Terri'S Meat Loaf
Terri's Meat Loaf is a hearty, comforting dish featuring seasoned ground beef combined with crushed saltine crackers and a blend of savory flavors. Topped with ketchup and baked to perfection, it pairs well with mashed potatoes or vegetables, making it ideal for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground chuck or sirloin, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and stewed tomatoes (reserve juice) together in a bowl.
- Stir in crushed saltine crackers into the meat mixture.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf in a baking dish.
- Cover the meat loaf with ketchup.
- Pour the reserved tomato juice around the meat loaf.
- Bake at 375°F for 1 hour.
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
- Pour 1 cup of brown gravy or Cajun gravy around the meat loaf.
- Bake for an additional 30 to 40 minutes until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding chopped onions, bell peppers, or garlic to the meat mixture. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute crushed gluten-free crackers for the saltines. You can also use ground turkey for a lighter version. For extra moisture, a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This meat loaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic meal. Consider serving it with a side salad for a refreshing balance. For a touch of sweetness, serve alongside Yam Muffins. Leftovers can easily be transformed into a meatloaf sandwich for a delicious next-day lunch.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the meatloaf to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Terri'S Meat Loaf contains roughly 326 calories, with 6g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 671mg per serving (29% 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 make this meat loaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance. Shape it into a loaf and cover it tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of stewed tomatoes?
If you don't have stewed tomatoes on hand, you can substitute with diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes. Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to mimic the flavor profile of stewed tomatoes, or mix in a bit of tomato sauce for added moisture and flavor.
Can I freeze the meat loaf?
Absolutely! To freeze, bake the meat loaf as directed, then let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).