Stuffed Meat Loaf Squares And Parmesan Potatoes
Savory stuffed meat loaf squares paired with golden Parmesan potatoes create a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, combining cheesy, spinach-filled goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare two 8-inch square baking dishes.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, one-third of the ketchup, milk, and egg until well blended.
- Pat half of the meat mixture into the bottom of one baking dish.
- Sprinkle with a layer of chopped spinach, then shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Pat the remaining meat mixture on top of the spinach and cheese layer, then spread the remaining ketchup over the top.
- Place butter in the other baking dish and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until melted.
- Remove from oven and cut potatoes in half lengthwise.
- Dip the cut side of each potato into the melted butter, then press into grated Parmesan cheese.
- Place the Parmesan-coated potato halves, cheese side up, in the baking dish with melted butter.
- Bake the meat loaf and potatoes side by side for 30 to 35 minutes until the meat is no longer pink near the center and the potatoes are tender and golden brown on top.
- Remove from oven and cut the meat loaf into four squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and use whole wheat bread crumbs. If you don't have spinach, kale or Swiss chard work well too. You can also add herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor. Make sure to press the meat mixture firmly into the dish to maintain the shape during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed meat loaf squares with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Parmesan Potatoes, creating a hearty, satisfying dinner. Consider a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top for added flavor, or serve with a tangy dipping sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Reheating in the microwave is also an option, but may result in a softer texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Meat Loaf Squares And Parmesan Potatoes contains roughly 1089 calories, with 37g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (78% of the Daily Value), protein (75% of the Daily Value), and calcium (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 975mg per serving (42% 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 stuffed meat loaf?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meat loaf before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you're not a fan of Cheddar, you can substitute with mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a bit of spice. Both options will melt nicely and complement the meat loaf.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs and ensure that your ketchup is also gluten-free. Additionally, check that the Parmesan cheese is sourced from a gluten-free facility.
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).