Ann Romney’s Meatloaf Cakes
Ann Romney’s Meatloaf Cakes are a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, delivering individual servings of savory goodness with a sweet and tangy glaze. Perfectly sized for a satisfying meal, these meatloaf cakes are sure to please the whole family.
With a combination of ground beef, crumbled bread, and aromatic seasonings, each meatloaf cake is tender and full of flavor. The secret lies in the perfectly balanced sauce made with ketchup, brown sugar, and a touch of spices.
Ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, these meatloaf cakes cook quickly and pair wonderfully with scalloped potatoes or steamed vegetables. The glaze adds a burst of flavor, making every bite irresistibly delicious.
Ann Romney’s Meatloaf Cakes: Ingredients
Ground beef forms the hearty base of these meatloaf cakes, delivering rich flavor and a satisfying texture. Crumbled bread or breadcrumbs provide binding structure, ensuring each cake holds together perfectly while adding a subtle softness.
Egg brings moisture and cohesion, allowing the ingredients to meld seamlessly. Fresh onion infuses the cakes with a savory, aromatic bite, complementing the other flavors. The zesty lemon juice balances the richness of the beef, adding a refreshing brightness.
The seasoned salt enhances the overall flavor profile, offering a subtle blend of spices that perfectly season the meat. The tangy-sweet sauce, made with ketchup, brown sugar, and a touch of mustard, cloves, and allspice, creates a mouthwatering glaze that ties the dish together with a burst of flavor.
Ann Romney’s Meatloaf Cakes: A Family Favorite
These flavorful meatloaf cakes, inspired by Mitt Romney’s favorite recipe, offer the perfect balance of savory and sweet with a tangy glaze that will have everyone at the table coming back for more. With a delicious blend of ground beef, aromatic seasonings, and a rich, tangy sauce, this dish is as satisfying as it is easy to make.
Recipe Tips
- Perfect Meatloaf Texture
For tender meatloaf cakes, avoid over-mixing the meat and bread mixture. Gently combine the ingredients to ensure the loaves don’t become dense. The crumbled bread or breadcrumbs help create a soft texture, so be sure to incorporate them evenly without pressing too hard. - Customize the Sauce
The sauce in this recipe is sweet and tangy, but feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes. Add a touch more brown sugar for extra sweetness or a bit more mustard for added tang. You can also experiment with different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a more complex flavor profile. - Ensure Even Cooking
Make sure to space the meatloaf cakes evenly on the baking sheet to ensure they cook uniformly. If your cakes are too close together, they may not brown properly. Using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature (165°F) is essential to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
What to Serve with Ann Romney’s Meatloaf Cakes
- Scalloped Potatoes
A creamy and cheesy side dish like scalloped potatoes pairs wonderfully with these meatloaf cakes. The rich texture and mild flavor of the potatoes complement the savory meatloaf, balancing the tangy sweetness of the glaze. - Steamed Vegetables
For a lighter option, serve the meatloaf cakes with steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans. The freshness of the vegetables provides a crisp contrast to the richness of the meatloaf, making for a well-rounded, nutritious meal. - Garlic Bread
For those who crave a bit of extra indulgence, garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment. The buttery, garlicky bread soaks up the delicious sauce, enhancing the flavors of the meatloaf cakes and making it an irresistible addition to your meal.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, and you may need to adjust seasoning to match the different meats.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf cakes and the sauce a day ahead. Simply refrigerate both separately and bake them when you’re ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prep or holiday dinners.
3. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
4. Can I make this recipe in a loaf pan instead of individual cakes?
Yes, you can bake this recipe as a traditional meatloaf in a loaf pan. The cooking time will be longer, around 50-60 minutes, so be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
Ann Romney’s Meatloaf Cakes
Ingredients
- For the Meatloaf Cakes
- 1½ pounds of ground beef
- 4 slices of bread crumbled into small pieces, or ¾ cup of dried breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup of chopped onion
- ¼ cup of lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons of seasoned salt
- For the Sauce
- ¼ cup of ketchup
- ¼ cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of dry mustard
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon of ground allspice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparing the Meatloaf Cakes
- Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, crumbled bread (or breadcrumbs), egg, chopped onion, lemon juice, and seasoned salt. Mix gently yet thoroughly to incorporate the ingredients evenly. Shape the mixture into six small loaves and place them spaced apart on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
- Step 2: Making the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, cloves, and allspice. Once the meatloaf cakes have baked for 15 minutes, brush each loaf with the prepared sauce. Return the cakes to the oven and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, checked with an instant-read thermometer. For an enhanced meal, serve with scalloped potatoes and steamed vegetables, passing any extra sauce separately.
