Meatloaf Recipe

Meatloaf Recipe

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients (Original recipe yields 9 servings)

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon steak sauce
  • cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons prepared mustard

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
  2. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, tomato soup, chopped onion, rolled oats, beaten eggs, steak sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf form. Pat down to ensure it holds together.
  4. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the center is no longer pink and the meatloaf is fully cooked.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Amount % Daily Value
Calories 362
Total Fat 23g (30%)
Saturated Fat 9g (45%)
Cholesterol 117mg (39%)
Sodium 506mg (22%)
Total Carbohydrate 16g (6%)
Dietary Fiber 2g (5%)
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 22g (43%)
Vitamin C 21mg (24%)
Calcium 31mg (2%)
Iron 3mg (17%)
Potassium 465mg (10%)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information is based on available data and may not include all ingredients.

Meatloaf

Recipe by: Pam

History of Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a beloved dish that has roots deep in European and American culinary traditions. The dish was introduced in the United States during the 19th century, a time when resourcefulness in the kitchen was vital. Ground meat, often beef or pork, was combined with fillers like breadcrumbs, oats, or rice to stretch the meat and feed more people. This frugal approach became especially popular during the Great Depression and continues to be a staple in American households today.

Regional Variations

While meatloaf is commonly associated with American cuisine, variations of it can be found around the world. In the United States, its often made with ground beef, oats, and a tangy ketchup-based glaze. However, in Italy, a similar dish known as polpettone uses ground beef mixed with eggs, bread crumbs, and herbs, sometimes served with tomato sauce. In Sweden, Kttfrslimpa is a spiced meatloaf, often paired with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce.

In the United Kingdom, meatloaf is also popular, though it may be called a "minced meat loaf" and can include variations like adding Worcestershire sauce or savory herbs. Each region brings its unique flavors to this humble dish, reflecting local ingredients and preferences.

How Meatloaf Differs from Similar Dishes

Meatloaf is often compared to meatballs or meat patties, but there are key differences. Unlike meatballs, which are small, round, and typically fried, meatloaf is shaped into a loaf and baked, making it a more hearty, one-pan dish. Compared to burgers, meatloaf is usually denser and more compact, often featuring a combination of meats, vegetables, and binders like oats or breadcrumbs to hold it together. This allows for a wide variety of flavor profiles and textures, making it an adaptable dish for any occasion.

Where Meatloaf is Usually Served

Meatloaf is often served in casual family meals, especially in home kitchens. Its a popular choice for dinner, particularly in American households, due to its simplicity and ease of preparation. Its often accompanied by mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or salad. In many homes, meatloaf is considered a comfort food, evoking memories of childhood and family dinners. Some restaurants also serve meatloaf as part of their home-style or comfort food menu options, offering it with a variety of side dishes, from baked beans to macaroni and cheese.

Interesting Facts About Meatloaf

  • Meatloaf became especially popular during the Great Depression when families needed affordable, filling meals.
  • The classic American meatloaf is often glazed with a mixture of ketchup and brown sugar, adding both sweetness and tang to the savory dish.
  • Meatloaf is often considered an American comfort food and is frequently made in large quantities, making it an ideal dish for leftovers.
  • It is common in many households to personalize the recipe by adding different types of meat (beef, pork, turkey, or a blend) and incorporating unique ingredients like vegetables, cheese, or even chili peppers.
  • There is an annual "Meatloaf Day" celebrated on May 15th in honor of this iconic dish!

FAQ about Meatloaf Recipe

Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you'd like to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.

Yes, you can freeze the meatloaf before baking. Shape it into a loaf and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

If your meatloaf is too dry, try adding more liquid such as broth or tomato sauce. You can also add vegetables like grated carrots or zucchini for moisture. If it's too moist, you can add extra oats or breadcrumbs to help absorb the excess liquid.

Yes, if you don't have rolled oats, you can use breadcrumbs, cooked rice, or even crushed crackers as a substitute. The oats help bind the ingredients together, so any substitute should have a similar texture.

To make your meatloaf firmer, reduce the amount of liquid (like tomato soup) used in the recipe. You can also try refrigerating the meat mixture for about 30 minutes before shaping it into a loaf to help it hold together better while baking.

Yes, you can use different types of ground meat such as ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, or even ground lamb. Just be mindful that different meats may have different fat content, so adjust the seasonings and cooking time accordingly.

If your meatloaf falls apart, it may be due to too much liquid or not enough binding ingredients like oats or breadcrumbs. Make sure to mix the ingredients well and consider refrigerating the mixture before baking to help it set better. Also, be sure not to overmix, as that can lead to a crumbly texture.

