It was a typical Sunday. I would wake to the sound of my parents preparing breakfast. My mom would mix the batter for pancakes or waffles and my dad would cook the bacon or sausage. We would sit together at the table and start the day with conversation and special Sunday breakfast. Later in the day would be our Sunday Supper. There was one I will remember forever. It was the first time I was responsible for making the main dish. Meatloaf was my choice because it was one of my favorite childhood meals.
Learning to cook as a kid is important. It was how I was able to make a meatloaf in my early teens. My mom taught me how to measure and follow recipe instructions. My dad taught me how to use a knife. Granted I only had to cut the onion, bell pepper, and celery into large chunks and then use a chopper
to get it finely diced. Tip: It’s gadgets like that which kids can use and help out with tasks such chopping. Hand them the chopper and let them punch down on the top until it’s all chopped up. It’s a way to get everyone involved and spending time together in the kitchen.
The meatloaf recipe is from my mom. It is different from many others because it bakes with a sauce on top. It keeps it moist and gives a little extra something to spoon on each slice. No ketchup needed. Moistened bread cubes mixed in the loaf keep it from being dense. Serve it with mashed potatoes and a vegetable and you have a comforting and hearty meal.
Today’s Sunday Supper is about favorite childhood meals. American Family Insurance understands the value of families spending time together cooking and enjoying a meal together. AmFam has launched a Back To The Family Dinner Table campaign and has partnered with Sunday Supper for our event.
There’s exciting news too: American Family Insurance is having a “Share Your Recipe” sweepstakes for 6 weeks with a weekly prize of a $100 Williams-Sonoma gift card plus a grand prize of a $500 Williams-Sonoma gift card. Share your family favorite recipe and you could also be included in their e-cookbook. Go here for the details -> AmFam Back to the Family Dinner Table Sweepstakes.
Follow American Family Insurance to keep up with the campaign and see the recipes being shared and the stories behind them: Pinterest | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | YouTube | Linkedin
Did you help in the kitchen when you were a kid? If so, did any of those meals turn into being your favorite? It happened for me. My very favorite is rouladen which I cooked soon after making meatloaf for the first time. It also happened to my fellow Sunday Supper bloggers. Scroll down to see their favorites and links to the recipes.
Meatloaf
Ingredients
For the meatloaf:
- 1 cup soft bread cubes small
- Milk or water
- 1 pound ground beef or ground round
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablesoons chopped fresh celery
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 egg slightly beaten
- 4 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 ounces water
For the sauce:
- 4 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 ounces water
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
For the meatloaf:
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Moisten the bread cubes with a little milk or water. Squeeze the excess liquid out.
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Mix together all ingredients in a large bowl. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and form into a loaf.
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Leave about 1/4-inch between the loaf and the sides of the pan.
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Bake for 10 minutes. Pour the sauce over the loaf and return it to the oven and bake for 1 hour, 15 minutes. (Internal temperature should be 160 degrees F or greater).
For the sauce:
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Stir together sauce ingredients in a small bowl until combined.
Recipe Notes
A recipe for meatloaf, a classic ground beef dish made with onions, green peppers, celery and seasonings. It is baked with a sauce which keeps it moist.
Here are favorite childhood meals by Sunday Supper bloggers. Please take the time to visit each one and read the stories behind what makes them special:
- Asian Short Rib Tacos with Pineapple & Crunchy Slaw by Foxes Loves Lemons
- Barbecue Chicken Pizza by In The Kitchen With KP
- Beef & Potato Skillet Supper by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Braised Pork Chops and Sauerkraut by kimchi MOM
- Chicken a la King by Juanita’s Cocina
- Chicken and Dumplings by Country Girl In The Village
- Chicken Crescent Squares by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Family Fave Lasagne by NinjaBaking.com
- Gluten Free Peppered Steak by No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
- Greek Meatballs (Soutzoukakia) by Supper For A Steal
- Green Chile Chicken Tortilla Casserole by girlichef
- Hungarian Goulash by The Foodie Army Wife
- Linguine with fresh Tomatoes and Basil by The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Meatloaf by Magnolia Days
- Peixe Asado no Forno | Fish Baked in the Oven by Family Foodie
- Pierogies by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Sour Cream Coffee Cake by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Straw and Hay Pasta by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Swiss Steak by Curious Cuisiniere
- Veggie Mac and Cheese by Hip Foodie Mom
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here → Sunday Supper Movement
Disclosures: This post is sponsored by American Family Insurance. All opinions are my own. This post contains an affiliate link.
