Confessions Of A Foodie: Athenian Meatloaf with Yogurt-Cucumber Sauce

Showing posts with label Athenian Meatloaf with Yogurt-Cucumber Sauce. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Meatloaf

Years ago, meatloaf was my go-to Sunday dinner. I usually added potatoes (either baked or mashed), another veggie, and dessert. Yum! While it's been a while since I've made meatloaf, it still holds a special place in my memory.

To that end, here are six meatloaf recipes to help you through the day, including Old-Fashioned Meatloaf and Athenian Meatloaf with Yogurt-Cucumber Sauce. Enjoy!

EASY TURKEY MEATLOAF

This is from Melissa Knific at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Melissa wrote, "There’s really no reason not to celebrate meatloaf — it’s simple, budget-friendly, cleanup is a breeze and there are almost always leftovers for next-day sandwiches. While beef is often the go-to choice for the meat, turkey is a flavorful alternative that can take on a slew of mix-ins. Here, seasoned bread crumbs, garlic powder and Worcestershire do the work, but a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or a palmful of fresh, chopped thyme or sage can be added for an extra boost. Grated apple ensures the meatloaf isn’t dry; use any variety you have on hand. A sweet, slightly vinegary sauce is spooned over the meatloaf after it’s formed, caramelizing when baked (if you have a favorite bottled or from-scratch barbecue sauce feel free to use 2/3 cup of it instead). Serve this meatloaf with mashed potatoes and a green vegetable."

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025481-easy-turkey-meatloaf. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

Nonstick cooking spray

1 large egg

1-1/2 pounds ground turkey (90 percent lean)

1 medium apple, cored and grated (6 ounces)

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (1 cup)

3/4 cup seasoned panko bread crumbs

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1-1/4 teaspoons kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

For the Sauce1/2 cup ketchup

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon vinegar (cider, distilled, or white or red wine)

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and coat with cooking spray.

Prepare the meatloaf: In a large bowl, beat the egg. Add ground turkey, apple, onion, panko, Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning, if using. Using hands, combine until everything is well mixed. Transfer to the prepared sheet pan and form into a football-shaped loaf, about 9-by-5 inches.

Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire and pepper until well combined. Pour evenly over the top of the meatloaf, allowing the sauce to drip down the sides.

Bake meatloaf until the temperature in the center registers 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, 45 to 55 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

CHEESY TACO MEATLOAF

This comes from Campbell’s Kitchen, begins, “It takes just 10 minutes and a few ingredients to put together this scrumptious meatloaf...and when it comes out of the oven you've got two family favorites, tacos and meatloaf, combined into one tasty dish!”

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes; Serves: 8 people

To view this online, go to https://www.campbells.com/kitchen/recipes/cheesy-taco-meatloaf/.

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef

1 jar (16 ounces) Pace® Chunky Salsa - Mild or Pace® Picante Sauce - Medium

1 1/2 ounces tortilla chips, crushed (about 1/2 cup)

1 egg

1 teaspoon chili powder

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

Set the oven to 350°F. Thoroughly mix the beef, 1 cup salsa, tortilla chips, egg, chili powder, salt and black pepper in a large bowl. Place the beef mixture into a 3-quart shallow baking pan and shape into an 9x4-inch loaf.

Bake for 1 hour or until the meatloaf is cooked through.

Spread the remaining salsa over the meatloaf and sprinkle with the cheese. Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

OLD-FASHIONED MEATLOAF

This comes from VeryWellFit, and begins, “This lighter meatloaf recipe is similar to the one most of us enjoyed during our childhoods, but without all of the extra fat. Choose a lean ground beef or, better yet, ground turkey to cut down on the fat. And since you can't make meatloaf without breadcrumbs, why not replace the white, unrefined with whole wheat for added fiber? Also, using two egg whites in place of one whole egg will reduce the calories and fat while still helping to bind the mixture together.”

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 60 minutes; Total Time: 70 minutes; Servings: 8

To view this online click here.

Ingredients

2 pounds ground meat (85% to 90% lean, or ground turkey)

1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat)

1/4 cup onion (finely chopped or 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion flakes)

2 cloves garlic (minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1 teaspoon thyme

1 teaspoon sage

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 large egg whites

1/4 cup water (or low-fat milk)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients. Mix well, using your hands, but don't overmix because you will toughen the meat.

Turn mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for about 1 hour.

To be sure the meatloaf is done, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the center of the loaf. The temperature should register 155F when it is done.

About 10 to 15 minutes before you think the meatloaf will be done, you can cover it with barbecue sauce if you like.

International Meatloaf

If you are looking for a different kind of meatloaf, try kofta kebabs, a Middle Eastern grilled ground meat recipe. The spices in this meat mixture (traditionally lamb) are a delicious change of pace from the usual. If you don't have the time or inclination to place them on skewers, you can make them into oblong-oval shapes that look like sausages without the casings.

EASY HOMEMADE MEATLOAF

Servings: 6

View recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/45.shtml

Ingredients

1 egg

2 tablespoons green pepper, chopped fine

2 cups lean ground round (15% fat or less)

1 teaspoon salt

2 slice bread, cubed fine

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 cup catsup

1 tablespoon prepared horseradish

1/3 cup onion, chopped fine

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Mix all ingredients well.

Form into a loaf.

Place in foil-lined 5x9 pan.

Bake until done (15-20 minutes).

