Angela’s Meatloaf

🍖 Angela’s Meatloaf 🍖

What is it?
Angela’s Meatloaf is a classic comfort food dish made from ground meat (usually beef, but it can also be a combination of beef, pork, and veal), mixed with various ingredients and seasonings, then shaped into a loaf and baked until it’s browned and cooked through. It’s known for its hearty and savory flavor, often served with a rich gravy or tomato-based sauce.

History:
Meatloaf has a long history, dating back centuries. It’s a dish that has evolved over time and can be found in various forms across different cultures. In the United States, meatloaf became popular during the 19th century, and it gained further popularity during the Great Depression when people were looking for economical ways to stretch their meat supply. Angela’s Meatloaf, like many family recipes, likely has a unique history tied to the person who created it, with variations passed down through generations.

Components:
The key components of Angela’s Meatloaf typically include:

• Ground meat (commonly beef)
• Breadcrumbs or oats (used as a binder)
• Eggs (also a binding agent)
• Onion (for flavor)
• Garlic (for flavor)
• Seasonings (such as salt, pepper, and herbs)
• Sauce or topping (often ketchup or tomato-based)

Steps to Prepare Angela’s Meatloaf:

1. Gather Ingredients: You’ll need ground meat, breadcrumbs or oats, eggs, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and your choice of seasonings.

2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs or oats, beaten eggs, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and your choice of seasonings. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

4. Shape the Loaf: Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish or loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf shape, ensuring it’s evenly distributed in the pan.

5. Top with Sauce: Spread your choice of sauce or topping (commonly ketchup or a tomato-based sauce) over the meatloaf. This adds flavor and helps keep the meatloaf moist.

6. Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your meatloaf and your oven, so use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

7. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute. Slice and serve with your favorite sides.

Time Needed to Prepare:
Preparing Angela’s Meatloaf typically takes about 15-20 minutes for prep and assembly, followed by 1 to 1.5 hours of baking time. So, in total, you can expect to spend around 1.5 to 2 hours to prepare and cook this delicious dish.

Enjoy your Angela’s Meatloaf! 🍽️😊

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Angela’s Meatloaf:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values for a typical serving):

• Calories: Approximately 300-400 calories per serving, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.
• Protein: A serving of meatloaf provides a good amount of protein, typically around 20-25 grams.
• Fat: Meatloaf can be moderately high in fat, with around 15-20 grams of fat per serving.
• Carbohydrates: It contains a small amount of carbohydrates, roughly 10-15 grams per serving.
• Fiber: Meatloaf is not a significant source of dietary fiber, usually providing around 1-2 grams per serving.
• Sodium: The sodium content can vary depending on the seasonings and sauces used, but it’s typically around 500-800 milligrams per serving.

Health Information:

1. Protein Source: Angela’s Meatloaf is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It can be a part of a balanced diet, especially for individuals who need to meet their protein requirements.

2. Moderate Fat: While meatloaf does contain fat, it’s not excessively high. However, it’s important to use lean ground meat or drain excess fat to make it a healthier option. Excessive saturated fat intake should be avoided for heart health.

3. Carbohydrates: Meatloaf contains a small amount of carbohydrates, making it a suitable choice for low-carb diets if you’re mindful of portion sizes and added ingredients like breadcrumbs.

4. Sodium Content: Pay attention to the sodium content, especially if you have high blood pressure or are on a low-sodium diet. You can reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium seasonings and sauces.

5. Vegetable Additions: To boost the nutritional value, consider adding finely chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the meat mixture. This adds vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

6. Serving Size: Be mindful of portion sizes to control calorie intake, as overeating can lead to consuming excess calories and fat.

In summary, Angela’s Meatloaf can be a part of a balanced diet when prepared with lean meat and attention to ingredient choices. It provides a good amount of protein but should be consumed in moderation due to its fat and sodium content. Adding vegetables to the recipe can enhance its nutritional profile.