Best 2 Meat Loaf Dinner Recipes

Indulge in the comforting aroma of a classic Meat Loaf Dinner, a hearty and flavorful dish that promises a satisfying meal. This culinary journey takes you through three delectable variations to suit your taste buds. The traditional Meat Loaf, a comforting blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a savory mix of herbs and spices, is a timeless favorite. For those seeking a lighter option, the Turkey Meat Loaf offers a leaner twist with ground turkey, while the Vegetarian Meat Loaf caters to plant-based preferences with a combination of lentils, quinoa, and vegetables. Each recipe is meticulously crafted to deliver a perfectly balanced loaf, complemented by a rich and flavorful glaze that caramelizes during baking. Served alongside a medley of classic sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, and roasted vegetables, this Meat Loaf Dinner promises a feast that will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

MEAT LOAF DINNER

Meat Loaf Dinner image

When in a hurry, I substitute canned potatoes and green beans for the fresh. I like the fact that I can pop this meat loaf into the oven in the late afternoon and forget about it until dinnertime. -Florence Dollard, Grand Island, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 2h15m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 egg
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
2 pounds lean ground beef
4 medium potatoes, quartered
1/2 pound fresh or frozen cut green beans
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into a loaf in a greased roasting pan. Arrange potatoes and green beans around loaf. Pour tomatoes over all. , Cover and bake at 350°: for 2 hours or until the meat is no longer pink and a thermometer reads 160°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 384 calories, Fat 14g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 121mg cholesterol, Sodium 379mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 35g protein.

FAMILY-STYLE MEAT LOAF DINNER

Family-Style Meat Loaf Dinner image

To me, no food is as comforting as meat loaf. I love it even more when I can make my whole dinner in the slow cooker-meat, potatoes, carrots...even the gravy!

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 5h35m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 eggs
1 cup crushed saltines
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2-1/2 teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning
1/2 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
2-1/2 pounds ground beef
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cups fresh baby carrots
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
2 cans (4 ounces each) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1 envelope pork gravy mix

Steps:

Cut three 25-in. x 3-in. strips of heavy-duty foil; crisscross so they resemble spokes of a wheel. Place strips on the bottom and up the sides of a 6-qt. slow cooker. Coat strips with cooking spray., In a large bowl, combine the eggs, cracker crumbs, onion, oats, cream, Worcestershire sauce, steak seasoning and pepper. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into a loaf; place in the center of the strips. Arrange the potatoes, carrots and onion around meat., In a small bowl, combine the soup, mushrooms and gravy mix; spread over meat and vegetables. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°. Spoon vegetables and gravy into a serving bowl. Using foil strips as handles, remove meat loaf to a platter; cut into 12 slices.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 726 calories, Fat 38g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 219mg cholesterol, Sodium 1775mg sodium, Carbohydrate 52g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 42g protein.

Tips:

Choose the right ground beef. A combination of lean and fatty ground beef (80/20) is ideal. Leaner ground beef will result in a dry meatloaf, while too much fat will make it greasy.
Use fresh bread crumbs. Stale bread crumbs will absorb too much moisture and make the meatloaf dense. Fresh bread crumbs will help to keep the meatloaf moist and light.
Don't overmix the meatloaf mixture. Overmixing will make the meatloaf tough. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
Chill the meatloaf mixture before baking. This will help the meatloaf to hold its shape and prevent it from falling apart.
Bake the meatloaf at a high temperature for a short amount of time. This will help to create a crispy crust and a juicy interior.
Let the meatloaf rest before slicing. This will help the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf and prevent it from falling apart.

Conclusion:

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and loved by people of all ages. By following these tips, you can make a delicious and moist meatloaf that your family and friends will love.