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 258; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 15 g; Carbohydrates: 7.5 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread; 3 Lean-Meat; 1-1/2 Fat

ATHENIAN MEATLOAF WITH YOGURT-CUCUMBER SAUCE

Makes 8 servings

Source: TBC

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1258.shtml

Ingredients

2 pounds 96% lean Ground Beef

1 cup soft bread crumbs*

3/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 cup 2% milk

1 large egg

1 tablespoon plus 1-1/2 teaspoons dried Greek seasoning, divided

1 cup low-fat or regular Greek-style yogurt

1/2 cup diced cucumber

* To make soft breadcrumbs: Tear several slices of fresh bread (French or whole wheat work well) into 1-inch pieces and pulse in a blender or food processor to make coarse crumbs. One slice of bread yields about 1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F. Combine Ground Beef, bread crumbs, onion, milk, egg, 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.

Shape beef mixture into 10 x 4-inch loaf on rack in broiler pan. Bake in 350F oven 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours, until instant-read thermometer inserted into center registers 160F.

Meanwhile, combine yogurt, cucumber and remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons Greek seasoning in medium bowl. Set aside.

Let stand 10 minutes; cut into slices. Serve with cucumber-yogurt sauce.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 187; Protein: 26 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 240 mg; Cholesterol: 95 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g

BEST TURKEY MEATLOAF

This is from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, "A slightly lighter version of the all-American classic, this satisfying meatloaf uses chicken broth and soaked panko to stay moist, and a mix of fresh herbs for flavor. It’s the best turkey meatloaf you’ll find!"

Active Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy

To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/best-turkey-meatloaf-recipe-7217376.

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon minced fresh sage

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 cloves garlic, grated

1 tablespoon tomato paste

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup chicken broth

3 pounds ground turkey

2 large eggs

1/2 cup ketchup

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, thyme, sage, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring to incorporate. Stir in the Worcestershire. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

Add the panko to a large mixing bowl and pour over the chicken broth so the breadcrumbs soak up the liquid. Add the turkey, eggs, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and the cooled onion mixture and mix well with your hands until well combined. Form the mixture into a 10-by-5-inch loaf on the foil-lined baking sheet. Coat the top and sides with the ketchup.

Put the meatloaf in the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake until a thermometer inserted in the center of the loaf reads 165 degrees F, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Monday, January 26, 2026

Double-Post Monday

Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's offerings include Athenian Meatloaf with Yogurt-Cucumber Sauce and Bistro Onion Burgers. Enjoy!

WHITE CHICKEN CHILI

This is from Lidey Heuck at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this, Lidey wrote, "This easy chili comes together quickly, thanks to rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken and an ingredient list that leans heavily on pantry staples. Made with canned chiles and seeded jalapeños, this chili has a mild heat that can be intensified with the addition of ground cayenne, or by leaving the seeds in the jalapeños. While some white chili recipes call for cream cheese or sour cream to thicken the broth, this one achieves a similar texture by mashing some of the white beans. If you prefer a creamy chili, feel free to stir in a large spoonful of sour cream just before serving. Or, include sour cream with a host of toppings — including crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, diced avocado and pickled jalapeños — to make this chili a customizable family favorite."

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 50 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1024345-white-chicken-chili. Then, check out Sam Sifton's guide, "How to Make Chili." Finally, if you haven't signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend it.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large yellow onion, chopped

1 large jalapeño pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped

2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 5 cloves)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika or chili powder

Pinch of cayenne pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste (such as Diamond Crystal)

Freshly cracked black pepper

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles

2-1/2 to 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (from 1 roast chicken or rotisserie chicken)

1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels

Half a lime, plus lime wedges for serving

Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, pickled jalapeño slices, diced avocado, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro and crushed tortilla chips, for serving (optional)

Preparation

In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and jalapeño and cook, stirring often, until the onions are tender, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt and a few grinds of black pepper, and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Add the chicken broth, cannellini beans and diced green chiles with their liquid; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the broth has reduced by about half, 18 to 20 minutes. Off the heat, use a wooden spoon to mash some of the beans against the side of the pot. Continue mashing the beans until the broth is noticeably thicker.

Return the pot to medium, stir in the chicken and corn, and cook until heated through, about 3 minutes. Juice the lime half over the pot, then taste for seasonings and add more salt, black pepper, and cayenne, if desired.

Serve the chili in bowls topped as you like with a lime wedge, shredded cheese, pickled jalapeños, diced avocado, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, and/or crushed tortilla chips.

ATHENIAN MEATLOAF WITH YOGURT-CUCUMBER SAUCE

Makes 8 servings

Source: TBC

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1258.shtml

Ingredients

2 pounds 96% lean Ground Beef

1 cup soft bread crumbs*

3/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 cup 2% milk

1 large egg

1 tablespoon plus 1-1/2 teaspoons dried Greek seasoning, divided

1 cup low-fat or regular Greek-style yogurt

1/2 cup diced cucumber

* To make soft breadcrumbs: Tear several slices of fresh bread (French or whole wheat work well) into 1-inch pieces and pulse in a blender or food processor to make coarse crumbs. One slice of bread yields about 1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F. Combine Ground Beef, bread crumbs, onion, milk, egg, 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.

Shape beef mixture into 10 x 4-inch loaf on rack in broiler pan. Bake in 350F oven 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours, until instant-read thermometer inserted into center registers 160F.

Meanwhile, combine yogurt, cucumber and remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons Greek seasoning in medium bowl. Set aside.

Let stand 10 minutes; cut into slices. Serve with cucumber-yogurt sauce.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 187; Protein: 26 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 240 mg; Cholesterol: 95 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: .4 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g

HAWAIIAN SHEET PAN CHICKEN

This is from WW (formerly Weight Watchers), and begins, "This easy, all-in-one meal hits all the right sweet and savory notes. A little convenient-and-delicious jarred teriyaki sauce pulls together the pineapple, red bell pepper, and onion, and turns them into a family-friendly veggie side plus a saucy accompaniment for the chicken. Leftovers make a great lunch on top of some brown rice."

