Murf'S Favorite Meatloaf
A hearty meatloaf with rich flavors of Worcestershire, tomato sauce, and fresh vegetables, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Lean Ground Beef ⓘ
- 4-5 Slices of Bread ⓘ
- 2 Eggs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup Milk ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce ⓘ
- 1/3 cup Tomato Sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Green Pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Clove Garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup White Onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Rosemary ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Thyme ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Marjoram ⓘ
- Salt and Pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Shred bread and add milk; soak for 2-5 minutes.
- Combine all remaining ingredients except ground beef and pickapeppa with the bread and milk mixture. Mix well with your hands.
- Add ground beef to the mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking pan.
- Glaze the top of the loaf with pickapeppa sauce.
- Bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist meatloaf, ensure the bread is well-soaked in milk, and don't overmix the beef to keep it tender. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option. Adding grated carrots or zucchini can enhance moisture and nutrition, similar to what you'd find in a Veggie Meat Loaf. Adjust spices according to your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Murf's Favorite Meatloaf with classic sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or roasted Brussels sprouts. For a twist, try it with homemade barbecue sauce for a different flavor profile. Consider serving with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. This way, it stays flavorful, similar to the way you'd reheat a Speedy Shepherd'S Pie.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Murf'S Favorite Meatloaf contains roughly 675 calories, with 11g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (105% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1791mg per serving (78% 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 lean turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute lean ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. Just be aware that turkey may require additional seasoning due to its milder flavor. Adjust spices and consider adding a bit more moisture, like extra tomato sauce, to keep the meatloaf juicy.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate reading. Alternatively, you can cut into the center; the juices should run clear, and there should be no pink in the meat.
Can I freeze meatloaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze the meatloaf either before or after baking. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.
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).