Mrs. Lewis' Meat Loaf
A hearty meatloaf with rich flavors, topped with ketchup, and complemented by steamed carrots, potatoes, and optional cauliflower for a complete comfort meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the electric skillet and prepare the ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chuck, crumbled crackers, chopped onion, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the electric skillet.
- Cover the top of the loaf with ketchup.
- Add carrots, potatoes, and optional cauliflower around the loaf in the skillet.
- Pour water into the skillet and steam cook for 1.5 hours until the meatloaf is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some Worcestershire sauce or mustard into the meat mixture. If you don't have crackers, breadcrumbs or oatmeal can work as a substitute. To enhance the texture, finely chop the optional pepper and mix it in. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, as ground chuck can vary in flavor intensity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mrs. Lewis' Meat Loaf with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a hearty meal. It pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or roasted veggies, and for a unique twist, consider serving it alongside a Stuffed Baked Potato. Leftovers can be used in sandwiches for a delicious lunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Lewis' Meat Loaf contains roughly 242 calories, with 7g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (209% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 538mg per serving (23% 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 a different type of meat for this meatloaf?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but keep in mind that they may result in a drier meatloaf. Adding a bit more moisture through vegetables or sauces can help maintain flavor and texture.
What can I do to prevent my meatloaf from falling apart?
Ensure that you are using the right ratio of binding agents, such as eggs and crackers. Mixing the ingredients thoroughly helps create a cohesive mixture. Additionally, avoid overmixing, as it can lead to a dense texture.
Can I freeze meatloaf for later use?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooked and cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
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).