Name: Heinz® Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil; ½ cup onion; ½ cup celery; ¼ cup green pepper; 1 cup Heinz Tomato Ketchup; 1½ lbs lean ground beef; 1 cup Bread crumbs; 1 large egg; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper

Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic meatloaf dinner with this Heinz-inspired recipe. Perfectly seasoned and topped with a tangy ketchup glaze, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Photos of Heinz® Classic Meatloaf Recipe

Some ingredients may not be staples in every pantry, such as celery and green pepper. When heading to the supermarket, be sure to pick up these fresh vegetables along with Heinz tomato ketchup, which will add a familiar, rich flavor to your meatloaf.

Ingredients for Heinz Classic Meatloaf Recipe

vegetable oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables to enhance their flavors.

onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the meatloaf mixture.

celery: Provides a slight crunch and freshness to the dish.

green pepper: Introduces a mild, sweet flavor that complements the other vegetables.

Heinz tomato ketchup: A key ingredient that adds tanginess and a touch of sweetness.

lean ground beef: The main protein component, offering a tender and juicy texture.

bread crumbs: Helps to bind the meatloaf together while adding some texture.

egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatloaf ingredients together.

salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.

One reader, Idette Edmonds says:

This Heinz classic meatloaf recipe is a family favorite! The flavors blend perfectly, and the ketchup adds a delightful tang. It's easy to make and always turns out juicy and delicious. Highly recommend!

Idette Edmonds

Techniques Required for Making Classic Meatloaf

How to preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to reach the desired temperature before placing the meatloaf inside. How to heat oil in a skillet: Pour the vegetable oil into a skillet and place it over medium-high heat until the oil is hot. How to cook vegetables: Add the onion, celery, and green pepper to the heated skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until they are softened. How to stir in ketchup: Mix the ketchup into the cooked vegetables until well combined. How to divide the sauce mixture: Remove the skillet from heat and separate the sauce mixture into two equal parts. How to combine ingredients: Mix half of the sauce mixture with the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper until just combined. How to pat mixture into a loaf pan: Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and press the meat mixture evenly into the pan. How to bake meatloaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. How to rest meatloaf: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes after baking. How to reheat sauce: Warm the reserved sauce mixture before serving. How to slice meatloaf: Cut the meatloaf into slices for serving. How to serve with sauce: Pour the reheated sauce over the sliced meatloaf and enjoy.

How To Make Heinz® Classic Meatloaf

This classic meatloaf is made flavorful with sautéed veggies and rich ketchup, then baked into a juicy loaf, for a mouthwatering and belly-filling meal!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1tbspvegetable oil
½cuponion,finely chopped
½cupcelery,finely chopped
¼cupgreen pepper,finely chopped
1cupHeinz Tomato Ketchup
1½lbslean ground beef
1cupbread crumbs,soft, fresh
1large egg,slightly beaten
½tspsalt
¼tsppepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat oil in a skillet set over medium-high heat. Cook the onion, celery, and pepper for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in ketchup.
Remove the pan from heat and divide the sauce mixture in half. Combine ½ of the sauce with ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
Pat mixture into a lightly greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Bake for 1 hour or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 160 degrees F.
Rest for 5 minutes. Reheat the reserved sauce mixture.
Slice the meat loaf, serve with sauce, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 440.30kcal
Fat: 26.84g
Saturated Fat: 9.25g
Trans Fat: 1.36g
Monounsaturated Fat: 12.21g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.55g
Carbohydrates: 25.84g
Fiber: 1.43g
Sugar: 10.48g
Protein: 23.61g
Cholesterol: 111.51mg
Sodium: 588.71mg
Calcium: 71.61mg
Potassium: 519.18mg
Iron: 3.43mg
Vitamin A: 31.27µg
Vitamin C: 7.88mg

Helpful Technique for Preparing heinz® classic meatloaf recipe

To ensure your meatloaf stays moist and flavorful, avoid overmixing the ground beef mixture. Gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough texture.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Meatloaf

Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the onion, celery, and green pepper in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-made breadcrumbs: Save time by using store-bought bread crumbs instead of making your own.

Mix ingredients efficiently: Combine all meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl and mix with your hands for quicker, more even blending.

Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze one meatloaf for a future meal.

Instant-read thermometer: Use an instant-read thermometer to quickly check if the meatloaf is done.

