Kim's Ultimate Meatloaf Recipe

Name: Kim's Ultimate Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds ground lamb; 1 egg, beaten; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 cup tomato sauce, divided; 1 cup cracker crumbs; salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons vinegar; 2 tablespoons prepared mustard; 0.5 cup brown sugar; 1 cup warm water

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

1 pounds ground lamb
1 egg, beaten
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup tomato sauce, divided
1 cup cracker crumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
cup brown sugar
1 cup warm water

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).

Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground lamb, beaten egg, chopped onion, cup of tomato sauce, and cracker crumbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 3: Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan and press it down. Create a small depression in the center of the loaf to ensure even cooking. Set aside.

Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the remaining cup of tomato sauce, vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, and warm water. Stir until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.

Step 5: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meatloaf in the pan.

Step 6: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and browned on top.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 490
Total Fat: 27g (35% DV)
Saturated Fat: 9g (44% DV)
Cholesterol: 107mg (36% DV)
Sodium: 693mg (30% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 37g (14% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (6% DV)
Total Sugars: 16g
Protein: 24g (47% DV)
Vitamin C: 4mg (4% DV)
Calcium: 67mg (5% DV)
Iron: 4mg (21% DV)
Potassium: 453mg (10% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data. Consult a doctor or dietitian if following a medically restrictive diet.

Kim's Ultimate Meatloaf is a flavorful, moist, and tangy take on a traditional American classic. The recipe has garnered praise for its balance of savory and sweet elements, as well as its versatility. While this dish can be made with various types of ground meat, its typically prepared with ground lamb in the recipe above. However, many reviewers have made substitutions with ground beef, turkey, and even a mix of lamb and beef.

History of the Meatloaf

The origins of meatloaf can be traced back to the early 19th century, particularly in Europe and the United States. As a frugal dish, it was born out of necessity, combining various inexpensive cuts of meat with breadcrumbs, vegetables, and spices. It became a staple of American home cooking, especially during the Great Depression, as it offered a hearty meal for a low cost. Over the years, meatloaf recipes have evolved, with families adding their unique twists, such as Kim's version that features a tangy mustard and vinegar glaze.

Regional Variations

In the United States, meatloaf is considered a comfort food, and variations are abundant depending on the region. In the South, it's common to see meatloaf served with mashed potatoes and gravy, while in the Midwest, it might be paired with a side of baked beans or corn. The topping is also highly variable, ranging from tomato ketchup or tomato paste to more innovative glazes like the one used in Kim's recipe, which includes mustard, brown sugar, and vinegar.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While meatloaf is similar to other ground meat dishes such as meatballs or a hamburger, its main distinction lies in its preparation. Meatloaf is typically baked as a loaf and served sliced, whereas meatballs are individually shaped and cooked in sauce. Another key difference is the use of fillers such as breadcrumbs or crackers, which help bind the meat and make the dish more filling. Kim's Ultimate Meatloaf stands out due to its unique sweet and tangy topping that adds an extra layer of flavor, setting it apart from the more traditional, often ketchup-based versions.

Where It's Usually Served

Meatloaf is typically served in casual home settings, as it is easy to prepare and satisfies large groups. It's often seen on dinner tables across the U.S., especially during weeknight meals. In restaurants, it may be served as a comfort food offering, paired with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad. Many families also enjoy meatloaf leftovers, making sandwiches with slices of meatloaf the next day for lunch.

Interesting Facts About Meatloaf

Meatloaf has been featured in many classic American TV shows and films, often symbolizing home-cooked meals and family bonding.
It was a key meal during wartime due to its ability to feed large numbers of people without breaking the bank.
One of the earliest known recipes for meatloaf appeared in a 17th-century Dutch cookbook, showcasing the dish's long-standing popularity.
In some cultures, meatloaf is a celebratory dish, often served during holidays or special family gatherings.

Kim's Ultimate Meatloaf is an updated twist on a time-honored tradition, combining modern flavors with the classic hearty essence of a beloved American dish. Whether enjoyed by meatloaf lovers or skeptics, this recipe is sure to impress with its balance of textures and flavors, providing both comfort and excitement in every bite.

FAQ about Kim's Ultimate Meatloaf Recipe

Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze meatloaf for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Yes! This recipe is versatile, and you can substitute ground lamb with ground beef, turkey, or chicken. The cooking time may slightly vary depending on the type of meat you choose.

If you don’t have cracker crumbs, you can substitute with breadcrumbs, panko, or even crushed-up tortilla chips. Just ensure the texture is fine enough to bind the meat mixture together.

Yes! You can assemble the meatloaf the day before and store it in the fridge overnight. When ready to cook, just place it in the preheated oven and bake as directed. You can also freeze the uncooked meatloaf and bake it later.

This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. For a comforting twist, you can serve it with macaroni and cheese or creamy mashed cauliflower.

If your meatloaf turns out dry, it could be due to overcooking or using lean meat without enough moisture. You can try adding a bit more moisture next time, like milk or broth, or reduce the cooking time slightly. You can also ensure the meatloaf is properly sealed with the sauce during baking.

Absolutely! While the original recipe uses a tangy sauce made with tomato sauce, vinegar, mustard, and brown sugar, you can experiment with other toppings. Some people like to use BBQ sauce, ketchup, or even a creamy mushroom sauce for variation.

To make this meatloaf gluten-free, simply substitute the cracker crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the mustard and tomato sauce, are also gluten-free.

Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure to use a larger loaf pan and adjust the baking time slightly. It may take a bit longer to cook if the meatloaf is thicker, so keep an eye on it and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (the internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C).

Meatloaf can shrink during baking due to the fat content in the meat and the lack of binding ingredients. To minimize shrinkage, try using a combination of lean and fatty meat, or press the meat mixture more firmly into the pan to create a denser loaf.

Comments

Barbara Walker

11/06/2023 09:05:01 PM

I was blown away by how amazing this meatloaf turned out! I've tried many recipes in the past, but this one takes the prize. I decided to use lean ground turkey and bread crumbs instead of crackers, and it was a game changer. Even though I only had diced tomatoes instead of sauce, I loved the chunky texture they added. I heeded the advice of other reviewers and halved the amount of sauce, but next time I'll go for the original recipe as the chunky tomatoes might have made a difference. Baking it in a dome shape in a brownie pan was a great idea, but I wished there was more sauce to coat it. The sauce itself is simply divine - tangy and bursting with flavor. Surprisingly, even my husband who normally despises meatloaf devoured it and went back for seconds! And the best part? No ketchup required! This recipe is definitely going into my regular rotation of meals.

Susan Sanchez

04/03/2025 08:33:41 PM

Great recipe - it was a hit with everyone! I substituted 1 pound of ground lamb for 1 pound of ground beef, added an extra egg, a bit more crackers, garlic powder, and Italian spices. Followed the sauce recipe as instructed and baked it in an 8 x 8 pan. The sauce quantity was just right and we all couldn't get enough of it.

Adam Thompson

01/26/2024 05:45:15 PM

Excellent recipe. I included bacon for extra flavor.

Brian Robinson

02/28/2025 06:03:18 AM

Delicious!! Unique flavors. Extremely tasty.

Gregory Perez

12/17/2022 08:32:00 AM

I have made this recipe using a mix of meatloaf meat and plain ground beef, and it turned out delicious both times. Although we decided to use a different topping after the first try, the meatloaf was still good as it is. This will definitely become my new favorite basic meatloaf recipe! Thank you, Kim!

Cook Time: 200 minutes