Saucy Meat Loaves
Savory saucy meat loaves feature seasoned ground meat topped with a tangy tomato-based glaze, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground meat, bread crumbs, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup tomato sauce in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix well; shape into 6 individual meat loaves and place in a greased 9-inch square baking pan.
- Combine remaining 1/2 cup tomato sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and water; mix well.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meat loaves.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, try adding minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mixture. If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work as a substitute. Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens may vary; use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the saucy meat loaves with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A fresh garden salad pairs well to balance the richness. You can also enjoy them on a bun for a delicious meatloaf sandwich or serve alongside creamy sides like Leek And Potato Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover saucy meat loaves should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saucy Meat Loaves contains roughly 611 calories, with 13g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1531mg per serving (67% 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 a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you're looking for vegetarian recipes. Just adjust cooking times as needed, especially for leaner meats, to ensure they remain moist and flavorful.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add some heat to the sauce, consider incorporating a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes into the mixture. You can also use spicy mustard instead of prepared mustard for an extra kick, complementing the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Can I freeze the meat loaves?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked meat loaves before baking. Just shape them, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. When you're ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, ensuring thorough 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).