Sweet And Sour Meat Loaves
Sweet and sour meat loaves feature a savory blend of meats glazed with tangy vinegar, catsup, and brown sugar, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a food processor or meat grinder, grind the ham and ground beef together.
- Add all remaining ingredients (eggs, milk, catsup, Worcestershire sauce, oatmeal, salt, brown sugar, dry mustard, and vinegar) and mix well.
- Shape the mixture into small loaf-like balls and place them into a covered baking pan.
- Bake until cooked through, basting with the sauce mixture while baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a leaner version, consider substituting ground turkey for ground beef. You can also use breadcrumbs instead of oatmeal if preferred. Ensure the meat mixture is well combined to retain moisture. For added flavor, include chopped onions or garlic. If you want a spicier kick, a dash of hot sauce can enhance the sweet and sour flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet and sour meat loaves with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Mom'S Tater Tot Dish(Microwave) for a hearty family dinner. A fresh garden salad can also complement the dish, adding a refreshing crunch to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meat loaves 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, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but this might affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Meat Loaves contains roughly 750 calories, with 13g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (67% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1793mg per serving (78% 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 loaves before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped meat loaves before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What can I substitute for the brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses to achieve a similar flavor. Alternatively, honey or maple syrup can work, but adjust the liquid content in the recipe accordingly.
Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?
Absolutely! Finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or celery can be mixed in for added nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to keep the total volume similar to maintain the meatloaf's texture.
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).