Back-Of-The-Box Meatloaf

📦 Back-Of-The-Box Meatloaf: A Classic American Dish 🍽️

🔍 What is it?
Back-Of-The-Box Meatloaf is a classic American comfort food dish that gets its name from the recipe typically found on the back of a box of breadcrumbs or a packet of seasoning mix. It’s a delicious, hearty, and easy-to-make meatloaf, perfect for a satisfying family meal.

📜 History:
The origin of meatloaf can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with various cultures creating their own versions of this dish. In the United States, meatloaf gained popularity during the Great Depression as a cost-effective way to use ground meat. Over time, it evolved into a beloved, quintessential American dish. The “Back-Of-The-Box” version likely emerged as a way for companies to promote their products, making it convenient for home cooks to create a tasty meatloaf.

🥩 Components:
Here are the main components of a classic Back-Of-The-Box Meatloaf:

• Ground meat: Typically a mixture of ground beef and pork, though you can use ground turkey, chicken, or a meat alternative.
• Breadcrumbs: These provide structure and help bind the meatloaf together.
• Eggs: Serve as a binding agent.
• Seasonings: Ingredients such as onions, garlic, herbs, and spices for flavor.
• Ketchup or tomato sauce: Used for topping and flavor.

👩‍🍳 Preparation:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing a delicious Back-Of-The-Box Meatloaf:

1. Ingredients:

   • 1 1/2 pounds of ground meat
   • 1 cup of breadcrumbs
   • 2 eggs
   • 1/2 cup of finely chopped onions
   • 2 cloves of minced garlic
   • 1/2 cup of ketchup or tomato sauce
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Optional: herbs and spices like thyme, paprika, or Worcestershire sauce for added flavor.

2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onions, minced garlic, and your chosen seasonings. Mix them thoroughly.

4. Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish.

5. Spread ketchup or tomato sauce over the top of the meatloaf.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

7. Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

🕒 Time Needed:
The preparation and cooking time for Back-Of-The-Box Meatloaf typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It’s a convenient dish that doesn’t require extensive cooking skills, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Enjoy your classic Back-Of-The-Box Meatloaf! 🍽️😋👨‍🍳

📊 Nutrition Facts and Health Information for Classic Meatloaf:

Here are some general nutrition facts and health considerations for a classic meatloaf recipe, which can vary based on specific ingredients and portions:

Nutrition (per serving, approximately 3.5 ounces):

• Calories: About 250-300 calories
• Protein: Approximately 15-20 grams
• Total Fat: Around 15-20 grams
  • Saturated Fat: Varies based on meat choice (e.g., beef, pork)
• Carbohydrates: About 10-15 grams
• Dietary Fiber: Approximately 1-2 grams
• Sugars: Varies based on added sugars (e.g., ketchup)
• Sodium: About 400-600 milligrams
• Cholesterol: Varies based on meat choice and portion size

Health Information:

1. Protein: Meatloaf is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

2. Fats: The total fat content can vary depending on the meat used, with leaner meats like turkey resulting in lower fat content. It’s recommended to opt for leaner ground meat or consider mixing lean and fattier meats to control fat content.

3. Carbohydrates: Meatloaf typically contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from breadcrumbs. Consider using whole-grain breadcrumbs for added fiber.

4. Fiber: While not particularly high in fiber, you can increase the fiber content by adding vegetables like finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to the meatloaf mixture.

5. Sodium: The sodium content can be moderately high, mainly due to seasonings, breadcrumbs, and ketchup. If you have dietary restrictions or concerns about sodium intake, consider using low-sodium ingredients.

6. Cholesterol: The cholesterol content can vary based on the meat used. Leaner meats will have lower cholesterol levels.

7. Nutrient Variety: Adding vegetables and using whole-grain breadcrumbs can boost the nutritional value of your meatloaf by providing additional vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Remember that the specific nutrition facts can vary depending on your choice of ingredients, portion sizes, and the exact recipe you follow. To get precise nutritional information, you can use a nutrition calculator or check the labels on the specific products you use. Additionally, consider individual dietary needs and preferences when making or consuming meatloaf. 🍽️📊💡