Simple recipe I received a long time ago.
- Carbohydrate 9.9613503125 g
- Cholesterol 122.69 mg
- Fat 18.5369425 g
- Fiber 1.42548440703936 g
- Protein 23.7194140625 g
- Saturated Fat 7.0198225 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (165g)
- Sodium 135.601375 mg
- Sugar 8.53586590546064 g
- Trans Fat 2.6846178125 g
- Calories 305 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine all ingredients in large bowl.
- Pack firmly into loaf pan.
- Add sauce (if desired) BEFORE baking.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour at 350 degrees.
Unlike a delicate meatball which relies on gentle handling to preserve its tender interior texture, this baked loaf requires firm packing into a standard loaf pan to ensure it holds its shape during slicing. Ground beef mixtures can easily dry out during a standard sixty-minute bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, but incorporating quick-cooking oats acts as a reliable binder that absorbs moisture while adding structural integrity without the need for traditional breadcrumbs. Economical ground beef offers ample fat content to keep the center succulent, whereas leaner cuts require careful adjustment of the liquid components to prevent a crumbly finished product.
Adapting for Dietary Restrictions
Modifying traditional homestyle bakes for specific nutritional needs is straightforward when evaluating the pantry staples already on hand. The inclusion of quick oats makes this preparation naturally gluten-free provided the oats are certified, eliminating the expense of specialty flour blends. Swapping fresh yellow onion for dried onion flakes alters the moisture release slightly during baking, though fresh produce provides a sharper aromatic profile. When utilizing bottled tomato juice rather than fresh tomatoes, monitor the sodium levels closely because commercially processed juices carry significantly more salt.
- Pack the mixture firmly into the pan to eliminate internal air pockets that cause cracking.
- Allow the baked loaf to rest for ten minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute evenly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
