Roast Meat Loaf
A hearty roast meat loaf packed with flavorful herbs and oats, perfect for comforting family dinners and versatile enough to serve with various sides.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat eggs slightly with a fork.
- Stir in milk, oats, salt, monosodium glutamate, savory leaves, pepper, and parsley; set aside.
- In a hot skillet, sauté onion in butter until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the sautéed onion to the egg mixture, along with the ground chuck.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Line a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan with waxed paper. Turn the meat mixture into the pan, packing it down well.
- Refrigerate, covered, for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully turn out the meat loaf onto a shallow baking pan, keeping its original shape.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the glaze as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in shredded cheese or diced bell peppers into the meat mixture. If you don't have ground chuck, ground turkey or beef can be great substitutes. You can also use rolled oats instead of quick oats if necessary. Be sure to pack the meat mixture tightly in the loaf pan to maintain its shape during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the roast meat loaf with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Tossed Salad With Pine Nuts In Dill-Garlic Dressing for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier option, consider serving it with Aunt Lee'S Garlic Cheese Grits on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover roast meat loaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the meat loaf and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roast Meat Loaf contains roughly 477 calories, with 9g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value), and iron (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1262mg per serving (55% 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 freeze the meat loaf?
Yes, you can freeze the meat loaf before or after baking. If freezing before, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. If already baked, slice it and freeze individual portions for easy meals later.
What can I use instead of eggs?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). These alternatives will help bind the ingredients together just like eggs do.
How do I know when the meat loaf is done?
The best way to check if your meat loaf is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. It should register at least 160°F (70°C) in the center. If you don't have a thermometer, check that the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
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).