Microwave Meatloaf
Ok, does not sound like it should work- but if you want a good meatloaf in very little time and not have to heat up the house, this is the one. You dont quite get the crust like in the oven, but when it comes to quick and easy and perfect for leftover Meatloaf Sandwiches this cannot be beat.
Ok, does not sound like it should work- but if you want a good meatloaf in very little time and not have to heat up the house, this is the one. You dont quite get the crust like in the oven, but when it comes to quick and easy and perfect for leftover Meatloaf Sandwiches this cannot be beat.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 onion, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
- 1/4 cup minced red bell pepper
- 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 is what i like
- 1/2 cup saltine cracker crumbs
- Carbohydrate 36.3358398849963 g
- Cholesterol 107.350194233333 mg
- Fat 32.0500048054446 g
- Fiber 1.28081529377377 g
- Protein 28.4197470595738 g
- Saturated Fat 11.9927147389154 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (234g)
- Sodium 366.764226553696 mg
- Sugar 35.0550245912225 g
- Trans Fat 4.74115610888389 g
- Calories 554 calories
Step-by-step
- Mix together the tomato sauce, brown sugar, and mustard; stir until the brown sugar has dissolved.
- In a large bowl, mix the eggs, minced onion, red sweet pepper, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, cracker crumbs, salt, and black pepper; mix in the ground beef and half the tomato sauce mixture, stirring until the meat loaf is thoroughly combined. Let rest about 15 minutes.
- Either place the meat mixture in a 2 quart, microwave-safe loaf pan or divide in half and cook two 1 quart loaf pans, one at a time. Lightly pack the meat mixture into the pan. Spread (or half) the remaining tomato sauce mixture over the meat loaf.
- Cook in microwave oven on High setting until set, the juices run clear, and meat is no longer pink inside, 10 to 13 minutes depending on the power of the microwave oven. An instant-read meat thermometer, inserted into the center of the loaf, should read 165 degrees F (75 degrees C).
- Drain any grease from the dish as soon as the loaf is cooked; allow to stand, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes, while cooking the other loaf and before serving.
My Unexpected Microwave Meatloaf Miracle
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep often feels like a race against the clock, a frantic dash between school pick-ups, work deadlines, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and chores. So, when I stumbled upon a recipe for microwave meatloaf, I was skeptical, to say the least. Meatloaf? In the microwave? It sounded absurd. The image conjured up in my mind was something dry, rubbery, and utterly unappetizing. However, desperation – and a desperate need for a quick, family-friendly meal – spurred me on.
I’ll admit, the initial results weren't exactly what I envisioned. The texture wasn't quite the same as oven-baked meatloaf; it lacked that crispy, browned crust I adore. But the flavor? Oh, the flavor was surprisingly delicious! Juicy, tender, and bursting with the familiar comfort of classic meatloaf, this microwave version was a revelation. It was far superior to my preconceived notions, a testament to the fact that sometimes the most unexpected culinary adventures yield the sweetest rewards. It was quick, easy, and surprisingly delicious, saving me precious time and energy without sacrificing taste. It's now a regular in our meal rotation.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No more hours spent slaving over a hot oven, watching the clock and fretting over doneness. This meatloaf is incredibly adaptable too. Feel free to experiment with your favorite additions – different types of cheese, herbs, or vegetables can easily be incorporated to suit your tastes. One of my personal favorites is adding a handful of finely chopped mushrooms for an earthy depth of flavor. Sometimes I even sneak in some finely diced carrots for extra nutrients – my kids never notice!
This recipe isn't just for busy weeknights, either. It's perfect for those lazy weekend afternoons when you want a comforting meal without the fuss. The leftovers are just as amazing, if not better, the next day, making it an incredibly versatile dish for meal prepping or having a quick and satisfying lunch. The quick cooking time means less time in the kitchen, and more time for what truly matters: my family. It’s also perfect for unexpected guests - a quick and satisfying meal ready in minutes. Imagine, the aroma of comforting meatloaf wafting through the house, without the associated heat and cleanup!
This microwave meatloaf has become a staple in our home, not just because of its convenience and ease of preparation, but because it tastes genuinely delicious. It's a culinary triumph that proves sometimes, the simplest approaches yield the most rewarding results. My family loves it, and it’s a dish that I'm always proud to serve, regardless of how busy or rushed my day may be. So, if you're a busy mom, a harried professional, or simply someone who appreciates a quick and tasty meal, give this recipe a try. You might just be surprised at how much you love it.
Beyond the time-saving convenience, this recipe is also surprisingly versatile. It's perfect for meal prepping – make a double batch on Sunday and enjoy delicious meatloaf for lunches or dinners throughout the week. It also makes fantastic meatloaf sandwiches – the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying lunch. The leftovers are surprisingly moist and flavorful, even better the next day! And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different flavors and additions to create your own unique version. The possibilities are truly endless.
So ditch the preconceived notions about microwave cooking and embrace the magic of this surprisingly delightful meatloaf. It's a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of efficiency, resourcefulness, and the unwavering dedication to providing delicious, comforting food for my family, even amidst the whirlwind of a busy life.
Ingredients you'll need:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 onion, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
- 1/4 cup minced red bell pepper
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 is recommended)
- 1/2 cup saltine cracker crumbs
Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!
