This classic Meatloaf with Tomato Beef Sauce is comfort food at its finest. Packed with flavor and topped with a rich, savory sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The addition of shredded vegetables keeps the meatloaf moist, while the tomato beef sauce adds a delicious finishing touch.
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- Chopped meat (beef, pork, or a mix) – 2 lb
- Eggs – 4
- Onion, finely chopped – 1 large
- Chopped parsley – 2 Tbsp
- Salt – 2 tsp
- Pepper – ½ tsp
- Oatmeal – ⅔ cup
- Italian breadcrumbs – 1 cup
- Finely shredded carrots – 1 cup
- Finely shredded celery – 1 cup
- Ketchup – 6 Tbsp
For the Sauce:
- Ketchup – ⅓ cup
- Beef consommé soup (10.5 oz can) – 1 can
- Dried basil – ½ tsp
- Cornstarch – 1 tsp (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatloaf:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped meat, eggs, onion, parsley, salt, pepper, oatmeal, breadcrumbs, shredded carrots, shredded celery, and ketchup. Mix everything together thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
- Shape and Bake the Meatloaf:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan. If using a loaf pan, lightly grease it first to prevent sticking.
- Place the shaped meatloaf in the oven and bake for 1 hour .
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a microwave-safe measuring cup or small saucepan, combine the ketchup, beef consommé soup, and dried basil. Stir well to blend.
- If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce mixture.
- Microwave the sauce for 3 minutes , stirring halfway through, or heat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
- Add the Sauce and Finish Baking:
- After the meatloaf has baked for 1 hour, remove it from the oven and pour the prepared sauce evenly over the top.
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes , or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) .
- Rest and Serve:
- Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
- Slice and serve with extra sauce on the side if desired. Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- Vegetable Shortcut: Use a food processor to finely shred the carrots and celery quickly and evenly.
- Flavor Boost: Add minced garlic or Worcestershire sauce to the meatloaf mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Sauce Variations: For a tangier sauce, add a splash of red wine vinegar or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato beef sauce.
- Leftovers: This meatloaf tastes even better the next day and makes fantastic sandwiches with a slice of cheese melted on top.
This Meatloaf with Tomato Beef Sauce is hearty, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite. The combination of tender meatloaf and rich, savory sauce is pure comfort on a plate. Enjoy!