Anita at Hungry Couple says
I definitely used to help my mom cook…or, at least, keep her company in the kitchen and watch. She was my first teacher and meatloaf was a staple in our house. These days, it’s one of my favorite diner comfort foods to order but I don’t make it at home because I can’t get Brian to eat it. 😉
Renee says
Thank goodness for diners having meatloaf on the menu. It’s one I’ll order when I’m at one too.
Family Foodie says
What wonderful memories of Sunday mornings with your parents. Such a great reminder that those moments are the ones that our kids will remember when they are adults!
Renee says
Our mornings were always started off with a good breakfast and conversation. They were times that made memories I’ll cherish forever.
Joyce Gilpin says
5 children old enough to sit at large Round Oak Table with Mother and Dad and the baby in a high chair!
Hot homemade biscuits, white Gavey, Fried OR scrambled eggs, butter, home made grape jelly and sausage or bacon , constituted our Sunday Breakfast!!
My sister & I set the table, Daddy helped with the meat and gavey,Mamma made everything else.
Oh how good everything tasted and we too had good conversation. Sunday was the only time we had breakfast together. Then we had to hurry to get the dishes washed and clean the kitchen. Mamma would start fixing the meat for Sunday dinner after Church. We all went to church. Daddy would invite friends at church to come home and eat with us. Those were GOOD days.
Katie Moseman says
That paints a beautiful picture. It reminds me of the story my mom told me about how Sunday supper would be laid out on the table, ready to be eaten when everyone got home from church. Thank you so much for sharing your memory!
Liz says
Mmmmmm…..I love, love meatloaf! And I’d this is one of my mom’s recipes that I wish she’d have written down. Yours looks like it would please my family 🙂
Renee says
I was lucky in that my mom typed out a lot of her recipes and gave them to me in a book. Sad your mom didn’t write down hers.
Hezzi-D says
I have yet to make a decent meatloaf. I try, I really do, but it never comes out right. My mom made the best meatloaf but can’t find her recipe now. I’m definitely giving your recipe a try as it looks great!
Renee says
Thanks Heather and good luck with your next meatloaf.
Susan says
Ha! We were definitely a ketchup on our meatloaf family but I loved my mom’s recipe. Filled with onions, garlic and carrots. So moist and flavorful and by my teens I knew how to make it too.
Renee says
I don’t know if I’ve had a meatloaf with carrots inside. Hmmm… I might just have to try that one day.
Joyce Gilpin says
My mother used Quick cooking oats. I think it was 1 1/2 cups to 2 cups & 2 eggs if she used 3 pounds of ground beef. She also used ketchup. I make hers and it is good!!
Shannon @VillageGirlBlog says
My kids love the gadgets just as much as I do! You meatloaf looks amazing. I have never used soft bread cubes and milk. I have to try this! Yum!!
Renee says
Thanks Shannon and I’m a major fan of kitchen gadgets. I have drawers and cabinets filled with them.
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
Pure comfort food! We love meatloaf and mashed taters in this house! Adding this to the menu next week!
Renee says
Thanks Jen
Lane @ Supper for a Steal says
I love that there is no ketchup in this! My mom rarely made meatloaf growing up because when she was a kid her mom made it all the time. We used to have to beg for it, but it was always delicious when she made it.
Renee says
It’s funny that I didn’t know people put ketchup on meatloaf until I had it somewhere else. I prefer the sauce so much more.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Nothing says comfort like meatloaf! And my family does something similar with tomato sauce on top. You can find meatloaf in any New Jersey diner, but it always has brown gravy. I much prefer the tomato sauce, but next time I make it, I am trying your addition of mustard.
Renee says
Brown gravy on meatloaf? That’s new to me. All I’ve seen is plain or with ketchup or a tomato based sauce.
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food especially with some mashed potatoes!
Renee says
Oh yes, mashed potatoes are a must.
Dorothy at ShockinglyDelicious says
Like your zesty sauce on top!
Renee says
Thanks Dorothy
Constance @FoodieArmyWife says
Meatloaf is one of those things that I hated as a kid. I make my own version, and thankfully, my kids CHEER when I announce that it is for dinner 😉 I agree – a food chopper is the best for kids!! I don’t use one anymore but that was very handy when my kids were smaller. I could set them at the table and let them go at it!
