Ranch Meat Loaf
A savory meatloaf with a flavorful ranch twist, featuring a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze that appeals to families and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine bread slices, chopped onion, grated carrot, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Add hamburger to the mixture and mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased loaf pan or shape into a loaf on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix milk, brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup to make the glaze.
- Pour the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the hamburger. If you don't have fresh bread, dried breadcrumbs work too. Adding herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance the flavor. Be sure to finely chop the onion and carrot to ensure even cooking. For a twist, consider mixing in some shredded cheese for added richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ranch meatloaf with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal. A side salad, such as Peggy'S Salad, adds a fresh contrast to the richness of the meatloaf. For a fun twist, consider topping with additional ketchup or barbecue sauce before serving, and enjoy with a slice of crusty bread.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave reheating is also possible but may dry it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ranch Meat Loaf contains roughly 866 calories, with 14g protein, 173g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (34% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1092mg per serving (47% 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 different types of meat for this meatloaf?
Yes, you can use a mixture of meats such as ground beef, pork, or turkey. Each type will add its own flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment with ratios to find your preferred blend.
What can I do if my meatloaf is too dry?
If your meatloaf turns out dry, it may be due to overcooking. To keep it moist next time, add more liquid ingredients like milk or use a higher fat content ground meat. You can also incorporate grated vegetables to add moisture.
How can I make a gluten-free version of this meatloaf?
To make a gluten-free ranch meatloaf, substitute the bread with gluten-free bread or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure that all other ingredients, like sauces and seasonings, are also gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
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).