Meatloaf Puff
A savory meatloaf topped with fresh tomatoes and melted American cheese, finished with a creamy egg topping—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 3/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1-1/2 cups soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1-1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1-1/2 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and sliced ⓘ
- 6 slices American cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 3 egg whites ⓘ
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the beaten egg and milk.
- Stir in soft bread crumbs, chopped onion, 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Add ground beef and mix well.
- Pat the meat mixture into an 8 x 8 x 2 inch baking dish.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 25 minutes.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Arrange peeled and sliced tomato rounds on top of the partially baked meat loaf.
- Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
- Cover with slices of American cheese.
- Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form; set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine sour cream, flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a dash of pepper.
- Add egg yolks and beat until smooth.
- Fold in the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cheese-covered meat.
- Return to the oven and bake about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mixture for extra flavor. If you don't have American cheese, any melty cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella can be used. You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or oats if needed. For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef. Make sure the meatloaf is cooked through but not dry by checking with a meat thermometer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Meatloaf Puff with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comforting meal. A fresh garden salad can also complement the dish nicely. For a fun twist, drizzle some Don'S Barbecue Sauce over the slice before serving for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a light red wine or iced tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes to maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatloaf Puff contains roughly 648 calories, with 28g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 743mg per serving (32% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and assemble it in the baking dish a day in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Is it possible to freeze the Meatloaf Puff?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked meatloaf before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or a mix of cream cheese and milk to achieve a similar consistency. These alternatives will still provide the creamy texture needed for the topping without compromising the flavor.
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).