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Serves: 4; Difficulty: Easy; 1 point

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

4 sprays Cooking spray

22-1/2 oz. uncooked boneless skinless chicken breasts (but you'll need to start with four 7-ounce skin-on bone-in split chicken breasts)

1 tsp table salt, plus more to taste

1/2 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste

1-1/2 cups pineapple, fresh chunks

1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks

1 medium red onion, cut into thin wedges

1/3 cup reduced sodium teriyaki sauce

2 Tbsp Cilantro, chopped (or to taste)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper; place on one side of prepared baking sheet.

Combine the pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and onion on the other side and toss with teriyaki sauce. Sprinkle with black pepper. Roast until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender and browned, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and more salt, if desired.

Serving size: 1 chicken breast (skin discarded) and 1/2 cup pineapple and vegetables

BISTRO ONION BURGERS

This comes from FamilyTime, and begins, “Are you looking for a quick and easy dinner that everyone will love? Try these burgers that use dry onion soup mix to add a savory touch.”

Serves: 6 servings; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds ground beef

1 envelope (about 1 ounce) dry onion soup and recipe mix

3 tablespoons water

6 Pepperidge Farm® Farmhouse™ Premium White Rolls with Sesame Seeds, split and toasted

lettuce leaves

tomatoes slices

Directions

Thoroughly mix the beef, soup mix and water. Shape the beef mixture into 6 (1/2-inch thick) burgers.

Cook the burgers in batches in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until well browned on both sides, 10 minutes for medium or to desired doneness.

Serve the burgers on the rolls. Top with the lettuce and tomato.

SLOW-COOKER TACO SOUP

This comes from Amy Cipolla Barnes on the Southern Living site. The recipe begins, " Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or an ordinary Friday, this slow-cooker taco soup recipe is a great meal option. Filling and warm, the soup is also simple to prepare.
"During chilly fall and winter days, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup. Add in the ease of a slow cooker, and you’ve got dinner on the table with only a few minutes of hands-on work with this easy Slow-Cooker Taco Soup recipe."

Active Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes; Servings: 8 to 10

To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/slow-cooker-taco-soup-7108646.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef

1 large onion, diced (about 1-1/2 cups)

1 (1-oz.) pkg. taco seasoning

1 (15.5-oz.) can chili beans, drained

1 (14.5-oz.) can tomatoes, garlic, and onions

1 (14.5-oz.) can stewed tomatoes

1 (15.5-oz.) can kidney beans, drained

1 (15.5-oz.) can pinto beans, drained

1 (15.25-oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained

1 (1-oz.) pkg. dry ranch seasoning mix

Sour cream, salsa, tortilla strips or chips, corn chips, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium, stirring constantly, 5 to 8 minutes or until meat crumbles and is no longer pink; drain. Add onions, and cook until tender and translucent. Add one package of taco seasoning, and stir until meat is covered.

Spoon ground beef mixture in the bottom of the slow-cooker crock. Add remaining ingredients, and stir to combine. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW 6 hours, stirring occasionally. Ladle into bowls, top with preferred garnishes, and serve.

BEST EVER BEEF STEW

This comes from Chungah at Damn Delicious. She wrote, "A cozy, classic beef stew with tender beef, carrots, mushrooms + potatoes. Everyone will love this, especially on those chilly nights!"

Yield: 8 servings; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

You can view this recipe on Chungah's website at https://damndelicious.net/2020/02/29/best-ever-beef-stew/. While you're there, you can sign up for her newsletter.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 pounds top sirloin steak, diced

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 medium sweet onion, diced

2 large carrots, peeled and diced

2 celery ribs, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, halved

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1/2 cup dry red wine

2 1/2 cups beef stock

4 sprigs fresh thyme

2 bay leaves

1 large russet potato, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch chunks

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season steak with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Working in batches, add steak to the stockpot and cook, stirring occasionally, until evenly browned, about 6-8 minutes; set aside.

Add onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes.

Add garlic and mushrooms, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned, about 3-4 minutes.

Whisk in flour and tomato paste until lightly browned, about 1 minute.

Stir in wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the stockpot.

Stir in beef stock, thyme, bay leaves and steak. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until beef is very tender, about 30 minutes.

Stir in potato; simmer until potatoes are just tender and stew has thickened, about 20 minutes. Remove and discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Stir in parsley; season with salt and pepper, to taste.*

Serve immediately.

Notes:

*TO FREEZE: Let cool completely; portion into plastic freezer bags in individual servings, squeezing out any excess air before sealing. Lay the bags flat in a single layer in the freezer (this will help them freeze quickly). To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheating over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Monday, September 8, 2025

Double-Post Monday

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Meatloaf

For years, my Sunday go-to meal was Meatloaf, usually with potatoes (mashed or baked), a green veggie, and dessert.

In honor of all those meatloaf dinners, here are six meatloaf recipes to help you through the day, including Italian Meatloaf and Melt-in-Your-Mouth Buttermilk Meatloaf. Enjoy!

BEST TURKEY MEATLOAF

This is from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, "A slightly lighter version of the all-American classic, this satisfying meatloaf uses chicken broth and soaked panko to stay moist, and a mix of fresh herbs for flavor. It’s the best turkey meatloaf you’ll find!"

Active Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy

To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/best-turkey-meatloaf-recipe-7217376.

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon minced fresh sage

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 cloves garlic, grated

1 tablespoon tomato paste

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup chicken broth

3 pounds ground turkey

2 large eggs

1/2 cup ketchup

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, thyme, sage, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring to incorporate. Stir in the Worcestershire. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

Add the panko to a large mixing bowl and pour over the chicken broth so the breadcrumbs soak up the liquid. Add the turkey, eggs, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and the cooled onion mixture and mix well with your hands until well combined. Form the mixture into a 10-by-5-inch loaf on the foil-lined baking sheet. Coat the top and sides with the ketchup.

