Spoon Meat Loaf Recipe | American Cheese and Tomato Sauce

Spoon Meat Loaf

Spoon Meat Loaf Recipe | American Cheese and Tomato Sauce
Region / culture: USA | Servings: 6

Introduction

Spoon Meat Loaf
Spoon Meat Loaf

Spoon Meat Loaf is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. This recipe combines ground meat, onions, peppers, macaroni, tomatoes, and cheese to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Spoon Meat Loaf has been a popular dish in American households for decades. It is a variation of traditional meatloaf, but with the addition of macaroni and cheese, making it a unique and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Place the hamburger in a skillet.
  2. Add the chopped onion and pepper.
  3. Brown the mixture slowly until partially done.
  4. Drain off the fat.
  5. In a baking dish or pan, place a thin layer of cooked and well-drained macaroni.
  6. Spread a layer of the meat mixture over the macaroni, followed by a layer of tomatoes or sauce.
  7. Sprinkle a layer of grated cheese over this.
  8. Repeat the layers.
  9. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 35 to 45 minutes.

Variations

  • Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of this dish.
  • Add in some diced mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain off any excess fat after browning the meat mixture to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.

- Make sure to cook the macaroni until it is al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite seasonings or vegetables to the meat mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spoon Meat Loaf with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the primary cooking technique for Spoon Meat Loaf, as it allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to melt and become gooey.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have elbow macaroni on hand, you can use any other type of pasta, such as penne or rotini.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare Spoon Meat Loaf ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. This is a great option for busy weeknights or when hosting a dinner party.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Spoon Meat Loaf in individual ramekins for a cute and elegant presentation, or simply scoop it onto plates for a more casual meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Spoon Meat Loaf pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Spoon Meat Loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spoon Meat Loaf contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spoon Meat Loaf contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spoon Meat Loaf contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Spoon Meat Loaf contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Spoon Meat Loaf is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (macaroni), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Spoon Meat Loaf is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Spoon Meat Loaf is a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With its hearty combination of meat, macaroni, tomatoes, and cheese, this recipe is a satisfying and flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Spoon Meat Loaf. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through my grandmother's old recipe box, looking for inspiration for dinner. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and faded newspaper clippings, my eyes landed on a small, handwritten note tucked in between two recipe cards.

Curious, I pulled out the note and read the scrawled handwriting. "Spoon Meat Loaf," it read. "A family favorite, passed down from generation to generation. Enjoy!"

Intrigued by the mysterious note, I knew I had to give this recipe a try. I gathered the ingredients listed on the note - ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices - and set to work in the kitchen.

As I mixed the ingredients together, the familiar scents of onions and garlic filled the air, bringing back memories of my own childhood spent in the kitchen with my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, able to whip up delicious meals with just a few simple ingredients.

I could almost hear her voice guiding me as I shaped the meat mixture into a loaf and placed it in the oven to bake. "Cook with love, and your food will always taste delicious," she would say.

As the meat loaf baked, the savory aroma wafted through the house, drawing my family to the kitchen with eager anticipation. When I finally pulled the dish out of the oven, it was golden brown and perfectly cooked.

I sliced into the meat loaf and served it up to my family, watching as their faces lit up with delight at the first bite. The flavors were rich and savory, with just the right amount of seasoning to make it truly unforgettable.

From that moment on, Spoon Meat Loaf became a staple in our household. It was requested for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just weeknight meals when we needed a comforting dish to warm our hearts.

Over the years, I've made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding in my own special touches to make it truly my own. But the essence of the dish remains the same - a warm, comforting meal that brings joy and memories with every bite.

I often wonder about the origins of the Spoon Meat Loaf recipe, who first created it and how it came to be passed down through generations. Perhaps it was a humble dish born out of necessity, made with love and care by a mother for her hungry family.

Whatever its origins may be, I am grateful for stumbling upon that handwritten note in my grandmother's recipe box all those years ago. It has become a beloved recipe in my own family, a link to the past and a reminder of the power of food to bring us together in love and shared memories.

Categories

| American Cheese Recipes | American Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Green Bell Pepper Recipes | Ground Beef Recipes | Macaroni Recipes | Meatloaf Recipes | Onion Recipes | Tomato Recipes | Tomato Sauce Recipes |

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