Mom's Meatloaf
Mom's Meatloaf Recipe - Traditional American Comfort Food
Introduction
Mom's Meatloaf is a classic comfort food dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. This recipe is simple, yet delicious, and is sure to become a favorite in your household.
History
Mom's Meatloaf has been a staple in American households for generations. It is a dish that is often passed down from mother to daughter, with each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe. The combination of ground beef, crackers, and tomato sauce creates a moist and flavorful meatloaf that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) ground chuck or ground round
- Handful of salted crackers
- salt
- seasoned salt
- 1 8 oz (227 g) can of tomato sauce
- Bottle of ketchup
How to prepare
- Crush a handful of salted crackers in a zip-lock bag. In a bowl, season the meat with salt and seasoned salt, then sprinkle the cracker crumbs on top of the meat. Use your hands to combine the meat and cracker crumbs. Add about half of the tomato sauce and use your hands to mix the ingredients. Place the meat in a pan and flatten it slightly. Pour the remaining tomato sauce on top, ensuring that the sauce covers the entire top of the meat. Squeeze a couple of squirts of ketchup, covering the entire top of the meat. Cook at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Variations
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the meat mixture for added flavor.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version of the dish.
- Top the meatloaf with bacon strips before baking for a smoky flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to season the meat well with salt and seasoned salt to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Using salted crackers adds a nice crunch to the meatloaf and helps to bind the ingredients together.
- Make sure to cover the entire top of the meatloaf with tomato sauce and ketchup to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Cooking the meatloaf at a lower temperature for a longer period of time will ensure that it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Mom's Meatloaf pairs well with mashed potatoes, green beans, and a side salad.
Cooking Techniques
Baking the meatloaf at a lower temperature for a longer period of time will ensure that it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use breadcrumbs instead of salted crackers in this recipe.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Presentation Ideas
Slice the meatloaf and serve it on a platter with a drizzle of ketchup on top for a classic presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Mom's Meatloaf pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Mom's Meatloaf contains approximately 350 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Mom's Meatloaf contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Mom's Meatloaf contains approximately 20 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of Mom's Meatloaf contains approximately 25 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Mom's Meatloaf is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.
Alergens
This recipe contains gluten from the salted crackers.
Summary
Mom's Meatloaf is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a family dinner.
Summary
Mom's Meatloaf is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious meal that will satisfy the whole family.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Mom's Meatloaf. It was a hot summer day, and my mother had invited some friends over for a backyard barbecue. As the scent of sizzling burgers and hot dogs filled the air, I watched my mother disappear into the kitchen, only to emerge with a large, steaming loaf of meatloaf.
I had always been curious about my mother's meatloaf recipe. It was a family favorite, and she always seemed to whip it up effortlessly. So, as I watched her slice into the meatloaf and serve it up to our guests, I made a mental note to ask her for the recipe later.
After the guests had gone home and the dishes were washed and put away, I finally mustered up the courage to ask my mother for the recipe. She smiled warmly and led me to the kitchen, where she began to gather the ingredients.
As she measured out the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices, she began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained that the recipe had been passed down from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a treasured family recipe, one that had been enjoyed for generations.
With each step of the recipe, my mother shared memories of her own childhood, of family gatherings and Sunday dinners. She spoke of how her mother would spend hours in the kitchen, creating delicious meals for her family, and how she had always wanted to carry on that tradition.
As we mixed the ingredients together and formed the meatloaf into a loaf, my mother's hands moved with practiced ease. She had made this recipe countless times before, and it showed in the way she deftly shaped the loaf and sprinkled it with a final touch of ketchup.
As the meatloaf baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with its mouthwatering aroma, my mother and I sat at the kitchen table, sipping tea and chatting. She shared more stories with me, stories of her own struggles and triumphs, of the lessons she had learned from her own mother.
When the timer finally beeped, we eagerly pulled the meatloaf from the oven and sliced into it. The meatloaf was moist and flavorful, with just the right amount of seasoning. It was a perfect blend of comfort and nostalgia, a taste of home in every bite.
As we sat at the table, enjoying our meal together, I felt a sense of connection to my mother and to the generations of women who had come before us. I realized that this recipe was more than just a collection of ingredients – it was a link to my past, a reminder of the love and tradition that had shaped me.
And so, as I write down the recipe for Mom's Meatloaf, I do so with a grateful heart. I am thankful for the women who came before me, for their wisdom and their strength. And I am grateful for the simple pleasure of a home-cooked meal, shared with loved ones and steeped in tradition.