Put the meatloaf in the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake until a thermometer inserted in the center of the loaf reads 165 degrees F, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

CHEESY TACO MEATLOAF

This comes from Campbell’s Kitchen, begins, “It takes just 10 minutes and a few ingredients to put together this scrumptious meatloaf...and when it comes out of the oven you've got two family favorites, tacos and meatloaf, combined into one tasty dish!”

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes; Serves: 8 people

To view this online, go to https://www.campbells.com/kitchen/recipes/cheesy-taco-meatloaf/.

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef

1 jar (16 ounces) Pace® Chunky Salsa - Mild or Pace® Picante Sauce - Medium

1-1/2 ounces tortilla chips, crushed (about 1/2 cup)

1 egg

1 teaspoon chili powder

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

Set the oven to 350°F. Thoroughly mix the beef, 1 cup salsa, tortilla chips, egg, chili powder, salt and black pepper in a large bowl. Place the beef mixture into a 3-quart shallow baking pan and shape into an 9x4-inch loaf.

Bake for 1 hour or until the meatloaf is cooked through.

Spread the remaining salsa over the meatloaf and sprinkle with the cheese. Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

ATHENIAN MEATLOAF WITH YOGURT-CUCUMBER SAUCE

Makes 8 servings

Source: TBC

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1258.shtml

Ingredients

2 pounds 96% lean Ground Beef

1 cup soft bread crumbs*

3/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 cup 2% milk

1 large egg

1 tablespoon plus 1-1/2 teaspoons dried Greek seasoning, divided

1 cup low-fat or regular Greek-style yogurt

1/2 cup diced cucumber

* To make soft breadcrumbs: Tear several slices of fresh bread (French or whole wheat work well) into 1-inch pieces and pulse in a blender or food processor to make coarse crumbs. One slice of bread yields about 1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F. Combine Ground Beef, bread crumbs, onion, milk, egg, 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.

Shape beef mixture into 10 x 4-inch loaf on rack in broiler pan. Bake in 350F oven 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours, until instant-read thermometer inserted into center registers 160F.

Meanwhile, combine yogurt, cucumber and remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons Greek seasoning in medium bowl. Set aside.

Let stand 10 minutes; cut into slices. Serve with cucumber-yogurt sauce.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 187; Protein: 26 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 240 mg; Cholesterol: 95 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g

ITALIAN MEATLOAF

This is from Todd Coleman at The Spruce Eats. For this yumminess, he wrote, "This is a classic Italian-style meatloaf recipe. It is also free form style, which means it is shaped into a loaf by hand and baked on a sheet rather than baked in a bread loaf pan. We recommend using chuck beef to keep the loaf moist."

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 70 minutes; Cool and Rest Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 110 minutes; Servings: 6 servings; Yield: 1 loaf

To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/italian-meatloaf-recipe-5209784.

Ingredients

2 slices white bread, crusts removed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the pan

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 carrot, finely chopped

1 stalk celery, finely chopped

6 ounces button mushrooms, finely chopped

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

4 slices bacon, chopped

1 pound ground beef, preferably chuck

1/2 pound ground pork

1/4 cup heavy cream

2 teaspoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 large eggs, beaten

2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 teaspoons ground black pepper

For the Glaze:

1/2 cup catsup

2 tablespoons sherry vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Directions

Make the meatloaf

Gather the ingredients.

Heat the oven to 350 F. Finely chop the bread in a food processor. Set the breadcrumbs aside.

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning and cook, stirring until soft and the liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Set aside and let cool slightly.

Add the cooled vegetable mixture to the food processor along with the bacon, beef, and pork, and pulse until finely chopped—not puréed.

Add the mixture to a large bowl with the breadcrumbs, cream, soy sauce, Worcestershire, eggs, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, gently mix everything together until well combined.

Mold the meat mixture into a 9-inch-by-5-inch-sized loaf shape on a buttered, parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 135 F, 40 to 45 minutes.

Make and Add the Glaze

Raise the heat to 500 F. In a small bowl, mix together the glaze ingredients.

Brush the meatloaf with the glaze and bake until well browned, about 12 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips

We recommend using chuck beef for this recipe because the beef should have sufficient fat content to prevent the loaf from drying out while cooking. Ground beef that's 80% lean/20% fat works great too.

Resting the loaf before serving prevents all those delicious juices from draining out when you cut into it.

Try using your food processor to speed up the process of finely chopping the raw vegetables. Cut them into chunks first and pulse until finely chopped, not pureed.

Use a 9-by-5 inch loaf pan to help mold the meatloaf. Just pack the mixture into the loaf pan, then invert onto the baking sheet and lift the pan off. By cooking the meatloaf on a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan, it cooks much faster and the extra fat can drain off, keeping it from turning out greasy.

MUSHROOM MEATLOAF

Yield: 8 servings

View online: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/739.shtml

Source: Secrets of Good-Carb Low-Carb Living

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds 95-percent-lean ground beef or ground turkey

2 cups very finely chopped fresh mushrooms

3/4 cup very finely chopped onion

3/4 cup quick-cooking (1-minute) oats

8-ounce can tomato sauce with roasted garlic or Italian herbs

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fat-free egg substitute

1/4 cup very finely chopped fresh parsley, or 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dried parsley

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Place all of the ingredients except for 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce in a large bowl, and mix well.

Coat a 9-by-5-inch meatloaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and press the mixture into the pan to form a loaf.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Spread the remaining tomato sauce over the meatloaf and bake for 30 additional minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink inside and a meat thermometer reads at least 160 degrees.

