Slow Cooker Applesauce Meatloaf Plowing Through Life from plowingthroughlife.com
Introduction
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that is enjoyed by many. But have you ever tried adding applesauce to your meatloaf? Not only does it add a delicious sweetness to the dish, but it also keeps the meatloaf moist and tender. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or for meal prep for the week ahead.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious applesauce meatloaf:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 small onion, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, applesauce, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, sage, and rosemary. Mix well with your hands. 3. Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan and press it down evenly. 4. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread the mixture over the top of the meatloaf. 5. Bake the meatloaf for 60-70 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. 6. Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Here is the nutrition information for one serving of this applesauce meatloaf:
Calories: 349
Protein: 27g
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 815mg
Variations
If you want to switch things up with this recipe, here are a few variations you could try:
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Add some diced apple to the meat mixture for extra sweetness and texture.
Swap out the ketchup for BBQ sauce or tomato sauce.
Serve the meatloaf with some roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Tips
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when making this applesauce meatloaf:
Make sure to use unsweetened applesauce so that the meatloaf doesn't become too sweet.
If you don't have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers or oats instead.
Grating the onion instead of chopping it will give the meatloaf a more even texture.
Letting the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after baking will make it easier to slice and serve.
Conclusion
This applesauce meatloaf recipe is a delicious and easy way to switch up your usual meatloaf routine. The combination of applesauce, herbs, and spices creates a flavorful and moist dish that is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Give it a try and see for yourself why this recipe is a favorite!