Certainly! Here’s a detailed recipe for Cottage Cheese Meatloaf, perfect for those busy evenings when you need a quick, delicious meal that the whole family will love!
Cottage Cheese Meatloaf Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Cottage cheese | 1 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Quick oats | 1/2 cup |
| Catsup | 1/4 cup |
| Prepared mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/3 cup |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cottage cheese, egg, quick oats, catsup, prepared mustard, salt, and pepper.
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Mix Thoroughly:
- Gently mix all the ingredients until well combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
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Shape and Arrange:
- Lightly press the meat mixture into an 8×8-inch microwave-safe baking dish or pan. Make sure to press it evenly to ensure even cooking.
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Microwave Cooking:
- Cover the dish with waxed paper. Microwave on high power for 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the dish once halfway through if your microwave doesn’t have a turntable.
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Drain Excess Fat:
- Carefully remove the dish from the microwave and drain any excess fat that may have accumulated.
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Add Parmesan Cheese:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
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Final Microwave Step:
- Return the dish, uncovered, to the microwave. Cook on high power for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Rest and Serve:
- Allow the meatloaf to stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to slice.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the meatloaf into portions and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Recipe Notes:
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Cottage Cheese Moisture: The cottage cheese not only adds moisture to the meatloaf but also boosts its nutritional value with protein and calcium.
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Microwave Cooking: Microwaving the meatloaf is a quick and convenient method. Ensure thorough cooking by checking that the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160°F (71°C).
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Customization: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. You can add minced garlic, chopped onions, or your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.
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Leftovers: This meatloaf reheats well. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
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Nutritional Information: (Per Serving)
- Calories: 409
- Total Fat: 23.7g
- Saturated Fat: 9.5g
- Cholesterol: 139.9mg
- Sodium: 912.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 14.1g
- Fiber: 1.3g
- Sugars: 5.5g
- Protein: 33.6g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
🍽️ Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly: Kids love the mild flavor and moist texture.
💰 Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients you likely already have.
🍲 Versatile: Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
🧀 Nutritious Twist: Cottage cheese adds protein and calcium without compromising flavor.
This Cottage Cheese Meatloaf recipe is a testament to how you can create a satisfying, flavorful meal in no time at all, using basic pantry staples. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or looking to whip up a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Enjoy the comfort of homemade meatloaf without spending hours in the kitchen!
