs, milk, dry soup mix, vegetable flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly to combine, adding milk last to achieve a moist, but workable consistency.
- Shape the mixture into three loaves.
- Place a strip of bacon on top of each loaf.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Serve with gravy made from pan scrapings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, try adding some chopped garlic or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the mixture. If you don't have dry vegetable flakes, you can substitute with finely shredded carrots or zucchini. Ensure the meat mixture is moist but not too wet; you can adjust the milk quantity as needed. This meat loaf pairs beautifully with Beef 'N Cabbage Casserole for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat loaf slices topped with rich gravy made from pan scrapings for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal. A fresh side salad can add a refreshing balance. For a different take, serve alongside Meatballs With Lemon Sauce to explore diverse flavors on your table.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the meat loaf cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, slice the meat loaf and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Loaf(Quantity) contains roughly 1298 calories, with 66g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 89g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (133% of the Daily Value), iron (47% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2013mg per serving (88% 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; however, turkey tends to be drier. To keep it moist, consider adding an extra egg or a bit more milk. Season it well to enhance the flavor, as turkey is milder than beef.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free meat loaf, you can substitute the Lipton beef onion soup with a gluten-free onion soup mix or create your own with onion powder, garlic powder, and beef broth. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
What can I do with leftover meat loaf?
Leftover meat loaf can be repurposed in various ways. Slice it for sandwiches, crumble it into a pasta sauce, or dice it for a hearty breakfast hash. You can also freeze individual slices for easy meals later.
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).