Remove the loaf from the oven, and let sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 20 g; Fat: 4.4 g; Sodium: 399 mg; Cholesterol: 45 mg; Saturated Fat: 1.6 g; Dietary Fiber: 1.7 g; Carbohydrates: 9 g; Exchanges: 1/2 Bread/Starch, 3 Low-Fat Meat, 1 Vegetable

MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH BUTTERMILK MEATLOAF

This is from John Mitzewich who wrote for The Spruce Eats. He wrote, "This easy meatloaf recipe sure lives up to its name. The buttermilk works its tangy magic to make this meatloaf tender, moist, and delicious. A glossy brown sugar glaze finishes off the meatloaf and is a perfect complement to the flavorful ingredients like onion, garlic, tarragon, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce that make it into the mixture. Enjoy this winning meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal."

To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/buttermilk-meatloaf-recipe-101521.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

2 tablespoons butter

1 onion (minced)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

2 1/2 pounds ground beef

2 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried tarragon

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

3/4 cup buttermilk

2 eggs (beaten)

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1 cup breadcrumbs (plain)

For the Glaze:

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cider vinegar

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Directions

Note: While there are multiple steps to this recipe, this meatloaf dish is broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for cooking.

Make the Meatloaf:

Gather the ingredients.

In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.

Remove from the heat, stir in the garlic, and let cool to room temperature.

Preheat the oven to 325 F.

In a large bowl, add the ground beef, the onion and garlic mixture, and all of the remaining meatloaf ingredients. Gently mix to incorporate.

Lightly grease the bottom of a shallow roasting pan with a few drops of oil.

Wet your hands with cold water and form the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape, about 6 inches wide by about 3 to 4 inches high.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Make the Glaze:

Gather the ingredients.

While the meatloaf is baking, combine the brown sugar, vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly spread the glaze over the top with a spoon. If you like, you can put a little of the glaze on the sides, but most of it should go on the top.

Bake for about 30 minutes more. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center to make sure the meatloaf is done; it should reach at least 160 F.

Serve and enjoy.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Meatloaf

There was a time, years ago, when Meatloaf was my go-to Sunday dinner. Not that my family complained any; they loved it! I'd usually add potatoes (either mashed or baked), a green veggie, and dessert. What's not to love?

To that end, here are six meatloaf recipes to help you through the day, including Melt-In-Your-Mouth Buttermilk Meatloaf and Classic Meatloaf with Oatmeal. Enjoy!

CHEESY TACO MEATLOAF

This comes from Campbell’s Kitchen, begins, “It takes just 10 minutes and a few ingredients to put together this scrumptious meatloaf...and when it comes out of the oven you've got two family favorites, tacos and meatloaf, combined into one tasty dish!”

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes; Serves: 8 people

To view this online, go to https://www.campbells.com/kitchen/recipes/cheesy-taco-meatloaf/.

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef

1 jar (16 ounces) Pace® Chunky Salsa - Mild or Pace® Picante Sauce - Medium

1-1/2 ounces tortilla chips, crushed (about 1/2 cup)

1 egg

1 teaspoon chili powder

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

Set the oven to 350°F. Thoroughly mix the beef, 1 cup salsa, tortilla chips, egg, chili powder, salt and black pepper in a large bowl. Place the beef mixture into a 3-quart shallow baking pan and shape into an 9x4-inch loaf.

Bake for 1 hour or until the meatloaf is cooked through.

Spread the remaining salsa over the meatloaf and sprinkle with the cheese. Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

MEATLOAF

This is from Ree Drummond on the Food Network.

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Inactive Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Makes 8 servings; Level: Easy

To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/meatloaf-recipe-2042541.

Ingredients

Meatloaf:

1 cup milk

6 bread slices

2 pounds ground beef

1 cup grated Parmesan

1 teaspoon salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt, such as Lawry's

1/4 to 1/2 cup minced flat-leaf parsley

4 eggs, beaten

8 to 12 thin bacon slices

Tomato Sauce:

1/2 cup ketchup

6 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon dry mustard

Dash or 2 hot sauce (more if you like)

Dash or 2 Worcestershire sauce

Directions

For the meatloaf: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Pour the milk over the bread and allow it to soak in for several minutes. Place the ground beef, milk-soaked bread, Parmesan, salt, some pepper, seasoned salt and parsley in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the eggs. With clean hands, mix the ingredients until well combined.

Form the mixture into a loaf shape on a foil-lined broiler pan, which will allow the fat from the meat to drain.

Lay the bacon slices over the top, tucking them underneath the meatloaf to give the meatloaf some support.

Next, make the tomato sauce: Pour the ketchup into a bowl. Add the brown sugar and dry mustard, and splash in the hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Stir the mixture until well combined. Pour one-third of the sauce over the top of the meatloaf.

Bake for 45 minutes, and then pour over another one-third of the remaining tomato sauce over the meatloaf. Bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes; the meatloaf should be no longer pink in the middle. Allow to sit 10 minutes before serving.

Serve with the remaining tomato sauce on the side as a dipping sauce.

TURKEY MEATLOAF

This comes from Sam Sifton in The New York Times cooking email. Sam wrote, “This is a recipe that helps explain the Twitter-era term ‘humblebrag.’ I made it for the celebrated writer and filmmaker Nora Ephron after a different recipe resulted in a disaster and I had to discard the result with only a few hours before my dinner with -- did I mention? -- Nora Ephron. It derives from a meatball dish once cooked by the chef Mark Ladner at the restaurant Lupa in Manhattan, and published as a recipe in Details magazine in the early years of the century. I scaled it up over the years, increasing some spices here and there, lessening others, until I had what I thought to be a pretty terrific meatloaf. But don't take my word for it. ‘This is remarkable,’ Ms. Ephron told me. I'm bragging about it still.” Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 1 hour 30 minutes.