Substitute Ingredients For Heinz® Classic Meatloaf Recipe

vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a richer flavor and is a healthier fat option.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter taste, which can add a subtle complexity to the meatloaf.
celery - Substitute with carrots: Carrots add a slight sweetness and similar crunch, while also providing additional nutrients.
green pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers are sweeter and can add a vibrant color to the meatloaf.
heinz tomato ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste and honey: Tomato paste provides a rich tomato flavor, and honey adds the sweetness that ketchup typically provides.
lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can make the meatloaf lighter and lower in fat.
bread crumbs - Substitute with rolled oats: Rolled oats can provide a similar binding effect and add a bit of texture, while also being a whole grain option.
large egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mixing flaxseed meal with water creates a gel-like consistency that can act as a binder, suitable for those avoiding eggs.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a depth of umami flavor while still providing the necessary saltiness.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and a different flavor profile, which can make the meatloaf more interesting.

Best Way to Present Classic Meatloaf

Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the meatloaf into elegant, uniform pieces, ensuring each portion is bite-sized and visually appealing.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with a drizzle of the reheated ketchup sauce, creating an artistic pattern around the meatloaf slices.
Add color contrast: Include a side of vibrant, steamed vegetables such as carrots and broccoli to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Elevate the presentation: Place the meatloaf slices on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, using a ring mold to shape the potatoes into a neat, circular form.
Highlight textures: Sprinkle some crispy fried onions or herbed breadcrumbs on top of the meatloaf slices for added texture and visual interest.
Use fine china: Serve the dish on a pristine, white porcelain plate to enhance the presentation and make the colors of the food stand out.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or thyme to add a touch of elegance and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Balance the flavors: Pair the meatloaf with a small dollop of tangy mustard or a spoonful of cranberry sauce to balance the richness of the meatloaf.
Create height: Stack the meatloaf slices slightly off-center, leaning them against the mashed potatoes to create a sense of height and dimension on the plate.
Finish with a flourish: Lightly dust the plate with a pinch of smoked paprika or black pepper for a final touch of sophistication and flavor.

Essential Tools for Making Meatloaf

Oven: Used to bake the meatloaf at a consistent temperature of 350 degrees F.
Skillet: Essential for sautéing the onion, celery, and green pepper until they are softened.
Spatula: Handy for stirring the vegetables in the skillet and incorporating the ketchup.
Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and half of the sauce mixture.
Loaf pan: A 9x5-inch pan is used to shape and bake the meatloaf.
Instant-read thermometer: Ensures the meatloaf reaches the safe internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
Knife: Used to slice the meatloaf once it has rested.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the meatloaf.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the ketchup, breadcrumbs, and vegetables.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vegetable oil, salt, and pepper precisely.
Wooden spoon: Useful for mixing the ground beef mixture gently without overworking it.
Basting brush: Can be used to apply the reheated sauce mixture to the sliced meatloaf before serving.

Storing and Freezing Meatloaf for Later

Let the meatloaf cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the meatloaf soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze, wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Place the wrapped meatloaf in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
Frozen meatloaf can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw the meatloaf overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat, place the thawed meatloaf in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of reheating.
If you have leftover ketchup sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat the sauce in a small saucepan or microwave before serving with the reheated meatloaf.

How to Reheat Meatloaf Leftovers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover meatloaf on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Cover the meatloaf with another piece of foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the edges.
Reheat individual slices of meatloaf in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to the pan to keep the meatloaf moist. Cover the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
For a quick and easy option, place a slice of meatloaf on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. The time may vary depending on the thickness of the slice and your microwave's power.
Transform your leftover meatloaf into a delicious sandwich. Slice the cold meatloaf and place it between two pieces of bread or in a bun. Add your favorite condiments, such as mustard, ketchup, or mayonnaise, and toppings like lettuce, tomato, and cheese. Grill the sandwich in a panini press or on a skillet until the bread is toasted and the meatloaf is heated through.
Crumble the leftover meatloaf and use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. Reheat the crumbled meatloaf in a skillet with some taco seasoning and a splash of water. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Interesting Fact About Meatloaf

A fun fact about this meatloaf recipe is that Heinz tomato ketchup not only adds a rich flavor but also helps keep the meatloaf moist. This classic dish has been a staple in American cuisine since the 19th century, often served as a comforting family meal.

Is Making Meatloaf at Home Cost-Effective?

This meatloaf recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like ground beef, bread crumbs, and vegetables are affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. The use of Heinz tomato ketchup adds a flavorful touch without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost in USD for a household of 4 people: $12-$15.

Is This Classic Meatloaf Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The Heinz Classic Meatloaf recipe, while comforting and delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:

The recipe relies on ground beef, which can be high in saturated fat, especially if a higher fat percentage is used.
Breadcrumbs are used as a filler, adding extra carbohydrates and calories to the dish.
The ketchup, while providing a tangy flavor, also adds sugar and sodium to the meatloaf.

