The Perfect Meat Loaf
A hearty, flavorful meat loaf combining beef, veal, and pork, enriched with herbs and vegetables, ideal for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Form the mixture into a loaf and place into an 11 x 14-inch pan.
- Cover the loaf with one can of tomato sauce.
- Add 1/2 cup water to the pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating finely chopped mushrooms or carrots into the meat mixture. If you prefer a leaner option, substitute the ground pork with more ground veal or turkey. You can also use stale bread instead of breadcrumbs; just soak it in milk and mash it before mixing. Don't skip the Worcestershire sauce, as it adds depth to the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort meal. It also pairs beautifully with Wonderful Baked Beans for a hearty feast. For a twist, try adding a tangy barbecue glaze on top before serving, or enjoy cold slices in a sandwich with your favorite condiments.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and place it in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover with foil and heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Perfect Meat Loaf contains roughly 434 calories, with 20g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1158mg per serving (50% 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 different types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can customize the meat blend according to your preferences. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a healthier alternative, while additional beef can replace the veal and pork. Just ensure that the total weight remains around 2 pounds for the best texture.
What can I do if my meatloaf is too dry?
If your meatloaf turns out dry, it might be due to overcooking or not enough moisture in the mixture. To prevent this in the future, ensure you add enough milk and consider wrapping the meatloaf in bacon or adding a glaze before baking to lock in moisture.
How can I tell when the meatloaf is done cooking?
The best way to check if your meatloaf is done is to use a meat thermometer. It should read 160°F (70°C) in the center. If you don't have a thermometer, you can cut into the center to ensure there is no pink remaining 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).