What To Know
- This might seem like a small amount, but remember that meatloaf is often served with sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, and vegetables, which contribute to a satisfying meal.
- Most meatloaf recipes are written in pounds, so you’ll need to convert the ounces of raw meatloaf to pounds.
- If you’re cooking for a group of adventurous eaters, you can try a recipe with more unique flavors, like a spicy meatloaf or one with a glaze.
Planning a potluck, family gathering, or just a big dinner party? Meatloaf is a classic crowd-pleaser, but figuring out how much to make for 20 people can be tricky. You don’t want to end up with too much leftover, but you also don’t want to run out before everyone gets a slice. This guide will walk you through calculating the perfect meatloaf size for your next gathering, ensuring everyone gets their fill without any leftovers.
Understanding Meatloaf Servings
The first step is to understand how much meatloaf is typically served per person. A general rule of thumb is to estimate about 3-4 ounces of cooked meatloaf per person. This might seem like a small amount, but remember that meatloaf is often served with sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, and vegetables, which contribute to a satisfying meal.
Factors to Consider
While the 3-4 ounce rule is a good starting point, several factors can affect how much meatloaf you need to make. Here are some important considerations:
- Appetites: Are your guests known for having big appetites? If so, you might want to increase the serving size to 4 ounces per person.
- Other Food: Are you serving other main dishes alongside the meatloaf? If so, you can reduce the amount of meatloaf per person.
- Side Dishes: If you’re serving a spread of side dishes, guests might eat less meatloaf.
- Leftovers: Do you want to have leftovers for sandwiches or another meal? If so, you’ll need to make a bit more.
Calculating the Right Amount of Meatloaf
Once you’ve considered the factors above, you can start calculating the amount of meatloaf you need. Here’s a simple formula:
Number of Guests x Desired Serving Size (in ounces) = Total Cooked Meatloaf Needed (in ounces)
For example, if you’re feeding 20 people and want to serve 3.5 ounces per person, you would need:
20 guests x 3.5 ounces/guest = 70 ounces of cooked meatloaf
Adjusting for Meatloaf Shrinkage
Meatloaf shrinks during cooking due to moisture loss. This shrinkage can be about 10-15%. To account for this, you’ll need to increase your initial calculation by that percentage.
70 ounces of cooked meatloaf x 1.15 (15% shrinkage) = 80.5 ounces of raw meatloaf
Converting to Pounds
Most meatloaf recipes are written in pounds, so you’ll need to convert the ounces of raw meatloaf to pounds. There are 16 ounces in a pound, so:
80.5 ounces of raw meatloaf / 16 ounces/pound = 5 pounds of raw meatloaf
Choosing the Right Meatloaf Recipe
Now that you know how much meatloaf to make, it’s time to choose a recipe. Here are some tips:
- Consider the Crowd: If you’re serving a diverse group, consider a recipe that is fairly mild and appealing to most palates.
- Experiment with Flavor: If you’re cooking for a group of adventurous eaters, you can try a recipe with more unique flavors, like a spicy meatloaf or one with a glaze.
- Think About the Sides: Choose a recipe that complements the other dishes you’ll be serving. For example, a sweet and tangy meatloaf might pair well with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Baking and Serving
Once you’ve chosen your recipe, follow the instructions carefully to bake the meatloaf to perfection. Here are some tips:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 160°F for safe consumption.
- Let It Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the meatloaf into even slices and serve with your favorite sides.
Beyond the Basics: Meatloaf Variations
While traditional meatloaf is a classic, there are many delicious variations to explore. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Some Veggies: Incorporate chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, or celery into the meatloaf mixture for added flavor and nutrients.
- Go for a Twist: Add a touch of sweetness with dried cranberries or a tangy kick with chopped pickles.
- Top It Off: Create a delicious topping for your meatloaf with a mixture of bread crumbs, cheese, and herbs.
Meatloaf Leftovers: Don’t Waste Them!
If you do end up with leftover meatloaf, don’t let it go to waste! Here are some delicious ways to use it:
- Meatloaf Sandwiches: Slice the leftover meatloaf and make delicious sandwiches with your favorite bread and toppings.
- Meatloaf Salad: Dice the leftover meatloaf and combine it with your favorite salad ingredients for a hearty meal.
- Meatloaf Soup: Use the leftover meatloaf to make a flavorful and comforting soup.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Can I freeze leftover meatloaf?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover meatloaf for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. To thaw, place the meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with meatloaf?
A: Mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, corn, macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw are all classic sides for meatloaf.
Q: How can I make a meatloaf more moist?
A: Adding moisture-rich ingredients like milk, eggs, or chopped vegetables can help to keep your meatloaf moist. You can also use a breadcrumb mixture that is moistened with milk or broth.
Q: What kind of meat is best for meatloaf?
A: Ground beef is the most common meat used for meatloaf, but you can also use ground pork, ground turkey, or a combination of different meats.
Q: Can I make a vegetarian meatloaf?
A: Yes, there are many delicious vegetarian meatloaf recipes that use ingredients like lentils, mushrooms, and vegetables.
