Mini Meat Loaves 'N Vegetables
Mini Meat Loaves 'N Vegetables offers a comforting, savory meal featuring tender ground beef loaves topped with rich tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. Paired with sliced potatoes and a colorful vegetable mix, it's perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings craving hearty, flavorful dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the ground beef, salt, egg, half of the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and half of the French fried onions in a bowl.
- In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, shape the mixture into three mini loaves.
- Arrange the sliced potatoes around the loaves.
- Cover the dish and bake at 375°F for 35 minutes.
- Add the thawed and drained vegetables around the loaves and stir to combine with the potatoes.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Spread the remaining tomato sauce over the loaves and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Top the loaves with the remaining fried onions and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding finely chopped onions or garlic to the meat mixture. If you want to reduce the fat content, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can substitute the frozen vegetable mix with fresh vegetables like green beans or carrots for a vibrant touch. Ensure the mini loaves are well-formed to prevent crumbling during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the mini meat loaves alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted carrots for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, pair them with mashed potatoes or a side of baked beans. This dish also pairs beautifully with Potato-Tomato Soup for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the mini meat loaves in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, covering them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mini Meat Loaves 'N Vegetables contains roughly 1287 calories, with 25g protein, 185g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (275% of the Daily Value), potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2527mg per serving (110% 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 freeze the mini meat loaves?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked mini meat loaves. Shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked from frozen, just add extra cooking time.
What can I use instead of French fried onions?
If you don't have French fried onions, you can use crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter for a similar crunchy topping. This will add texture and flavor to your mini meat loaves.
How do I know when the meat loaves are done?
The mini meat loaves are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. The juices should run clear, and the loaves should be firm to the touch.
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).