ππ©βπ³ Amy’s Meatloaf: A Classic Comfort Dish π½οΈπ
What is it?
Amy’s Meatloaf is a classic comfort food dish made from ground meat (typically beef, but it can also include a mixture of pork, veal, or even turkey) mixed with various ingredients and seasonings. It’s shaped into a loaf, baked to perfection, and often served with a flavorful sauce or gravy.
History:
The origins of meatloaf can be traced back to ancient civilizations, including the Romans, who enjoyed a dish called “Isicia Omentata” made from minced meat and various other ingredients. However, modern meatloaf as we know it today likely has its roots in Europe and became popular in the United States during the 19th century. It gained widespread popularity during the Great Depression when economical yet filling dishes were in high demand. Since then, it has become a beloved comfort food across the globe.
Components:
Amy’s Meatloaf typically includes the following components:
- Ground meat (e.g., beef)
- Breadcrumbs or oats (to bind and add texture)
- Eggs (as a binding agent)
- Onions (for flavor and moisture)
- Garlic (for extra flavor)
- Various seasonings (such as salt, pepper, herbs, and spices)
- A sauce or glaze (often ketchup or a combination of ketchup and brown sugar)
Steps to Prepare Amy’s Meatloaf:
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Gather Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds of ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Your favorite sauce or glaze (e.g., ketchup)
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Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
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Mix Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
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Shape the Meatloaf:
- Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish.
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Add Sauce:
- Spread your preferred sauce or glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Many people use ketchup, but you can get creative with sauces like BBQ or tomato-mustard blends.
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Bake:
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160Β°F (71Β°C).
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Rest and Serve:
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a juicy, flavorful result.
Total Preparation Time:
Amy’s Meatloaf takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare, including prep time and baking.
Enjoy your homemade Amy’s Meatloaf with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a hearty and comforting meal! ππ½οΈπ
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Amy’s Meatloaf:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving, based on a typical recipe):
- Calories: Around 300-350 calories per serving
- Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: About 15-20 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: Varies depending on meat used
- Fiber: About 1-2 grams
- Sugar: Varies depending on sauce/glaze
- Sodium: Around 400-600 mg
Health Information:
- Protein: Meatloaf is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
- Fat: While meatloaf contains fat, you can choose lean ground meat to reduce fat content.
- Saturated Fat: Be mindful of the type of meat you use; leaner meats like turkey or chicken will have lower saturated fat content compared to beef.
- Carbohydrates: Meatloaf contains some carbohydrates from breadcrumbs, but it’s not a high-carb dish.
- Fiber: The dish doesn’t have a significant amount of fiber, so consider serving it with fiber-rich sides like vegetables or whole grains.
- Sodium: The sodium content can vary depending on the seasonings and sauce used, so choose low-sodium options if you’re concerned about sodium intake.
Overall, Amy’s Meatloaf can be a nutritious and satisfying meal when prepared with lean meats and served with balanced sides. Adjusting ingredients and portion sizes can help make it fit into a well-rounded diet.
