Sweet and Savory Applesauce Meatloaf

Applesauce Meatloaf Recipe

Overview

This delightful Applesauce Meatloaf recipe has been cherished for over 25 years in many homes, originally shared by a matron of honor. It offers a unique twist to traditional meatloaf, balancing sweetness loved by kids with a hint of Dijon mustard that appeals to adults. With a prep time of 15 minutes and a cooking time of 1 hour, this recipe falls under the “Easy” category, making it perfect for beginners and anyone looking for a comforting meal ready in under 4 hours.

• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Recipe Category: Meat
• Keywords: Beginner Cook, < 4 Hours, Easy

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 355.5
• Total Fat: 18.8g
  • Saturated Fat: 7.1g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 215.5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 21.9g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1.1g
  • Sugars: 4.2g
• Protein: 23.8g

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup applesauce
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 cup applesauce (for filling)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (for filling)

Instructions

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

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2. Prepare Meatloaf Mixture:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, chopped onions, 1 cup of applesauce, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

3. Shape and Prepare Loaf:

   • Shape the meat mixture into a round loaf and place it in an 8 or 9-inch baking pan.

4. Create Filling:

   • Make a depression in the middle of the meatloaf. In a separate bowl, mix 1/4 cup of applesauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Pour this filling mixture into the depression in the meatloaf.

5. Bake:

   • Place the baking pan with the meatloaf in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).

6. Serve:

   • Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven.
   • Optionally, pour off any excess grease before serving.

7. Enjoy:

   • Slice the meatloaf and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Tips for Success:

• Ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption.
• Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preferences.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.

This Applesauce Meatloaf recipe not only brings together the flavors loved by both kids and adults but also offers a nostalgic touch with its long-standing popularity in family gatherings and everyday meals. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create a memorable and comforting dish that stands the test of time.