Renee says
You made me smile with reading your kids cheering over meatloaf. I didn’t know anyone got that excited over it. (Well, except me when it comes to this one).
Heather @girlichef says
Meatloaf has always been one of my favorite dishes. As a matter of fact, I think I’m making one for dinner tonight. Great tips, and awesome-sounding meatloaf, Renee :).
Renee says
Thanks Heather
Bea says
Our entire family loves meatloaf and we will need to give your version a try soon.
I love reading about your treasured family memories it is so lovely. Yes, getting kids to help out in the kitchen is so important and fun for all parties involved.
Renee says
Thanks Bea and I equally enjoy the stories of your family and I can see that your kids have a great time helping you in the kitchen.
The Ninja Baker says
This is a great recipe for family or company, Renee! And with a little supervision the onion chopper is a great way to introduce kids to cooking =)
P.s. Sunday was usually pancake day or waffle day in our house, too =)
Renee says
Oh how great you had pancakes or waffles on Sunday mornings. It’s such a treat.
Diana @EatMoveShine says
Wow… this looks delicious! I love the sauce on it, and what a fun story of growing up. Also, great tip on the chopper. I think I’ll buy one for when I cook w/nieces and nephews! 🙂
Renee says
Thanks Diana
Karen Hartzell says
I loved my mom’s meatloaf as a kid. I like that your cooks with a sauce. I am intrigued and now need to try it. I am always down for meatloaf. Always a favorite. 🙂
Renee says
Thanks Karen
Lori says
Love the chopper idea to get kids involved – that’s great! And I always appreciate a meatloaf with no ketchup in sight 🙂 Scrumptious!
Renee says
Thank you Lori
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Renee,
I think I’ve said this before but I love that both of your parents were in the kitchen cooking. . . I think it’s so nice to see both mom and dad cooking! 🙂 Love this meatloaf. . meatloaf and mashed potatoes are a staple for me in the Fall. . yummm!!
Renee says
Thanks Alice and I know I was lucky to grow up with both parents who cooked and taught me how at an early age.
Amy Kim (@kimchi_mom) says
I haven’t made meatloaf in ages. Need to make one soon!
I love the tip about getting a chopper. I’m ordering one now for the kids! Thanks!
Renee says
Thanks Amy and I hope your kids have fun with the chopper.
Stacy says
I don’t know why meatloaf has such a bad reputation. I loved it as a child and still love it now! Yours with the sauce sounds delicious, Renee. When I was little, my parents divorced and when my mom went back to work, my older sister and I took turns making dinner. Nothing complicated, I’m sure, but I enjoyed my turns immensely.
Renee says
I don’t know why meatloaf has a bad reputation and we need to do something to change it. It’s great you and your sister helped out your mom by cooking while she had to work. I’m sure she appreciated it very much.
Lora @cakeduchess says
My mom makes a similar sauce for her meatloaf and it makes quite a difference in the flavor and texture. This looks fantastic and is so perfect for your #SundaySupper theme this weekend.
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says
What a beautiful memory of Sunday mornings. It sounds like the perfect, relaxing way to start the day.
Renee says
It sure was and still is today.
Linda | The Urban Mrs says
I used to help mom cooking, too. That’s probably how i started falling in love working in the kitchen. That meatloaf looks so delicious and definitely brings back childhood memories.
Renee says
So great how helping your mom made you fall in love with cooking. What wonderful memories you must have of those times.
Bill says
Hi Renee, Your meatloaf looks delicious. I’ve been in a meatloaf mood lately and just posted my version. It’s one of my favorite comfort foods and your photos are making me hungry!
Renee says
Thanks Bill and I’ll head over and check out your meatloaf too. Your photos always get me hungry too. You are such a talented photographer.
Becky says
When asking my family what they wanted for Christmas lunch, I offered prime rib, steaks, ham, turkey, etc. they asked for meatloaf. I made it but from then on, I never asked and just surprised them. The sauce looks especially good. Thank you.
Renee says
Thank you Becky and I think it is the sauce that makes this meatloaf better than others.
Marc says
You’ve got 0 minutes of prep time for the Sunday Dinner meatloaf so I was wondering where you get your chopped onions, celery bell pepper at?
Renee says
Sorry about that Marc. I switched recipe format software recently. The old one did not have separate prep and cook times. I have not had the chance to go back and update all the recipes (there is hundreds). I have updated this one.