One-Apiece Meat Loaves
Flavorful meat loaves with fresh cucumber garnish, combining savory beef, melted cheese, and crisp vegetables for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinner or casual occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the cucumber.
- Cut the cucumber lengthwise in half.
- Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds from each cucumber half.
- Coarsely shred enough cucumber to make 1 cup.
- Slice remaining cucumber to use as garnish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cucumber, ground beef, bread crumbs, grated onion, salt, pepper, and egg.
- Divide the meat mixture into 4 portions.
- Unwrap 4 slices of process cheese and fold each into chunks approximately 1 1/2 x 3/4 x 1/2 inches.
- Shape each portion of meat around a cheese chunk, forming 4 oval loaves about 2 inches long.
- Arrange the loaves in a 12 x 8-inch baking dish.
- Cover the dish with wax paper.
- Cook on medium-high (70% power) for 9 minutes.
- Remove the wax paper and rotate the dish a half turn; top each loaf with a slice of cheese.
- Cook on medium-high for an additional 2 minutes.
- Let the meat loaves stand for 3 minutes.
- Remove the loaves from the baking dish and place on a warm plate.
- Garnish with cucumber slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For a bit of extra flavor, consider adding some herbs like parsley or dill to the meat mixture. If you don’t have fresh bread crumbs, you can use store-bought ones or even crushed crackers as a substitute. Additionally, try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Pair the meat loaves with a side salad for a complete meal, reminiscent of classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat loaves warm with the cucumber slices arranged on the side for a refreshing crunch. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a light pasta dish. For a complete meal, consider serving with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. This dish also goes well with a side of Mom'S Cheese Dip for a creamy contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the loaves in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of One-Apiece Meat Loaves contains roughly 593 calories, with 13g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2425mg per serving (105% 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 these meat loaves ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture and shape the loaves a day in advance. Store them in the fridge, covered, until you're ready to cook. Just add a few minutes to the cooking time if they are cold when you start.
What can I use instead of processed cheese?
If you prefer, you can use shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese as a substitute for processed cheese. Just be aware that different cheeses may melt differently, so adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure they are melded nicely.
Can I freeze the meat loaves?
Yes, these meat loaves freeze well. After shaping them, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
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).