World'S Greatest Meat Loaf
A hearty, flavorful meatloaf with cheese, herbs, and a savory glaze, perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering classic comfort with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the egg lightly in a bowl.
- Add salt, pepper, thyme, basil, ketchup, mustard, bread crumbs, and dissolved bouillon cubes.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Stir in chopped celery, chopped onion, and shredded cheese.
- Add ground beef and mix lightly to incorporate all ingredients.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moisture-rich meatloaf, consider adding grated zucchini or carrot. If you're out of beef bouillon, chicken or vegetable bouillon works well too. Using panko instead of regular breadcrumbs can enhance the texture. Adjust the spices to taste; adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce can elevate flavor, making it reminiscent of classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a rich gravy, or you can top it with additional ketchup or barbecue sauce. For a twist, enjoy it in a sandwich with crusty bread, reminiscent of a Beef And Bread Dip.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and warm it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of World'S Greatest Meat Loaf contains roughly 186 calories, with 8g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1086mg per serving (47% 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 ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. However, keep in mind that these leaner meats may require additional moisture, so consider adding a bit more ketchup or using a mix of ground meat for a balanced texture and flavor.
How can I make this meatloaf gluten-free?
To make the meatloaf gluten-free, simply replace the soft bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that all sauces and seasonings you use are certified gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.
What can I do with leftover meatloaf?
Leftover meatloaf can be repurposed into a hearty sandwich or crumble it into a pasta dish for added flavor. Additionally, you can slice it and serve it cold in a salad, or chop it up for a delicious filling in stuffed peppers or a casserole.
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).