Heirloom Tomato Meatloaf with Herb Crust

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic meatloaf featuring heirloom tomatoes and a crispy herb crust, celebrating American culinary heritage with a modern twist. This american-inspired beef ready in about 60 minutes pairs ground beef, medium heirloom tomatoes, breadcrumbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 375 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 375 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Finely chop 2 medium heirloom tomatoes and 2 garlic cloves, then mix with 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lb ground beef with the tomato mixture, using your hands to gently mix until evenly distributed.
  3. Step 3: Form mixture into a loaf shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then press 1/4 cup additional breadcrumbs onto the top surface.
  4. Step 4: Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the crust is golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing, then serve with extra tomato juices from the pan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Heirloom Tomato Meatloaf with Herb Crust take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Heirloom Tomato Meatloaf with Herb Crust?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Heirloom Tomato Meatloaf with Herb Crust?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Heirloom Tomato Meatloaf with Herb Crust for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Heirloom Tomato Meatloaf with Herb Crust?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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