Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup Caruso sauce (recipe below)
Caruso Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Loaf pan
- Saucepan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Press the meat mixture into a loaf pan.
4. Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes.
5. While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the Caruso sauce.
6. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
7. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion is translucent.
8. Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
9. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
10. After 45 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and pour the Caruso sauce over the top.
11. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
12. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 380
- Total fat: 22g
- Saturated fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
- Sodium: 1140mg
- Total carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 28g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground pork.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed crackers or oats.
- Milk can be substituted with almond milk or soy milk.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese or Asiago cheese.
- Green bell pepper can be substituted with red bell pepper or yellow bell pepper.
Variations:
- Add chopped mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- Use a mixture of ground beef and ground pork for a different taste.
- Add chopped jalapenos to the Caruso sauce for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Double the recipe to make a larger meatloaf for a crowd.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the meatloaf in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the meatloaf on a platter with the Caruso sauce drizzled over the top.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Pairings:
- Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic comfort food meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted carrots
- Steamed broccoli
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatloaf is too dry, add more milk to the meat mixture.
- If the Caruso sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Always wash your hands and surfaces thoroughly when handling raw meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is cooked to a safe temperature of 160°F.
Food history:
- Caruso sauce is named after the famous Italian tenor Enrico Caruso. It is a simple tomato sauce flavored with onions, garlic, and herbs.
Flavor profiles:
- The meatloaf is savory and hearty, while the Caruso sauce is tangy and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the meatloaf with a side salad for a lighter meal.
- Cut the meatloaf into slices and serve on a sandwich roll with the Caruso sauce as a condiment.
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