Peggy Mcconnell'S Favorite Meat Loaf
A comforting meat loaf with savory flavors, incorporating tomato sauce, green pepper, and herbs, perfect for family dinners and versatile for casual or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, crushed saltine crackers, eggs, tomato sauce, chopped onion, chopped green pepper (if using), salt, crushed bay leaf, thyme, and marjoram in a bowl.
- Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Pat the mixture into a dish or loaf pan.
- Score the top with a spoon handle and fill the score marks with ketchup.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes or until cooked through.
- Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding Worcestershire sauce or a splash of soy sauce to the meat mixture. If you’re out of saltine crackers, crushed breadcrumbs or rolled oats can serve as great substitutes. For a twist, try incorporating finely chopped mushrooms or grated carrots for added moisture and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatloaf with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans for a comforting meal. A fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables can add a nice contrast. For a fun twist, slice the meatloaf and use it in a hearty sandwich, pairing beautifully with a side of potato chips.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and place it in a baking dish with a splash of beef broth or water, covering it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peggy Mcconnell'S Favorite Meat Loaf contains roughly 212 calories, with 5g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1370mg per serving (60% 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 ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that turkey may result in a drier meatloaf, so consider adding an extra egg or some finely chopped vegetables to retain moisture.
How can I prevent the meatloaf from falling apart?
Ensure that you mix the ingredients thoroughly to help bind them together. The eggs and crushed crackers serve as binders, but if your mixture seems too dry, add a bit more tomato sauce or a splash of milk to help hold it together.
Can I freeze meatloaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze the meatloaf before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store it in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
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).