Mike'S Meat Loaf
Mike's Meat Loaf is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring ground chuck combined with vegetables and seasoned with Italian dressing mix, Worcestershire sauce, and chili sauce. Baked to perfection and topped with a savory catsup mixture, it’s ideal for comforting family dinners or gatherings that crave bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 pkg. Good Seasons Italian salad dressing mix ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 carrots, grated ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 c. bread crumbs ⓘ
- 3/4 bottle Heinz chili sauce ⓘ
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 c. catsup ⓘ
- 1/4 bottle chili sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except the last four and shape into a loaf.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and top the meat loaf with a mixture of catsup, chili sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Remove and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister meatloaf, consider adding a bit of milk or using ground turkey instead of ground chuck. If you want a bit of heat, try adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You can substitute the bread crumbs with crushed crackers or oats if desired. Experiment with different sauces, such as BBQ sauce, for a unique flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
Mike's Meat Loaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort meal. For a lighter touch, serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables. You might also enjoy it with a dollop of gravy or a side of Heinz chili sauce for extra flavor. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatloaf should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mike'S Meat Loaf contains roughly 355 calories, with 10g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (154% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (68% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2023mg 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 other types of meat for this meatloaf?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of meats like pork and beef for a different flavor profile. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as leaner meats may require less time.
What can I do if my meatloaf is too dry?
If your meatloaf turns out dry, try adding a splash of broth or a bit more Worcestershire sauce next time. You can also wrap it in bacon before baking for added moisture and flavor.
Can I freeze meatloaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked or cooked meatloaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
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).