Mini Meat Loaves And Vegetables
Mini meat loaves served with seasoned vegetables and crispy onions, offering hearty flavors perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with a comforting, savory profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a medium bowl, combine ground chuck, egg, half of the tomato sauce, half of the French fried onions, salt, and Italian seasoning.
- Shape the mixture into 3 mini meat loaves and place them in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the sliced red potatoes around the meat loaves.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for 35 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spoon the thawed and drained vegetables around the meat loaves; stir to combine with potatoes.
- Lightly season vegetables with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Top the meat loaves with the remaining tomato sauce.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the meat loaves are cooked through.
- Top the loaves with the remaining French fried onions and bake uncovered for 3 minutes until onions are golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider mixing in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or ketchup into the meat mixture. If you don’t have Durkee French fried onions, crushed crackers or breadcrumbs can be a suitable substitute for a crispy topping. Feel free to swap the frozen vegetable combination with any fresh or seasonal vegetables from your pantry for a personalized touch.
Serving Suggestions
These mini meat loaves are delicious served with a side salad or warm, crusty bread like Johnny'S Corn Bread. For a complete meal, consider pairing with mashed potatoes or a creamy mac and cheese. They also pair beautifully with Bernie'S Apple Crisp for a delightful finish to your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meat loaves and vegetables in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mini Meat Loaves And Vegetables contains roughly 1186 calories, with 34g protein, 208g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (67% of the Daily Value), iron (47% of the Daily Value), and potassium (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 mini meat loaves ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture and shape the loaves a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve. This makes for a convenient meal option during busy weeknights.
Can I freeze the mini meat loaves?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked mini meat loaves. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of ground chuck?
If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground chuck. Just be mindful that these meats may require additional seasoning or moisture, so consider adding an extra egg or a bit of broth to maintain the desired texture.
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).