However, the recipe does include some nutritious elements, such as the addition of vegetables like onion, celery, and green pepper, which provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Opt for lean ground beef (90% or higher) or substitute a portion of the beef with ground turkey or chicken to reduce the overall fat content.
Use whole wheat breadcrumbs or oats instead of regular breadcrumbs to increase the fiber content and provide a more nutrient-dense option.
Reduce the amount of ketchup used in the recipe, or choose a low-sugar or no-added-sugar variety to minimize the added sugars.
Increase the proportion of vegetables in the meatloaf to boost the nutrient content and add more flavor and texture to the dish.
Consider adding other healthy ingredients, such as finely chopped mushrooms, grated zucchini, or herbs like parsley or thyme, to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the meatloaf.

Editor's Opinion on This Classic Meatloaf Recipe

This classic meatloaf recipe is straightforward and comforting, perfect for a family dinner. The use of Heinz tomato ketchup adds a nostalgic sweetness, while the sautéed vegetables provide a subtle depth of flavor. The balance of breadcrumbs and egg ensures a moist texture. However, consider adding a touch of Worcestershire sauce or garlic for an extra layer of complexity. Overall, it's a reliable and satisfying dish that can be easily customized to suit personal tastes.

Enhance Your Heinz® Classic Meatloaf Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Imagine a creamy, buttery potato delight, infused with the aromatic essence of garlic. This side dish will perfectly complement the savory richness of your meatloaf, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors on your plate.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Picture brussels sprouts roasted to caramelized perfection, then drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. The slight bitterness of the sprouts and the sweetness of the glaze will provide a delightful contrast to the hearty meatloaf.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Envision tender carrots bathed in a luscious honey glaze, offering a touch of sweetness that balances the savory notes of your meatloaf. This vibrant side dish adds both color and flavor to your meal.

Creamed Spinach: Think of velvety spinach enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. This luxurious side dish will add a touch of elegance to your meatloaf dinner, making every bite a decadent experience.

Apple Walnut Salad: Visualize a crisp apple and walnut salad, tossed with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette. The refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness of the fruit will provide a delightful contrast to the hearty meatloaf, making your meal both balanced and satisfying.

Similar Recipes to Try Instead of Meatloaf

Classic Shepherd's Pie: Dive into this comforting main course featuring a savory ground beef filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a cozy dinner night.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: These vibrant green peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce. A delightful and colorful main course.

Beef And Vegetable Stir-Fry: A quick and easy main course that combines tender beef strips with a medley of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Serve over rice or noodles.

Turkey Meatloaf: A lighter twist on the classic, this main course uses lean ground turkey combined with breadcrumbs, onions, and a tangy tomato glaze. Perfect for a healthier option.

Beef And Bean Chili: Warm up with a hearty bowl of chili made with ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. Ideal for a comforting main course.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Meatloaf

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to start your meal. These bite-sized treats are filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The mushrooms are baked until golden and bubbly, offering a perfect balance of creamy and earthy flavors. Serve them warm to highlight their rich, comforting taste.

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic Italian starter that never fails to impress. Toasted baguette slices are topped with a vibrant mix of diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt elevate this simple yet flavorful dish. It's a refreshing and light way to begin any meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in the rich, molten center of this decadent dessert. Imagine cutting into a warm, chocolate cake and watching the gooey, chocolate lava flow out. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness. The contrast of hot and cold will elevate your dining experience. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh berries for a touch of elegance.

Lemon Meringue Pie: Delight your taste buds with a zesty lemon filling topped with a fluffy, golden meringue. The crisp crust provides a perfect foundation for the tangy and sweet layers. Serve chilled for a refreshing end to your meal. Add a twist by incorporating a hint of lavender into the meringue for a subtle floral note. A slice of this classic pie will leave your guests craving more.

Why trust this Heinz® Classic Meatloaf Recipe:

This classic meatloaf recipe is a tried-and-true favorite, combining the rich flavors of Heinz tomato ketchup with a perfect blend of ground beef, onions, celery, and green pepper. The breadcrumbs and egg ensure a moist and tender texture, while the simple seasoning of salt and pepper enhances the natural flavors. With easy-to-follow instructions and common ingredients, this recipe guarantees a delicious and satisfying meal every time. Trust in the quality and consistency of Heinz for a comforting dish your family will love.

Share your thoughts and experiences with the Heinz® Classic Meatloaf Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

How can I make sure my meatloaf doesn't turn out dry?

To keep your meatloaf moist, make sure not to overmix the ingredients. Also, using lean ground beef helps, but you can add a bit of milk or broth to the mixture if you find it too dry.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of pork and beef. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since different meats may cook at different rates.

What can I use instead of bread crumbs?

If you don't have bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even a slice of bread soaked in milk. These alternatives will help bind the meatloaf together just as well.

Can I add other vegetables to the meatloaf?

Definitely! Feel free to add grated carrots, mushrooms, or even zucchini to the mix. Just make sure to sauté them with the onions, celery, and green pepper to soften them up before mixing them in.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.