Yes, you can add finely chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meatloaf for added flavor and moisture. Just make sure to sauté or drain any excess moisture from vegetables like zucchini before adding them to avoid making the meatloaf too wet.

To reheat leftover meatloaf, place slices in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave's wattage.

Yes, you can substitute the tomato soup with other cream soups like mushroom or chicken, or even homemade tomato sauce. Keep in mind that the flavor and consistency may change slightly, so adjust the seasonings to taste.

Comments

Patrick Davis

11/06/2022 11:51:57 AM

I skipped the soup altogether and sautéed half an onion before mixing it in. I really enjoyed this recipe with rolled oats! For next time, I'll explore ways to reduce the moisture content, as I prefer a slightly firmer texture.

Stephanie Thomas

08/01/2022 01:46:56 AM

I love experimenting with this recipe using whatever ingredients I have on hand. I substituted half of the steel cut oats with garlic and herb bread crumbs. Since I only had Costco's creamy basil soup available, I used 3/4 cup of it. I used Worcestershire sauce instead of steak sauce and added salt, pepper, and plenty of fresh minced parsley. The dish turned out to be a hit tonight as the snow was accumulating outside!

Brian Nelson

12/28/2023 12:13:31 AM

I substituted ground bison and refrigerated it overnight before reheating it before serving. This prevented it from becoming too mushy. The result was excellent - the best meatloaf I have ever had.

Rebecca Smith

12/27/2024 09:57:07 AM

Here is your rewritten review: The meatloaf recipe was fantastic! I made some adjustments to suit my family's tastes. I used only half a can of soup, one egg, half an onion, omitted rolled oats completely, added 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, one tablespoon of prepared mustard, and half a tablespoon of coarse black pepper. For the glaze, I combined the remaining half of the tomato soup, a 15oz can of tomato sauce, one tablespoon of brown sugar, one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, a teaspoon of prepared mustard, and a sprinkle of black pepper. After baking the loaf at 350°F for about 40 minutes, I drained off the excess grease and then poured the glaze on top. I continued baking until the sauce was simmering, approximately 15-20 minutes. The result was excellent!

Laura Turner

04/12/2024 10:07:38 AM

Review rephrased: I have cooked this dish several times and absolutely adore it. It's now my go-to meatloaf recipe, and I can't recommend it highly enough. In my latest rendition, I included McCormick Beef Stew powder (1 packet), 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 pound of ground lamb, 1/2 pound of ground pork, and 1/2 pound of ground beef. The result was absolutely fantastic. The secret lies in the core ingredients shared by the chef who created the recipe. Additionally, I want to mention that this recipe also works wonderfully with ground turkey instead of beef. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

John Cruz

03/14/2023 01:38:18 PM

This dish is even better than the one my mom used to make when I was a kid. Thank you for sharing the recipe! :)

Patricia White

07/02/2023 04:01:24 PM

I only made one change, substituting a can of Cream of Mushroom soup. The flavor was good, but the texture turned out quite loose. The dish didn't hold together well at all. I ground my own meat just before cooking, but the grind was a bit coarse. Perhaps I should have ground it finer; that might have been the issue. I haven't seen any recommendations about meat grind in recipes before.

Kelly Campbell

09/20/2022 04:52:55 PM

This is my favorite choice, but make sure to use affordable meat - it comes out great! We didn't have any issues slicing it, and everyone enjoys the oatmeal in it instead of breadcrumbs.

Ryan Martinez

03/13/2023 07:12:51 PM

I absolutely adored the flavor and texture of this meatloaf after making some adjustments based on the feedback. The blend of oats and breadcrumbs resulted in a wonderfully light consistency.

Susan Davis

05/11/2024 02:28:09 AM

I'm awarding this recipe 5 stars because I enjoyed all of the ingredients. It's currently in the oven, so I can't say for certain how it will turn out, as the instructions didn't specify what to do with the soup. I decided to pour it on top before cooking. The only alteration I made was substituting breadcrumbs for oats since I didn't have any on hand. It's been baking for 30 minutes and the aroma is fantastic!

Laura Walker

04/23/2024 08:43:12 AM

Honestly, when I prepared this dish, I had to set the oven to 400°F and bake it for an additional 40 minutes. Despite nearly 2 hours of baking, the meatloaf turned out quite mushy. My daughter and husband also tried it, but they weren't particularly keen on the flavor. I did follow the recipe but added salt to it. If I were to make this dish again, I would consider using only 1 egg, cutting the amount of soup in half, and omitting the mustard. Additionally, I might increase the quantity of oats to make the meatloaf denser.