There’s something unmistakably comforting and homely about a perfectly baked meat loaf. This Sour Cream Meat Loaf recipe, in particular, holds a special place in my heart and kitchen. It’s my go-to dish when I want to serve a hearty, filling meal that also doubles as a comforting hug on a plate. The secret ingredient? Sour cream. Yes, that’s right. The addition of sour cream not only adds a delightful tang to the meat loaf but also ensures it’s incredibly moist and tender – just the way a meat loaf should be. But that’s not all. This recipe also calls for grated raw carrot, apple, and potato, further boosting the flavor and texture of the meat loaf. The end result is a meat loaf that’s robust, flavorful, and so satisfying you’ll find yourself going back for seconds (or even thirds!). What I love about this recipe is its simplicity. It’s straightforward, unfussy, and incredibly easy to make. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies into your meal (especially if you have picky eaters at home!). So, if you’re in the mood for a delicious, homely meal that’s sure to comfort and satisfy, give this Sour Cream Meat Loaf recipe a try. I promise, it won’t disappoint.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground lean beef
- 1 1/2 c. grated raw carrot
- 1/4 c. grated unpeeled apple
- 1 1/2 c. grated raw potato
- 1 onion, quartered and studded with 4 cloves
- 6 slices fried bacon, crumbled
- 2 beaten eggs
- 2 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1/8 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp. dry mustard
- 2 c. sour cream
Baking Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl; blend well. Pack in a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350° for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours.
- Serves 6.
Calorie: 600
Total cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Meatloaf Rite of Passage
There comes a time in every home cook’s life when they must face the challenge of making meatloaf. Yes, the humble yet somehow intimidating staple of American cuisine that has the power to make or break dinner parties. Today, I am taking on the task of creating a Sour Cream Meat Loaf using ground lean beef, and let me tell you, it’s not your grandma’s meatloaf.
The Gathering of the Ingredients
Have you ever felt like a hunter-gatherer when you’re cooking? As I rummaged through my kitchen, I found myself digging out the 2 lb. of ground lean beef, the 1 1/2 c. of grated raw carrot, the 1/4 c. of grated unpeeled apple, and the 1 1/2 c. of grated raw potato from the depths of my fridge. It was like a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, I was searching for the building blocks of my meatloaf.
Then came the onion, quartered and studded with 4 cloves like a medieval weapon ready to battle blandness. The 6 slices of fried bacon, crumbled, were my secret weapon. The 2 beaten eggs, 2 1/4 tsp. of salt, 1/2 tsp. of pepper, 1/8 tsp. of nutmeg, and 1/8 tsp. of dry mustard were like the supporting cast, ready to lift the flavor of the ground lean beef to new heights.
And the star of the show? The 2 c. of sour cream. The idea might seem odd, but trust me, this is the ingredient that gives this meatloaf its unique and delectable twist.
The Big Mix
I was ready. It was time to combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. This was a task that required both finesse and a total disregard for hand cleanliness. The feeling of squishing and blending the ingredients was oddly satisfying and, dare I say, therapeutic. It was like creating a masterpiece out of ground lean beef and veggies.
After the masterpiece was properly mixed, it was time to pack it into a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan. Here’s where the fun really began. It’s like playing food Tetris, trying to make everything fit perfectly while maintaining the desired loaf shape. Let’s just say it took a few tries.
The Waiting Game
With the meatloaf safely in the oven, I had time to reflect on my accomplishment. I had created something out of nothing, using just a few simple ingredients. Now, it was baking at 350° for 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours, transforming into a dinner worthy of a king, or at least a very hungry family of six.
The Grand Finale
And there it was, my beautiful, golden-brown Sour Cream Meat Loaf, ready to be served. It was an emotional moment, like sending your child off to college or finishing a particularly challenging jigsaw puzzle. As I sliced into it, I could see the fruits of my labor, the perfect blend of ground lean beef, carrot, apple, potato, onion, bacon, eggs, salt, pepper, nutmeg, dry mustard, and sour cream working harmoniously together.
In the end, I learned that making meatloaf isn’t just about following a recipe. It’s about the journey, the humor, and the joy of creating something delicious. So, cheers to all the home cooks out there, facing their kitchen fears one meatloaf at a time!
