**Life Preserver Meat Loaves: A Culinary Journey into Comfort and Nostalgia**
In the realm of classic comfort foods, few dishes evoke such fond memories and warm feelings as the iconic Life Preserver Meat Loaves. These culinary creations, with their distinctive ring shape and savory filling, have graced dinner tables across generations, bringing families and friends together to share in a heartwarming meal. Our curated collection of Life Preserver Meat Loaf recipes offers a delightful exploration into this timeless dish, showcasing variations that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From the traditional version, bursting with ground beef, pork, and a medley of herbs and spices, to innovative takes that incorporate turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives, these recipes promise a culinary adventure that will leave you craving for more. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, our step-by-step instructions and detailed ingredient lists ensure that you can recreate these delectable meatloaves with ease and confidence. So, prepare to embark on a nostalgic journey as you discover the endless possibilities of Life Preserver Meat Loaves, a dish that truly embodies the essence of comfort and culinary heritage.
INDIVIDUAL MEAT LOAVES
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan. Add the onions, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not brown. Off the heat, add the Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Allow to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, onion mixture, bread crumbs, and eggs, and mix lightly with a fork. Don't mash or the meatloaf will be dense.
- Divide the mixture into 6 (10 to 11-ounce) portions and shape each portion into a small loaf on a sheet pan. Spread about a tablespoon of ketchup on the top of each portion. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the internal temperature is 155 to 160 degrees F and the meat loaves are cooked through. Serve hot.
MEAT LOAF
Nothing says classic comfort like Ina Garten's Meatloaf recipe from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network.
Provided by Ina Garten
Categories main-dish
Time 1h25m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan. Add the onions, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent but not brown. Off the heat, add the Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and tomato paste. Allow to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, onion mixture, bread crumbs, and eggs, and mix lightly with a fork. Don't mash or the meat loaf will be dense. Shape the mixture into a rectangular loaf on a sheet pan covered with parchment paper. Spread the ketchup evenly on top. Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, until the internal temperature is 160 degrees F and the meat loaf is cooked through. (A pan of hot water in the oven, under the meat loaf, will keep the top from cracking.) Serve hot.
THE BEST MEATLOAF
We opted for an all-beef meatloaf rather than the traditional mix of beef, veal and pork because we wanted that satisfying big beef flavor. Milk adds richness and tenderizes the meat, preventing it from getting tough or dry. We also cook the onion instead of adding it raw as many recipes suggest, which imparts a welcome sweetness and eliminates that harsh raw onion flavor.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 1h30m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce and 2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl until completely combined. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and lightly golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add 3 tablespoons of the ketchup and cook until most of the moisture has evaporated and the mixture is thick and brick red colored, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the onions cool slightly. Then add them to the beaten eggs and mix to combine.
- Add the beef to the egg and onion mixture. Break up the meat with a fork or wooden spoon, and then mix to thoroughly combine; you don't want to see any lumps of raw beef. Add the panko and mix to combine. Stir the meat vigorously with a wooden spoon for about 7 seconds; it will become more homogenous and tackier.
- Transfer the meat to the prepared baking sheet and shape into a 9-by-5-inch loaf. Smooth the top and evenly spread the remaining ketchup over top. Bake for 5 minutes, and then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Continue to bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf registers 150 degrees F, 30 to 35 minutes. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
LI'L CHEDDAR MEAT LOAVES
I got this recipe from my aunt when I was a teen and have made these miniature loaves many times since. My husband and three children count this main dish among their favorites. -Kathy Bowron, Cocolalla, Idaho
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 40m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large bowl, whisk egg and milk. Stir in the cheese, oats, onion and salt. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 8 loaves; place in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar and mustard; spoon over loaves. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 279 calories, Fat 13g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 81mg cholesterol, Sodium 547mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (20g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 17g protein.