This was featured in “Potlucky” and can be viewed online here.

Note: This recipe calls for 1 cup red wine. If, like me, you don’t keep wine or any alcohol around the house, I imagine you could replace this with 1 cup water. Yes, this will affect the taste a little, but it’s do-able.

Ingredients

8 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 cup fresh bread crumbs of any provenance

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup whole milk

1 pound ground turkey

1 pound sweet Italian pork sausage, casing removed, crumbled

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

4 ounces bacon, chopped

1 medium red onion, finely chopped

1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, preferably San Marzano, seeds removed

1 cup red wine

1/4 bunch mint

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Combine 2/3 of the garlic, the rosemary, pepper flakes, bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Add the milk and mix. Add the turkey and sausage and mix once more to combine; don’t overmix. Transfer onto a board and shape into a fine meatloaf, about 9 inches long and 4 inches wide.

Place in a baking pan with high sides (a 9 x12 pan with 2-inch sides works well), drizzle with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and bake for 25 minutes, turning halfway through to brown evenly. Remove from the oven and reduce the heat to 325 degrees.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, fry the bacon in the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil until it starts to curl and its fat is rendered. Add the onions and remaining garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and wine and bring to a boil.

Pour the sauce over the meatloaf, cover tightly with foil and bake until a meat thermometer inserted at the center reads 150 degrees, 20 to 30 minutes.

Transfer the meatloaf to a platter and let stand, tented with foil, for 10 minutes. Cut into thick slices, spoon tomato sauce over the top and scatter with torn mint leaves.

CLASSIC MEATLOAF WITH OATMEAL

This is from Kristina Vanni for The Spruce Eats. Kristina wrote, " This classic meatloaf with oatmeal recipe is an easy recipe that is quick to assemble. Here, quick-cooking rolled oats are used as a filler to help keep the texture of the meatloaf light and to help retain the moisture of the meatloaf so it doesn't become dry. Quick-cooking oats are ideal because they are finer than old-fashioned rolled oats which would add too much texture to the dish. Do not use steel-cut oats in a meatloaf, since they will remain hard and inedible.

"Meatloaf tastes great when served alongside buttery mashed potatoes and your choice of green vegetable such as string beans. Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. It is common to transform leftover meatloaf into a delicious meatloaf sandwich the next day."

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 70 minutes; Rest: 15 minutes; Total Time: 100 minutes; Makes 8 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/meatloaf-with-oatmeal-recipe-5089174.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

2 pounds ground beef

3/4 cup quick-cooking rolled oats

1 cup finely chopped onion

3/4 cup milk

2 large eggs, slightly beaten

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

For the Glaze:

1/3 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

Directions

Gather the ingredients. Preheat oven to 350 F.

In a large bowl combine the ground beef, quick-cooking rolled oats, onion, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands to combine. Do not overwork.

Transfer to a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Smooth out the surface at the top.

In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth.

Spoon half of the glaze over the meatloaf.

Bake (uncovered) for about 1 hour.

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and tilt the pan to drain off the grease. Spread the remaining glaze on top and return to the oven for 10 more minutes, or until meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160 F.

Let stand on a wire rack for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips

When making meatloaf, do not overmix or overwork the meat, otherwise the final product can become tough and dry.

Meatloaves prepared in a loaf pan have a uniform shape and look great when sliced. However, you might need to drain off excess grease that may accumulate while the meat is cooking.

Freeform meatloaves are shaped by hand and cooked on lined a baking sheet. This option allows the grease to flow from the meat while it is cooking.

Exercise caution when pouring the grease out of the pan. Hot grease can cause severe burns.

Recipe Variations

You can swap the oatmeal for a heaping 1/2 cup of dry breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs.

Boost the flavor by doubling up on the garlic and onion powders, adding 1/2 teaspoon of oregano or parsley, or a few cloves of finely minced garlic.

Switch from ketchup to chili sauce—not the spicy kind but the sort found near the ketchup. Use it alone or mixed with the mustard and brown sugar.

Try topping the meatloaf with barbecue sauce instead of the glaze.

How to Store and Freeze

Wrapped properly, the cooked meatloaf will stay fresh in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 days.

Meatloaf leftovers freeze well and can be reheated for a wholesome and delicious meal later on.

Once the meatloaf is fully cooked, allow to cool completely. Wrap the meatloaf in plastic wrap or slice into desired sizes and wrap the individual slices. Place in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. Be sure to clearly label with the name of the recipe and the date frozen. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When ready to reheat frozen leftover meatloaf, thaw the individual piece or pieces overnight in the refrigerator. Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in the microwave until warmed through.

What Is the Best Beef for Meatloaf?

One of the secrets to moist meatloaf is to use meat with a good amount of fat. Save lean beef for other dishes and use ground beef with 80 percent meat and 20 percent fat (often called 80/20) in meatloaf for the best results.

Why Does Meatloaf Fall Apart?

There are a few factors that cause meatloaf to fall apart. Too much filler (the oatmeal in this recipe) and vegetables that aren't finely chopped are two common issues. Dry meatloaf will also fall apart and that can be caused by working the meat or compressing the loaf too much or overcooking the meatloaf.

ATHENIAN MEATLOAF WITH YOGURT-CUCUMBER SAUCE

Makes 8 servings

Source: TBC

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1258.shtml

Ingredients

2 pounds 96% lean Ground Beef

1 cup soft bread crumbs*

3/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 cup 2% milk

1 large egg

1 tablespoon plus 1-1/2 teaspoons dried Greek seasoning, divided

1 cup low-fat or regular Greek-style yogurt

1/2 cup diced cucumber

* To make soft breadcrumbs: Tear several slices of fresh bread (French or whole wheat work well) into 1-inch pieces and pulse in a blender or food processor to make coarse crumbs. One slice of bread yields about 1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F. Combine Ground Beef, bread crumbs, onion, milk, egg, 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.

