Michael'S Favorite Meat Loaf
Michael's Favorite Meat Loaf is a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for family dinners. With its blend of ground chuck, oats, and a sweet tangy glaze, this meat loaf brings comfort to the table. It's ideal for those seeking a classic American meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground chuck, quick oats, chopped onion, ketchup, milk, eggs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Shape the mixture into 2 loaves (7 1/2 x 4-inch).
- Place loaves on a lightly greased rack in a broiler pan or glass Pyrex dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
- In the last 10 minutes of baking, mix remaining ketchup and brown sugar, and spread over the loaves.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. If you don't have ground chuck, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. For a gluten-free version, substitute quick oats with gluten-free oats. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as ovens can vary, and use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Michael's Favorite Meat Loaf with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Special Carrots for a touch of sweetness. For a quick lunch, try it in a sandwich with lettuce and tomato. A side of Quick Savory Popcorn can also make for a fun, casual dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatloaf slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. You can also microwave individual slices for quick meals, but be cautious not to overcook them.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Michael'S Favorite Meat Loaf contains roughly 398 calories, with 16g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (145% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1355mg per serving (59% 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 meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just remember to adjust the baking time if you're starting from a chilled state.
What can I substitute for ketchup in the glaze?
If you want to avoid ketchup, you can use barbecue sauce or a mix of tomato paste with a bit of vinegar and sugar for a similar sweet and tangy flavor. Adjust the sweetness to your taste.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The best way to check if your meatloaf is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. It should read at least 160°F in the center. Additionally, the meatloaf should feel firm to the touch and no longer have a pink center.
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).