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Mushroom Soup Meatloaf
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This perfectly tender meatloaf is drenched in a rich mushroom sauce before serving.
serves/makes:
ready in:
1-2 hrs
1-2 hrs
8 reviews
ingredients
1 can (10 ounce size) cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
2 pounds ground beef
1 envelope (1 ounce size) dry onion soup mix
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup water
directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine half of the cream of mushroom soup, the ground beef, onion soup mix, bread crumbs, and beaten egg. Mix well and pat the mixture into a 4-inch x 8-inch loaf. Place the meatloaf in a baking dish.
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes or until done. Drain the grease but reserve the drippings for the sauce. Set the meatloaf aside with a foil cover over the top.
In a saucepan, combine the remaining soup, water, and reserved drippings and heat over medium heat until boiling. Stir well and thin if needed with additional water.
Slice the meatloaf and serve the mushroom soup sauce over the individual portions.
recipe tips
For a lighter meatloaf, consider using ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and ground turkey instead of all ground beef.
Adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika to the meat mixture can enhance the flavor.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to make slicing easier and to retain its juices.
To achieve a more uniform shape and cook more evenly, consider using a meatloaf pan with an insert that allows the grease to drain away from the meat as it cooks.
Try different types of bread crumbs, such as Italian seasoned or panko, for varied texture and flavor in the meatloaf.
common recipe questions
I don't like cream of mushroom soup, can I use a different flavor?
Pretty much any "cream of" soup will work fine such as cream of chicken, cream of celery, cream of potato, etc.
Can I use a fresh mushroom sauce instead of canned soup?
Yes, you can use fresh mushrooms to create a more natural mushroom sauce. Saute sliced mushrooms in butter until browned, then add flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in beef broth and cream or milk to achieve the desired consistency, and season with salt and pepper. You can blend this mixture for a smoother sauce or leave it chunky, depending on your preference.
Is there a gluten-free alternative for the bread crumbs?
For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs, crushed gluten-free crackers, or even finely ground oats. Make sure that all other ingredients used, such as the cream of mushroom soup, are gluten-free as well.
Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf mixture?
Yes, You can add finely chopped vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or celery to the meatloaf mixture. Saute the vegetables lightly before adding them to the mixture to make sure they are fully cooked in the final product.
How can I make sure the meatloaf doesn't become too dry?
To prevent the meatloaf from becoming too dry, make sure not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meatloaf dense and tough. Additionally, keeping the oven temperature at 350 degrees F and checking the meatloaf towards the end of cooking time can help ensure it remains moist.
What can I use if I don't have dry onion soup mix?
If you don't have dry onion soup mix, you can substitute it with a mixture of dried onion flakes, beef bouillon granules, a pinch of onion powder, garlic powder, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce to mimic the flavor.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it into a loaf ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. The sauce can also be prepared in advance and reheated when serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover meatloaf and mushroom sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until thoroughly warmed.
Can I freeze the cooked meatloaf?
Yes, the cooked meatloaf can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
tools needed
Baking Dish: For baking the shaped meatloaf mixture.
Large Bowl: To mix the ground beef, onion soup mix, bread crumbs, beaten egg, and half of the cream of mushroom soup together to form the meatloaf mixture.
Saucepan: For preparing the mushroom soup sauce using the remaining cream of mushroom soup, water, and reserved drippings from the cooked meatloaf.
Foil: Use foil to cover the meatloaf as it rests after baking before slicing and serving.
Knife: To slice the meatloaf into individual portions before serving.
what goes with it?
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: the creamy, garlicky goodness of mashed potatoes will be the perfect sidekick to the savory meatloaf and mushroom sauce.
Roasted Asparagus: the slightly bitter flavor of roasted asparagus will cut through the richness of the meatloaf and sauce, balancing out the dish perfectly.
Garlic Bread: nothing says indulgence like a side of garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that mushroom sauce. It's like a tasty sponge for all that savory goodness.
Crispy Onion Rings: the crispy, crunchy texture of onion rings will provide a nice contrast to the soft meatloaf, while adding a hint of sweetness to the mix.
beverage pairings
Wine Pairings
Cabernet Sauvignon: Its bold structure and dark fruit flavors can stand up to the savory richness of the beef and mushroom sauce. Look for a bottle with notes of blackcurrants and a hint of oak.
Merlot: If you're in the mood for something softer, a nice Merlot with its round, fruity notes will play nicely with the meatloaf's flavors. Seek out one with berry undertones and maybe a touch of spice for good measure.
Chardonnay: A buttery or oaked Chardonnay can add a nice creaminess that complements the rich mushroom sauce. Aim for one with hints of vanilla and a bit of citrus.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Red Wine Blend: A smooth red blend could be your ticket to meatloaf happiness. The mix of different grapes adds complexity, and you might find notes of berry, spice, and earthiness that harmonize with the savory elements of the dish.
Creamy Stout: A stout with rich flavors, like mocha or coffee, can be surprisingly tasty alongside your meatloaf. This darker beer mirrors the earthy mushroom sauce.
Bourbon: A glass of bourbon with its sweet caramel and vanilla flavor will pair well with the heartiness of meatloaf.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Vegetable Juice: A savory vegetable juice can enhance the meal nicely, echoing the hearty, umami flavors. Look for a blend that's rich and a bit spicy for added interest.
Sparkling Grape Juice: This bubbly cousin to wine can bring a touch of celebration to your dinner table. Choose one that's a bit sophisticated and not overly sweet to keep with the meal's rustic charm.
Herbal Iced Tea: Opt for an herbal iced tea with flavors like chamomile or mint to provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meatloaf.
nutrition data
519 calories, 37 grams fat, 14 grams carbohydrates, 31 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in carbs.
This iconic whiskey is a "Jack of all trades" when it comes to cooking. Toss it in some pasta, as a savory dipping sauce, and even bake it into something sweet.
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reviews & comments
August 23, 2022
For using cream soup and dry soup mix, this meatloaf is amazingly good. I use low sodium versions to reduce the salt flavor a little. Going to try it with other cream soups too!
June 24, 2021
I follow all your recipes and they are awesome. The wife thinks I am a great cook all of a sudden. Thanks.
December 22, 2020
I use ground turkey instead of ground beef, no drippings to fool with and slightly healthier. I also substitute dried onion for the onion soup mix (basically the same, but with no salt, garlic, etc.) and add my own salt and garlic to-taste. I love to add extras too, like dehydrated tomatoes or roasted peppers from my garden. Since there's less fat and no drippings, I cook the meatloaf for 45 minutes only, then spoon the remaining mushroom soup on top and bake another 15 minutes.
July 7, 2020
I just made this recipe. It was very tasty, and a big hit with the family. Be careful with the onion soup mix. If you have slightly less than 2 lbs. of meat, leave some soup mix out. I will make it again. Thanks.
July 5, 2020
Delicious recipe. I replaced the onion soup mix with a litlle dry chicken broth. Super YUMMY
May 4, 2020
Best darned meatloaf ever!
October 27, 2016
I agree about salty but it was addicting. Normally we have meatloaf leftover (sometimes the sandwiches are better than the freshly cooked meatloaf) but not a crumb of this was left. That says something about how good it was.
August 14, 2016
A little salty but good. I'd use the low sodium soup next time.