Amy’s Moist Meatloaf

🍖🍞🥘😋

Amy’s Moist Meatloaf is a delicious and classic comfort food dish that has been a favorite in many households for generations. It’s a flavorful mixture of ground meat, typically beef or a combination of beef and pork, combined with various ingredients to create a moist and savory loaf.

History:
The exact origin of meatloaf is unclear, but it is believed to have its roots in European cuisine, particularly in Germany. Meatloaf became popular in the United States during the 19th century, and it gained further popularity during the Great Depression when families were looking for economical ways to stretch their meat supply. Today, it’s a cherished dish enjoyed in various forms around the world.

Components:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper (green or red)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Steps to Prepare Amy’s Moist Meatloaf:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and become moist.

3. Add the ground beef (or beef/pork mixture), finely chopped onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and dried basil to the breadcrumb mixture.

4. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.

5. Shape the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish.

6. Optionally, you can spread a little more ketchup or BBQ sauce on top of the meatloaf for added flavor.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

8. Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Preparation Time:
Preparing Amy’s Moist Meatloaf typically takes around 15-20 minutes, and the baking time is approximately 1 hour. So, in total, you can expect to spend about 1 hour and 15-20 minutes making this delicious dish.

Enjoy Amy’s Moist Meatloaf as a hearty main course, and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete and satisfying meal! 😋🍽🥔🥦

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a typical serving of Amy’s Moist Meatloaf:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: Around 350-400 calories
• Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
• Fat: About 20-25 grams
  • Saturated Fat: Varies based on meat choice
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20 grams
• Fiber: 1-2 grams
• Sugars: Around 3-5 grams
• Sodium: Varies based on ingredients and seasoning

Health Information:

1. Protein Source: Amy’s Moist Meatloaf is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

2. Moderate Calories: It provides a moderate amount of calories, making it a satisfying meal option, but portion control is essential if you’re watching your calorie intake.

3. Fat Content: The fat content can vary depending on the type of meat used, with beef having more saturated fat than leaner options. You can opt for leaner meat or a beef-pork blend to control fat intake.

4. Carbohydrates: It contains some carbohydrates from breadcrumbs and vegetables. This can be balanced with your overall daily carbohydrate intake.

5. Sodium: Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you’re on a low-sodium diet. You can reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium breadcrumbs and sauces.

6. Fiber: While not particularly high in fiber, you can increase fiber by serving the meatloaf with fiber-rich side dishes like steamed vegetables or a salad.

7. Nutrient Variety: The meatloaf contains various essential nutrients, including vitamins from vegetables and minerals like iron and zinc from the meat.

8. Customization: You can make this dish healthier by using lean meats, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and adding more vegetables to the mix for added nutrients and fiber.

As with any dish, moderation and balance are key to incorporating it into a healthy diet. You can adjust the recipe to fit your dietary preferences and nutritional needs.