Meatloaf With Tomato Beef Sauce

Meatloaf With Tomato Beef Sauce

 

Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 55–65 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes

Meatloaf with tomato beef sauce is a classic comfort dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family meals. The meatloaf is made with ground meat mixed with vegetables, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, which help keep the loaf moist and tender while baking. The tomato beef sauce adds a rich, slightly tangy flavor that complements the savory meat perfectly. This recipe is simple to prepare and can easily become a regular dish in your weekly meal rotation.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

• 2 pounds chopped meat (beef or a mixture of beef and pork)
• 4 eggs
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅔ cup oatmeal
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 cup finely shredded carrots
• 1 cup finely shredded celery
• 6 tablespoons ketchup

For the Tomato Beef Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ cup water or beef broth

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Meat Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Preparing the oven first ensures that it is at the correct temperature when the meatloaf is ready to bake.

In a large mixing bowl, place the chopped meat. If you are using a mixture of beef and pork, it will give the meatloaf a richer flavor and a softer texture. Crack the four eggs into the bowl and lightly mix them with the meat.

Next, add the finely chopped onion and chopped parsley. These ingredients add freshness and aroma to the meat mixture. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper to season the meat.

After that, add the oatmeal and Italian breadcrumbs. These ingredients act as binders and help absorb moisture, which prevents the meatloaf from becoming too dense. They also help the loaf hold its shape when sliced.

Add the finely shredded carrots and celery. These vegetables add moisture, texture, and subtle sweetness to the meatloaf while also making it slightly healthier.

Finally, add the ketchup and mix everything together. Use your hands or a large spoon to gently combine the ingredients until the mixture is evenly blended. Avoid overmixing because this can make the meatloaf tough instead of tender.

Step 2: Shaping the Meatloaf

Lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish with a small amount of oil or cooking spray. Transfer the meat mixture into the pan and shape it into a loaf form. Press it gently so that it holds together, but do not compress it too tightly.

If you prefer, you can also shape the meat mixture into a loaf by hand and place it on a lined baking tray instead of using a loaf pan. This method allows the edges to become slightly crisp during baking.

Step 3: Baking the Meatloaf

Place the prepared meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 55 to 65 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the loaf.

To check if the meatloaf is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the center. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). If you do not have a thermometer, make sure the meat is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.

Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Resting helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat and keeps the slices from falling apart.

Step 4: Preparing the Tomato Beef Sauce

While the meatloaf is baking, you can prepare the tomato beef sauce.

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until it becomes soft and slightly translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly so it does not burn.

Pour in the tomato sauce and add the tomato paste. Stir well until the tomato paste is fully mixed into the sauce.

Next, add the sugar, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. These seasonings give the sauce a balanced flavor that is slightly tangy and aromatic.

Add the water or beef broth and stir again. Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. As it cooks, the sauce will thicken and develop a deeper flavor.

Step 5: Serving the Dish

After the meatloaf has rested, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Slice it into thick portions using a sharp knife.

Arrange the slices on a serving plate and spoon the warm tomato beef sauce over the top. The sauce adds extra moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Meatloaf with tomato beef sauce pairs well with many side dishes. Some popular options include:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans
• White or brown rice
• Roasted potatoes
• Fresh green salad

This dish is perfect for family dinners because it is filling and satisfying.

Tips for the Best Meatloaf

• Do not overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
• Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep the pieces intact.
• Adding vegetables like carrots and celery helps keep the meatloaf moist.
• Leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and tastes great in sandwiches the next day.