My Mother'S Meat Loaf
A hearty homemade meatloaf with flavorful herbs, vegetables, and a tangy tomato sauce glaze, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups flavored bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. catsup ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon-style mustard ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. bottled horseradish ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried leaf thyme ⓘ
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/3 cup finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- pepper
- 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt (optional) ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan with foil and coat with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, catsup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, thyme, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, salt (if using), black pepper, and eggs.
- Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing gently to shape.
- Spread canned tomato sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider using Italian seasoned bread crumbs or adding grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture. If you're looking for a lighter option, try substituting half of the ground beef with ground turkey. When mixing, avoid overworking the meat to keep the loaf tender. For a twist, try adding diced mushrooms or olives for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatloaf with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal. A side of green beans or a fresh garden salad will add brightness. For a unique twist, try pairing with a slice of bread topped with your favorite condiments, similar to the style of Judy'S Special Burgers. Don't forget to drizzle extra tomato sauce over the top for added flavor!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot, which helps maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Mother'S Meat Loaf contains roughly 130 calories, with 6g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (113% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1403mg per serving (61% 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 this meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it in the loaf pan, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of vinegar for a similar tangy flavor. Alternatively, a combination of balsamic vinegar and a bit of ketchup can also work well in this recipe.
How can I tell if the meatloaf is done?
To check if your meatloaf is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the center; it should read 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. If you don't have a thermometer, ensure the meatloaf is browned on the outside and that the juices run clear when you cut into it.
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).