Are you on the lookout for a satisfying and hearty meal that can feed a crowd? Look no further than this classic meatloaf recipe. One serving of this meatloaf (large) clocks in at 710 calories, making it a calorie-dense meal that's perfect for those with big appetites.

This meatloaf recipe is not only filling but also packed with nutrition. Made with ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, and a mix of spices and herbs, it's a well-rounded meal that's easy to prepare. The meatloaf can be served straight out of the oven or reheated for a quick and easy meal later in the week.

In this article, we'll delve into the different ways you can prepare and serve this classic dish, from meal prep to special occasions. You'll also get a rundown of the nutrition facts, variations, and sides that go well with meatloaf.

Ingredients

To make one large meatloaf, you'll need:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup dried bread crumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, for example, you can use ground turkey instead of beef.

Preparation Method

Making meatloaf is easy and straightforward. Here's how to do it:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix until well combined.
3. Place the meatloaf mixture in a greased loaf pan and smooth out the top.
4. Bake the meatloaf for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serve the meatloaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, gravy, or green beans.

Serving Size

This recipe makes one large meatloaf that can serve 6-8 people. If you're cooking for a smaller group, you can freeze the leftovers for later or adjust the recipe to make a smaller meatloaf.

Nutrition Facts

Here's a breakdown of the nutrition information for one serving (1/8th of the meatloaf):

• calories: 710
• Total fat: 53g
• Saturated fat: 21g
• Cholesterol: 197mg
• Sodium: 710mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 16g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 36g

As you can see, this meatloaf recipe is high in calories and fat, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.

Meatloaf Variations

While this classic meatloaf recipe is delicious as is, you can also experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef.
• Add diced or shredded vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or sweet potatoes, to the meatloaf mixture for added nutrition.
• Swap the bread crumbs for oats, quinoa, or crumbled crackers.
• Add different seasonings or herbs, such as cumin, coriander, or rosemary, to the meatloaf mixture for added flavor.

Feel free to get creative with your meatloaf recipe and experiment with different variations until you find the perfect one for you.

Meatloaf Sides

When it comes to serving meatloaf, there are many sides that pair well with this hearty dish. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Green beans or roasted vegetables
• Corn on the cob or creamed corn
• Macaroni and cheese or other pasta dishes
• Gravy or tomato sauce
• Coleslaw or salad

Feel free to mix and match different sides to create a meal that's perfect for you.

Meatloaf Leftovers

If you have leftovers from your meatloaf, don't fret. There are many ways to use them up in creative and delicious ways. Here are some ideas:

• Make meatloaf sandwiches with sliced meatloaf and your favorite condiments, such as mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles.
• Crumble the meatloaf and use it as a topping for salads or baked potatoes.
• Chop up the meatloaf and use it as a filling for quesadillas or omelets.
• Freeze the leftovers in individual portions for a quick and easy meal later on.

With these ideas, you're sure to never let good meatloaf go to waste again.

Meatloaf for Meal Prep

Looking for a meal that can be prepared ahead of time and reheated throughout the week? This meatloaf recipe is perfect for meal prep. Here's how to do it:

• Cook the meatloaf according to the recipe, but don't slice it.
• Let the meatloaf cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Refrigerate the meatloaf for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
• To reheat the meatloaf, slice it into individual portions and microwave them for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.

With this easy meal prep idea, you can have a delicious and hearty meal ready to go whenever you need it.

Meatloaf for Special Occasions

Meatloaf may not be the first dish that comes to mind when you think of special occasions, but it can be a tasty and budget-friendly option for feeding a crowd. Here are some ideas for dressing up your meatloaf for special occasions:

• Top the meatloaf with bacon, cheese, or a tomato glaze for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Shape the meatloaf into individual portions, such as mini loaves or muffins, for a more elegant presentation.
• Serve the meatloaf with fancier sides, such as roasted root vegetables, risotto, or garlic bread.

With a little creativity, you can turn this humble dish into a showstopper for your next special occasion.

Meatloaf for Comfort Food

Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food. There's just something about the combination of tender meat, savory herbs and spices, and crispy edges that makes it the perfect dish to cozy up with on a cold night. Here are some tips for making the most comforting meatloaf:

• Make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and easy meal whenever you need it.
• Serve the meatloaf with your favorite sides and some crusty bread for mopping up the sauce.
• Add a bit of nostalgia to your meatloaf by using your grandma's recipe or adding your own twist to a classic recipe.

With these tips, you can turn meatloaf into the ultimate comfort food for you and your loved ones.