West Virginia Meat Loaf
A hearty West Virginia meat loaf packed with vegetables, pickles, and a flavorful ketchup topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix ground beef with chopped onion, green pepper, chopped dill pickles, black pepper, and dried bread crumbs.
- Soak the cubed bread in evaporated milk until soft.
- Add eggs to the soaked bread and beat with a fork.
- Combine the egg mixture with the meat mixture and mix well.
- Divide the mixture into two loaves and shape them.
- Roll the loaves in dried bread crumbs to coat.
- Place the loaves in a shallow baking pan.
- Completely cover the tops of the loaves with ketchup.
- Pour 1/2 cup boiling water around the loaves.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder into the meat mixture. If you don't have dill pickles, chopped olives or even sweet pickles can work as a substitute. Using stale bread instead of fresh can enhance texture. You can also swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this meat loaf.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your meat loaf with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic meal. It also pairs beautifully with a side salad or coleslaw for a refreshing crunch. Drizzle some extra ketchup on top for added flavor or serve with a tangy barbecue sauce. For a twist, try it with a side of Easy Pepperoni Pan Pizza for a fun dinner combo.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover West Virginia Meat Loaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place slices in the microwave for a few minutes until heated through, or cover the loaf with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. This dish also freezes well for future meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of West Virginia Meat Loaf contains roughly 477 calories, with 10g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 576mg per serving (25% 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
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, replace the bread with gluten-free bread or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Be sure to check the labels on all condiments, like ketchup, to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this delicious meat loaf without the gluten.
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).