Marie Callender's Meatloaf Dinner features a hearty, savory meatloaf made from seasoned ground beef, topped with a rich tomato glaze, and served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and tender green beans, offering a comforting and classic homestyle meal.
Equipments
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish or loaf pan
- Oven
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Saucepan
- Potato masher
- Peeler
- Large pot
- Colander
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Serving plates
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (for glaze)
- 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk (for potatoes)
- Salt (for potatoes)
- Pepper (for potatoes)
- 12 oz (340g) fresh green beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for green beans)
- Salt (for green beans)
- Pepper (for green beans)
Ground beef for the meatloaf should be fresh and properly seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion, and dried thyme to enhance flavor depth. Breadcrumbs combined with milk help maintain moisture and structure, while the glaze requires ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for a balanced sweet and tangy finish. Russet potatoes are ideal for creamy mashed potatoes when peeled and boiled before mashing with butter and milk. Fresh green beans sauteed with olive oil provide a crisp and tender side that complements the rich meatloaf. Your meal will closely resemble the comforting and classic taste of the Meatloaf Dinner from Marie Callender's copycat menu.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Finely chop onion and mince garlic.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and thyme.
- Mix until just combined.
- Transfer meat mixture to a baking dish or loaf pan; shape into a loaf.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard for glaze.
- Spread glaze evenly over meatloaf.
- Bake meatloaf for 50–60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Meanwhile, peel and cut potatoes into chunks.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add potatoes and cook until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and return to pot.
- Add 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup milk, salt, and pepper.
- Mash potatoes until smooth and creamy.
- Trim ends of green beans and rinse.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add green beans, season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté green beans for 6–8 minutes, until tender-crisp.
- Remove meatloaf from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice meatloaf with a knife.
- Plate meatloaf slices with mashed potatoes and green beans.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
Marie Callender's Meatloaf Dinner can be adapted by substituting ground turkey or chicken for beef to create a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. You can replace russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for added nutrients and a slightly sweeter taste in the mashed potato side. If fresh green beans are unavailable, frozen green beans work well and require less prep time while maintaining their texture after sauteing. Using Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs in the meatloaf improves the texture, making it lighter and less dense. Make sure to adjust seasoning to your taste, as substitutions may alter the overall flavor balance of your meal.
Tips
When mixing the meatloaf ingredients, handle the ground beef gently to avoid a dense texture; overmixing can make your meatloaf tough. Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160degF (70degC), guaranteeing safety without overcooking. While mashing potatoes, warm the milk and butter before adding to achieve a creamier consistency. For crisp green beans, saute them just until tender-crisp to retain a vibrant color and slight crunch in Your meal.
Nutritions
Marie Callender's Meatloaf Dinner provides a balanced meal rich in protein from 1 lb of seasoned ground beef, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. The creamy mashed potatoes contribute complex carbohydrates and vitamin C, with 2 lbs of russet potatoes supplying dietary fiber and potassium for heart health. Tender green beans, sauteed in olive oil, add essential vitamins A and K, along with antioxidants that promote immune function. This hearty dish delivers sufficient calories and nutrients to keep your energy levels steady throughout the day.
Storage
Store any leftover Marie Callender's Meatloaf Dinner in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate the meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans promptly, ideally within two hours of cooking, and consume them within 3-4 days. If you want to extend storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation in your meatloaf, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option that still retains moisture when combined with breadcrumbs and milk. Incorporate grated carrots or finely chopped mushrooms into the meat mixture for added texture and nutritional value. Swap the tomato glaze for a mixture of barbecue sauce and a touch of honey to introduce a smoky sweetness to the dish. Instead of sauteing green beans, you could steam them and toss with lemon zest and toasted almonds for a fresh and crunchy side.
Allergies
Marie Callender's Meatloaf Dinner contains common allergens such as milk (in the breadcrumbs, mashed potatoes, and glaze) and eggs (used as a binder in the meatloaf). The Worcestershire sauce and mustard in the glaze may also contain allergens like anchovies or mustard seeds, which can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. You should carefully review ingredient labels and consult with a healthcare professional if you have food allergies.
Why this recipe?
Marie Callender's Meatloaf Dinner menu is popular for its rich, savory flavor made from a perfect blend of ground beef, spices, and a tangy tomato-based glaze. The hearty portion, paired with creamy mashed potatoes and seasoned vegetables, offers a comforting and satisfying meal that appeals to many. You will find recreating this classic at home rewarding due to its straightforward recipe and the ability to customize ingredients to your taste. Trying the copycat version allows you to enjoy a beloved restaurant-quality dish while adding your personal touch.