CLASSIC MEATLOAF
The secrets to this meatloaf are fresh, very finely diced vegetables that give it moisture and flavor--and a light touch in mixing together the ingredients. This hearty meatloaf is the perfect meal for cool fall and winter evenings, served with mashed potatoes and simple mushroom gravy.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Main Dish Recipes Meatloaf Recipes Beef Meatloaf Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- Place the carrot, celery, onion, red bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic in a food processor, and pulse until very finely chopped, almost to a puree. Place the minced vegetables into a large mixing bowl, and mix in ground chuck, Worcestershire sauce, and egg. Add Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix gently with a wooden spoon to incorporate vegetables and egg into the meat. Pour in bread crumbs. With your hand, gently mix in the crumbs with your fingertips just until combined, about 1 minute.
- Form the meatloaf into a ball. Pour olive oil into a baking dish and place the ball of meat into the dish. Shape the ball into a loaf, about 4 inches high by 6 inches across.
- Bake in the preheated oven just until the meatloaf is hot, about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. Stir until the brown sugar has dissolved.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven. With the back of a spoon, smooth the glaze onto the top of the meatloaf, then pull a little bit of glaze down the sides of the meatloaf with the back of the spoon.
- Return meatloaf to oven, and bake until the loaf is no longer pink inside and the glaze has baked onto the loaf, 30 to 40 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loaf should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Cooking time will depend on shape and thickness of the meatloaf.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 284.1 calories, Carbohydrate 14.8 g, Cholesterol 85.3 mg, Fat 14.9 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 21.6 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, Sodium 755.4 mg, Sugar 5.3 g
HOMEMADE INDIVIDUAL MEAT LOAVES
I've made this hearty entree many times over the years, and it's always so good. Plus, these single-serving loaves bake much faster than one large loaf.-Norma Erne, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 45m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Shape into six loaves, about 4x2-1/2-in. Place in an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Combine the ketchup, sugar and mustard; spoon over loaves. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-45 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°.
Nutrition Facts :
EASY MEATLOAF
This is a very easy and no fail recipe for meatloaf. It won't take long to make at all, and it's quite good!
Provided by Janet Caldwell
Categories Main Dish Recipes Meatloaf Recipes Beef Meatloaf Recipes
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine the beef, egg, onion, milk and bread OR cracker crumbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste and place in a lightly greased 9x5-inch loaf pan, or form into a loaf and place in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard and ketchup. Mix well and pour over the meatloaf.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 372.1 calories, Carbohydrate 18.5 g, Cholesterol 98 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 18.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.9 g, Sodium 334.6 mg, Sugar 8.5 g
DAD'S FAVORITE BARBECUE MEAT LOAVES
It may sound old-fashioned, but it warms my heart to serve dishes that make my family and friends happy. This recipe does just that, and then some. -Leta Winters, Johnson City, Tennessee
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°. In a large bowl, combine egg, stuffing mix, milk, cheese and 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 4x2-in. loaves in a foil-lined 15x10x1-in. baking pan., Bake until a thermometer reads 160°, 15-20 minutes. Spread with remaining barbecue sauce before serving. Freeze option: Individually wrap cooled meat loaves in plastic and foil, then freeze. To use, partially thaw meat loaves in refrigerator overnight. Unwrap loaves; reheat in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan in a preheated 350° oven until loaves are heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°. Top each with 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 305 calories, Fat 16g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 120mg cholesterol, Sodium 449mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 24g protein.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Meatloaf Pan: Use a large enough pan to accommodate the entire meatloaf mixture. A 9x13-inch pan is a good option.
- Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven to the desired temperature before putting the meatloaf in.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the meatloaf mixture can make it tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use a Thermometer: The best way to tell if the meatloaf is done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of the meatloaf and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Let it Rest: Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will impact the taste of your meatloaf. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Experiment with Different Flavors: Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors in your meatloaf. You can add spices, herbs, vegetables, or even cheese to create a unique dish.
Conclusion:
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its simple ingredients and endless variations, it's a versatile dish that can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, meatloaf is a great option. So, next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give one of these life preserver meatloaf recipes a try.
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