Whip up a huge batch of comfort food with Momma’s Meatloaf- a recipe that’s been in my family forever! Gluten free, 21 Day Fix approved, and WW friendly- I can’t wait for you to share it with your loved ones! This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with.
Confession #101 – I’m totally an emotional eater.
But I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing. Even after two years of clean eating and vowing to live a healthier life.
I know I am going against the grain by saying that (especially as a Beachbody Coach), but hear me out.
Coming from a long line of home cooks, food is nostalgic for me. It’s comfort in a bowl. Being in my kitchen, my favorite place, is therapeutic.
When someone is sick or suffers a loss, we organize a meal train.
When it’s time to celebrate, we do so over dinner and drinks.
Food is tradition. Food is family. Food is love.
And while I am certainly not condoning that you overeat or make unhealthy choices (drop that bag of Doritos), I think it’s perfectly ok for food to bring you joy, happiness, or solace.
Food brings us together.
On this rainy, cold day in November, many of us need a little comfort.
And we all need to come together.
Somehow.
For me, I’ll be in the kitchen, making my Momma’s Meatloaf, a recipe that has been in my family for generations. I will bask in the familiar smells of my grandmother’s kitchen. I will remember my nanny, and how she used to make this dish for her children and grandchildren, before I was even born.
And I will take comfort in our time at the dinner table tonight.
What ingredients do I need to make Momma’s Meatloaf?
For the Meatloaf
- 2lbs of lean, grass fed ground beef
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (we use gluten free)
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup cup of shredded pecorino romano, plus more for topping (Locatelli brand is the best)
- 1 tsp of dry parsley or 1 T freshly chopped parsley
- 2 T of tomato sauce, plus an addional cup for topping
Carrots/Potatoes
- 4 cups of thinly sliced potatoes
- 4 cups of thinly sliced carrots
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
How long should I cook Meatloaf in the oven?
60 minutes is a good spot to start. After an hour, check to see if the veggies are done and add a little more cooking time if needed.
Can I freeze Momma’s Meatloaf?
Yes! You can make the meatloaf ahead and freeze it. Then thaw and follow the directions to cook it in the oven.
What are the 21 Day Fix container counts?
1 RED, 1/4 BLUE for 1/8 of the meat; 1 YELLOW, 1 GREEN for 1/8 of the carrot/potato mixture
What are the WW points for Momma’s meatloaf?
Using 95% lean ground beef, Momma’s meatloaf is 7 Green points per serving, 6 Blue points per serving, or 4 purple points per serving. A serving is 1/8 of the meat and 1 cup of potato/carrot mixture.
Is there an Instant Pot version?
This one is similar – one pot and so delicious! Healthy Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes [21 Day Fix | Weight Watchers]
Momma’s Meatloaf
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 2 lbs lean grass fed ground beef
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs we use gluten free
- 1 onion diced
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded pecorino romano plus more for topping (Locatelli brand is the best)
- 1 teaspoon dry parsley or 1 T freshly chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce plus an additional cup for topping
Carrots/Potatoes
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
- 4 cups baby carrots
- 1/2 onion thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 and spray a 9x13 baking dish with olive oil spray.
- Mix all ingredients for meatloaf by hand, then shape into two loaves.
- Place loaves in baking dish. Top each with loaf with 1/2 cup of tomato sauce and 2 T of cheese.
- Arrange veggie/potato mixture around loaves and bake for approximately an hour, stirring halfway through.
- After an hour, check to see if the veggies are done. Add additional cooking time, if necessary.
Notes
Nutrition
C. says
How many potatoes and carrots are needed to make 4 cups of thinly sliced (each)?
Nancylynn says
It’s hard to say exactly, since potatoes are carrots are all different shapes and sizes, but roughly 2 large potatoes and 4 medium carrots will yield those amounts 🙂
Brandi S says
Can ground turkey be used instead of beef?
Nancylynn says
Sure
Anna says
Can the meatloaf be frozen after it’s cooked?
Miranda says
Really yummy! Loved the flavor added by the cheese. Comfort food at its finest. Thank you!
Nancylynn says
I am so happy! This is a much loved family recipe!
Kimberly Bober says
I have a question. The container count for green is only listed as a half. But if it is one cup of vegetables as the serving wouldn’t that be a full 1 container?
Nancylynn says
It’s 1 cup of the potatoes and veggies combined!
Siobhan Healy says
Could you make this ahead and freeze and then cook it?
Nancylynn says
Sure can!
Molly says
Looks amazing! Are the container counts just for the meatloaf or does it include the veggies, too?
Nancylynn says
The veggies, too!
Cherie Monahan says
This was amazing! It was pretty easy to throw together and my family loved it! Thank you for another awesome recipe.
Nancylynn says
Yay! I am so happy you guys loved it! <3
Steve says
How does one “stir” meatloaf?
Nancylynn says
You don’t. You stir the carrots and potatoes.
Kim Walsh says
I love and appreciate your recipes as I’m not very good in the kitchen. Thank you for adding the container counts as well. I would love to make this meatloaf but I’m never sure what the portion size is. If one slice is one portion, how many slices do you cut the meatloaf into?. (If the food doesn’t fit into the containers, I’m always unsure what the portion sizes are)
Nancylynn says
Hi! So this recipe serves 8, so if you slice the meatloaf into 8 equal pieces you will be all set!
Chiara says
Which jar sauce do you recommend?
Nancylynn says
For this, I just use a small can! I love Tuttoroso brand.
Amanda says
Can I make this the night before?
Nancylynn says
Sure can! Assemble it and just bake when you are ready! It’s also great reheated!