Aunt Myrtle’s Hamburger Loaf

🍔 Aunt Myrtle’s Hamburger Loaf: A Delicious Family Classic 🍔

Aunt Myrtle’s Hamburger Loaf is a classic American comfort food dish that has been cherished in many households for generations. This savory dish is a blend of ground beef, seasonings, and other ingredients, baked to perfection in a loaf shape. It’s easy to make, and it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds with its hearty and comforting flavors.

📜 History:
The history of Aunt Myrtle’s Hamburger Loaf is somewhat elusive, as it’s often a family recipe passed down from generation to generation. The concept of meatloaf, in general, dates back centuries to various culinary traditions. In the United States, it gained popularity during the Great Depression when stretching ground meat was essential. Over time, recipes like Aunt Myrtle’s Hamburger Loaf emerged as a way to turn humble ingredients into a delicious and economical meal.

🥘 Components:

• 1 ½ pounds of ground beef
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs (preferably fresh)
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1/2 cup of diced onions
• 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup of ketchup or tomato sauce
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of black pepper
• 1/2 tsp of dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp of dried basil

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onions, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, ketchup, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil until well mixed.
4. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the beef and other ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
5. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish or on a baking sheet.
6. Bake the Hamburger Loaf in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until it’s cooked through. You can check for doneness by using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
7. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

⏰ Cooking Time:
The total time needed to prepare Aunt Myrtle’s Hamburger Loaf is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, considering both the preparation and cooking time.

🍽️ Serving:
You can serve Aunt Myrtle’s Hamburger Loaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh garden salad. It’s a comforting and filling meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

🍔 Enjoy this delightful, timeless dish – Aunt Myrtle’s Hamburger Loaf, and share the love with your friends and family! 😊👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🍴

🍔 Aunt Myrtle’s Hamburger Loaf: Nutrition Facts and Health Information 🍔

Here’s some important nutritional information and health considerations for Aunt Myrtle’s Hamburger Loaf:

📊 Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for 1 serving):

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Protein: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugars: 2-4g
• Total Fat: 15-20g
• Saturated Fat: 5-8g
• Cholesterol: 70-90mg
• Sodium: 500-700mg
• Iron: 2-4mg
• Vitamin A: 5-10% DV (Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 10-15% DV
• Calcium: 5-8% DV

💡 Health Information:

1. Protein: Aunt Myrtle’s Hamburger Loaf is a good source of protein, making it a satisfying and filling dish. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair.

2. Calories: The calorie content may vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but it’s generally a moderately calorie-dense meal. It can be a substantial part of your daily caloric intake.

3. Carbohydrates: The loaf contains some carbohydrates, mainly from breadcrumbs and vegetables, providing energy for your body.

4. Fats: While it contains fats, they come from ground beef. It’s advisable to use lean ground beef for a healthier option. Be mindful of portion sizes if you’re concerned about fat intake.

5. Sodium: The sodium content can be significant, especially if you use canned tomato sauce or ketchup with added salt. Reducing salt or using low-sodium alternatives is an option for those watching their sodium intake.

6. Vitamins and Minerals: Aunt Myrtle’s Hamburger Loaf contains essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and iron, which are important for overall health.

7. Fiber: It’s not particularly high in fiber, so consider pairing it with fiber-rich side dishes like vegetables to increase your fiber intake.

8. Portion Control: As with many comfort foods, moderation is key. Controlling portion sizes and enjoying it as part of a balanced diet is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Remember that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and preparation methods you use. If you’re concerned about the nutritional content, you can make healthier ingredient choices, such as using lean ground beef, whole-grain breadcrumbs, and reducing added salt and sugar.

As with any meal, it’s important to consider your dietary needs and consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian if you have specific health concerns or dietary restrictions. Enjoy Aunt Myrtle’s Hamburger Loaf in a way that suits your individual nutritional requirements and preferences. 🍴😊