Mom'S Best Meat Loaf
Mom's Best Meat Loaf offers a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender ground beef infused with onions, green pepper, and a blend of spices. Topped with ketchup, it's perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, delivering comfort with a savory, slightly spiced profile that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, milk, egg, bread crumbs, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, ketchup, salt, horseradish, sugar, allspice, and dill weed; mix well.
- Press the mixture into an ungreased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Drizzle ketchup over the top of the loaf.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until no pink remains.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra moisture, consider adding a grated carrot or zucchini to the meat mixture. If you prefer a different flavor profile, try substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use crushed crackers instead of bread crumbs for a different texture. If you want to change up the spices, adding a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the flavor. Serve with your favorite condiment for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the meatloaf and serve it with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a comforting meal. It also pairs beautifully with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. For a fun twist, create a Meat Loaf Barbecue Style by adding your favorite barbecue sauce on top before serving. Leftovers make great sandwiches the next day, too!
Storage & Reheating
Allow the meatloaf to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and place it in a baking dish covered with foil, warming it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Best Meat Loaf contains roughly 440 calories, with 8g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 643mg per serving (28% 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 this meatloaf?
Yes, you can freeze this meatloaf both cooked and uncooked. To freeze uncooked meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. For cooked meatloaf, ensure it cools completely, then slice and store in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have bread crumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice as a substitute. Each option will add a slightly different texture to the meatloaf, so choose based on your preference. Just ensure that the substitute is finely crushed or ground to help bind the ingredients together.
How can I tell when the meatloaf is done?
The best way to check if the meatloaf is done is to use a meat thermometer. It should read at least 160°F (70°C) in the center. Additionally, ensure there is no pink meat and the juices run clear. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also cut into the center to check for doneness.
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).