Shape beef mixture into 10 x 4-inch loaf on rack in broiler pan. Bake in 350F oven 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours, until instant-read thermometer inserted into center registers 160F.

Meanwhile, combine yogurt, cucumber and remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons Greek seasoning in medium bowl. Set aside.

Let stand 10 minutes; cut into slices. Serve with cucumber-yogurt sauce.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 187; Protein: 26 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 240 mg; Cholesterol: 95 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g

MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH BUTTERMILK MEATLOAF

This is from John Mitzewich, who wrote for The Spruce Eats. John wrote, "This easy meatloaf recipe sure lives up to its name. The buttermilk works its tangy magic to make this meatloaf tender and delicious. This great recipe is finished with a glossy brown sugar glaze that's a perfect compliment to the flavorful meat. If you're craving meatloaf but on a stricter diet, you can also try kept meatloaf."

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Yield: 8 servings

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter

1 onion (minced)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

2 1/2 pounds ground beef

2 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried tarragon

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

3/4 cup buttermilk

2 eggs (beaten)

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1 cup breadcrumbs (plain)

For the Glaze:

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cider vinegar

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Directions

While there are multiple steps to this recipe, this meatloaf dish is broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for cooking.

For the Meatloaf:

Gather the ingredients.

In a sauté pan, on medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.

Remove from the heat, stir in the garlic, and let cool to room temperature.

Preheat oven to 325 F.

In a large bowl add the ground beef, the onions, and all the remaining meatloaf ingredients. Mix to incorporate.

Lightly grease the bottom of a shallow roasting pan with a few drops of oil.

Wet your hands with cold water and form the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape, about 6 inches wide, by about 3 to 4 inches high.

Bake for 30 minutes.

For the Glaze:

Gather the ingredients.

While the meatloaf is baking combine the brown sugar, vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl for the glaze.

After 30 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly spread the glaze over the top with a spoon. If you like, you can put a little of the glaze on the sides, but most of it should go on the top.

Bake for about 30 minutes more. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center to check to make sure meatloaf is done—at least 160 F/70 C.

Serve and enjoy!

Tip

Enjoy with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Where's the Beef?

If you grew up during the 1980s, you might remember the classic question (from a Wendy's commercial) that asked, "Where's the beef?".

Besides fast food burger restaurants, you can also find some here. Check out the Beef Noodle Skillet, the Melt-in-Your-Mouth Buttermilk Meatloaf, and the rest of today's recipes. Enjoy!

HAMBURGER SOUP

This is from Melissa Knific on The New York Times cooking site. For this yummy recipe, Melissa wrote, "Not to be confused with tasting like an actual burger, this soup is actually named after ground beef, which is sometimes referred to as 'hamburger' in certain parts of the United States. Here, it’s combined with any mix of vegetables you like or have on hand, making it an ideal one-pot meal to use up odds and ends from both your crisper and freezer. The key to unlocking a speedy, fully loaded soup is using frozen, pre-chopped vegetables — just be sure not to thaw them before adding to the broth so they don’t lose their bite. To store, cool completely in the pot before transferring to an airtight container, then refrigerate and enjoy for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months."

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Yield: 6 servings

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025427-hamburger-soup. Also, while you're at it, if you haven't signed up for The New York Times cooking site already, you might want to do so. Definitely worth it! Great recipes, guides, and more.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil

1 pound ground beef (preferably 10 percent fat)

1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)

2 large celery stalks, diced

3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

3 tablespoons tomato paste

1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes

3 cups low-sodium beef stock or broth

1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper

12 ounces russet or Yukon gold potatoes (about 2 medium russet or 3 to 4 medium Yukon gold), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

3 cups chopped mixed vegetables, such as green beans, corn, peas and carrots, frozen (unthawed) or fresh (see Tip)

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Chopped parsley, for serving (optional)

Preparation

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high. Add ground beef, onion and celery. Cook, breaking up the meat into crumbles and stirring occasionally, until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables start to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 2 minutes.

Add tomato paste, stirring until it coats everything; cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and their juice, stock, Italian seasoning, 1-1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix until combined, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.

Stir in potatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Add chopped vegetables, stirring until combined. Make sure potatoes and vegetables are submerged, partially cover the pot, return to a simmer and cook until they’re tender, 7 to 10 minutes.

Taste soup, season with Worcestershire sauce, if using, and more salt and pepper, if desired. Ladle into bowls and top with chopped parsley, if using.

Tip

A bag of mixed frozen vegetables is perfect here, as it significantly cuts down on prep time. Don’t thaw them; simply add to the soup from frozen. It’ll take a minute or two to return to a simmer, but adding them this way ensures maximum crispness. If using fresh veggies, you’ll need an extra 10 to 15 minutes for prep and a few more minutes of simmering to soften them. Peel and finely dice carrots, and stem and chop green beans into 1/2-inch pieces.

CHEESY TACO SKILLET

This is from Lindsay Funston on Delish. The recipe begins, “Everything you love in beef tacos, only without the tortillas.

Total Time: 20 minutes; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4.

Click here to view the recipe online.

Ingredients

1 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1/4 c. sliced green onions, plus more for garnish

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp. chili powder

1 tbsp. ground cumin

kosher salt

1 lb. ground beef

1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes

1 c. black beans

1 tbsp. Hot sauce

1 c. Shredded Monterey Jack

1 c. shredded Cheddar

Directions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add bell pepper and green onions and cook until tender, 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add chili powder and cumin and stir until combined, then season with salt.

Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, 5 minutes more.

Add diced tomatoes and black beans and stir until combined. Stir in hot sauce, Monterey jack, and cheddar. Cover with a lid and let melt, 2 minutes, then garnish with green onions and serve.

BEST EVER BEEF STEW

This comes from Chungah at Damn Delicious. She wrote, "A cozy, classic beef stew with tender beef, carrots, mushrooms + potatoes. Everyone will love this, especially on those chilly nights!"

Yield: 8 servings; Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

You can view this recipe on Chungah's website at https://damndelicious.net/2020/02/29/best-ever-beef-stew/. While you're there, you can sign up for her newsletter.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 pounds top sirloin steak, diced

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 medium sweet onion, diced

2 large carrots, peeled and diced

2 celery ribs, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, halved

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1/2 cup dry red wine

2 1/2 cups beef stock

4 sprigs fresh thyme

2 bay leaves

1 large russet potato, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch chunks

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season steak with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Working in batches, add steak to the stockpot and cook, stirring occasionally, until evenly browned, about 6-8 minutes; set aside.

Add onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes.

Add garlic and mushrooms, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned, about 3-4 minutes.

Whisk in flour and tomato paste until lightly browned, about 1 minute.

Stir in wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the stockpot.

Stir in beef stock, thyme, bay leaves and steak. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until beef is very tender, about 30 minutes.

Stir in potato; simmer until potatoes are just tender and stew has thickened, about 20 minutes. Remove and discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Stir in parsley; season with salt and pepper, to taste.*

Serve immediately.

Notes:

*TO FREEZE: Let cool completely; portion into plastic freezer bags in individual servings, squeezing out any excess air before sealing. Lay the bags flat in a single layer in the freezer (this will help them freeze quickly). To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheating over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

MELT-IN-YOUR-MOUTH BUTTERMILK MEATLOAF

This is from John Mitzewich who wrote for The Spruce Eats. He wrote, "This easy meatloaf recipe sure lives up to its name. The buttermilk works its tangy magic to make this meatloaf tender, moist, and delicious. A glossy brown sugar glaze finishes off the meatloaf and is a perfect complement to the flavorful ingredients like onion, garlic, tarragon, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce that make it into the mixture. Enjoy this winning meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal."

To view this online, go to https://www.thespruceeats.com/buttermilk-meatloaf-recipe-101521.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

2 tablespoons butter

1 onion (minced)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

2 1/2 pounds ground beef

2 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried tarragon

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

3/4 cup buttermilk

2 eggs (beaten)

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1 cup breadcrumbs (plain)

For the Glaze:

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cider vinegar

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Directions

Note: While there are multiple steps to this recipe, this meatloaf dish is broken down into workable categories to help you better plan for cooking.

Make the Meatloaf:

Gather the ingredients.

In a sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.

Remove from the heat, stir in the garlic, and let cool to room temperature.

Preheat the oven to 325 F.

In a large bowl, add the ground beef, the onion and garlic mixture, and all of the remaining meatloaf ingredients. Gently mix to incorporate.

Lightly grease the bottom of a shallow roasting pan with a few drops of oil.

Wet your hands with cold water and form the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape, about 6 inches wide by about 3 to 4 inches high.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Make the Glaze:

Gather the ingredients.

While the meatloaf is baking, combine the brown sugar, vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and evenly spread the glaze over the top with a spoon. If you like, you can put a little of the glaze on the sides, but most of it should go on the top.

Bake for about 30 minutes more. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center to make sure the meatloaf is done; it should reach at least 160 F.

Serve and enjoy.

BEEF NOODLE SKILLET

This is from Ree Drummond on the Food Network.

Active Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy

To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/beef-noodle-skillet-8053162.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons salted butter

1 yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground chuck

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon tomato paste

12 ounces egg noodles

2-1/2 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon grainy mustard

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

A few dashes Worcestershire sauce

1/3 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons heavy cream

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Directions

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the ground chuck and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook the meat, crumbling as you go, until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook for about 30 seconds.

Add the noodles, broth, 1 cup hot water, the mustard, paprika and Worcestershire sauce. Give a big stir and bring to a simmer. Cover and allow everything to simmer, stirring occasionally and adding up to 1/2 cup more water if necessary, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 12 minutes. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream and cook for 1 additional minute or until the pasta is tender.

Remove from the heat. Sprinkle over the chives and serve directly from the pan.

ATHENIAN MEATLOAF WITH YOGURT-CUCUMBER SAUCE

Makes 8 servings

Source: TBC

Find this recipe at: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1258.shtml

Ingredients

2 pounds 96% lean Ground Beef

1 cup soft bread crumbs*

3/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 cup 2% milk

1 large egg

1 tablespoon plus 1-1/2 teaspoons dried Greek seasoning, divided

1 cup low-fat or regular Greek-style yogurt

1/2 cup diced cucumber

* To make soft breadcrumbs: Tear several slices of fresh bread (French or whole wheat work well) into 1-inch pieces and pulse in a blender or food processor to make coarse crumbs. One slice of bread yields about 1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F. Combine Ground Beef, bread crumbs, onion, milk, egg, 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.

Shape beef mixture into 10 x 4-inch loaf on rack in broiler pan. Bake in 350F oven 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours, until instant-read thermometer inserted into center registers 160F.

Meanwhile, combine yogurt, cucumber and remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons Greek seasoning in medium bowl. Set aside.

Let stand 10 minutes; cut into slices. Serve with cucumber-yogurt sauce.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 187; Protein: 26 g; Fat: 6 g; Sodium: 240 mg; Cholesterol: 95 mg; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Dietary Fiber: .4 g; Carbohydrates: 6 g

Confessions Of A Foodie