Plain Good Meat Loaf
A classic meat loaf with savory herbs and a sweet-spicy ketchup glaze, perfect for family dinners and comforting meals with rich flavors and moist texture.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 3/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons snipped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground sage ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or 1 pound ground beef and 1/2 pound ground veal ⓘ
- 1/2 cup catsup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine eggs and milk; stir in bread crumbs, onion, parsley, salt, sage, and pepper.
- Add ground beef and mix well.
- Pat mixture into an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/4 hours.
- Remove from oven and spoon off excess fat.
- Combine catsup, brown sugar, and dry mustard and spread over meat loaf.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider substituting some of the ground beef with ground turkey or adding finely grated zucchini. If you don't have dry mustard, yellow mustard can be used instead. To enhance flavor, sauté the onions before mixing them in. This recipe is versatile; feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or oregano for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This meat loaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort meal. For a lighter option, serve it with a fresh salad. You can also enjoy it in a sandwich with your choice of condiments. It's great for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meat loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, slice the meat loaf and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Plain Good Meat Loaf contains roughly 553 calories, with 24g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value) and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 993mg per serving (43% 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 meat loaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat loaf mixture and shape it in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to adjust the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of catsup?
If you don't have catsup, you can substitute with barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor, or a mix of tomato paste with a bit of sugar and vinegar for a similar tang. Adjust the quantities to taste, as these substitutes might alter the sweetness.
How do I know when the meat loaf is done?
The meat loaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer. Additionally, the meat loaf should be firm to the touch and have a nice golden-brown crust on the outside.
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).