Homemade "TV dinner" Meal

In a world that's constantly on the go, the value of classic comfort foods cannot be overstated. These dishes, often steeped in nostalgia, evoke memories of family gatherings, cozy evenings at home, and the simple joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Among these cherished meals, the Classic Comfort TV Dinner stands out as a quintessential representation of warmth and satisfaction. This dish not only fulfills our cravings for home-cooked goodness but also serves as a reminder of simpler times, where dinner was a gathering event rather than a rushed affair.

Embark on a nostalgic culinary journey with the Classic Comfort TV Dinner! This beloved dish, featuring meatloaf, creamy mashed potatoes, and sautéed green beans, is perfect for cozy family dinners. Rediscover the joy of home-cooked meals and revive cherished memories around the table. Enjoy a taste of tradition and warmth with this easy recipe! #ComfortFood #HomeCooking #Nostalgia #TVDinner #FamilyMeals #RecipeInspiration

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Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

1 lb ground beef

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/4 cup ketchup

1 large egg

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes:

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Green Beans:

2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed

2 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Dessert:

Instant chocolate pudding or store-bought chocolate mousse

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatloaf:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, ketchup, egg, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a lightly greased loaf pan or on a lined baking sheet.

- Top the meatloaf with additional ketchup if desired.

- Bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Make the Mashed Potatoes:

- While the meatloaf is baking, place cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.

- Cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.

- Add butter and heavy cream to the potatoes. Mash until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Sauté the Green Beans:

- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

- Add the green beans, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the beans are tender but still crisp.

Assemble the TV Dinner:

- Divide the meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans into compartments of a dinner tray or plate.

- If desired, include a small serving of instant pudding or chocolate mousse for dessert.

Enjoy:

- Serve warm and enjoy your homemade classic TV dinner with family or friends.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 4