how many calories in a half a cup of meatloaf

Half Cup Meatloaf Calories: How Many?

By Mark AndersonNovember 21, 2025

Ever wondered about the nutritional content of your favorite comfort food, meatloaf? It's a classic dish that's been a staple in many households for generations. But how many calories are in a half cup of meatloaf? Let's delve into the details to find out.

Meatloaf is typically made from a combination of ground meat, usually beef, and other ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. The exact calorie count can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. However, we can provide a general idea based on a standard meatloaf recipe.

Calories in a Half Cup of Meatloaf

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides a general nutritional breakdown for a typical meatloaf. According to their data, a 100-gram serving of meatloaf contains approximately 210 calories.

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Now, let's convert this to a half cup serving. A standard cup of meatloaf weighs about 226 grams. Therefore, a half cup would weigh around 113 grams. Using the USDA's data, we can estimate that a half cup of meatloaf contains roughly 105 calories.

Calories from Protein

Meatloaf is primarily made from ground meat, which is high in protein. In fact, the USDA estimates that a 100-gram serving of meatloaf contains about 21 grams of protein. This means that a half cup serving would contain approximately 10.5 grams of protein, contributing to around 42 calories (since protein has 4 calories per gram).

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Protein is essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of tissues in the body. It's also a great source of energy, especially for those following a high-protein diet.

Calories from Fat

Meatloaf also contains a significant amount of fat, primarily from the ground meat and added fats like oil or butter. The USDA estimates that a 100-gram serving of meatloaf contains about 13 grams of total fat, of which 4.5 grams are saturated fats. This means that a half cup serving would contain around 6.5 grams of total fat and 2.25 grams of saturated fat, contributing to approximately 60 calories (since fat has 9 calories per gram).

While fat is necessary for the body's proper functioning, it's important to note that saturated fats should be consumed in moderation as high levels can increase the risk of heart disease.

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Other Nutritional Factors

Meatloaf isn't just about calories. It also provides other essential nutrients. For instance, it's a good source of iron, which is crucial for the production of hemoglobin in red blood cells. A 100-gram serving of meatloaf contains about 2.5 milligrams of iron, which is roughly 14% of the daily value.

Moreover, meatloaf can also provide a good amount of vitamin B12, which is necessary for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of the nervous system. A 100-gram serving of meatloaf contains about 1.2 micrograms of vitamin B12, which is roughly 20% of the daily value.

Carbohydrates and Fiber

Meatloaf also contains carbohydrates, primarily from the breadcrumbs and other ingredients like onions or bell peppers. The USDA estimates that a 100-gram serving of meatloaf contains about 7 grams of carbohydrates. This means that a half cup serving would contain approximately 3.5 grams of carbohydrates.

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However, it's important to note that most of these carbohydrates are not from fiber. A 100-gram serving of meatloaf contains only about 0.7 grams of fiber. This means that a half cup serving would contain around 0.35 grams of fiber. Fiber is crucial for digestive health and can help lower cholesterol levels.

Sodium Content

Meatloaf can also be high in sodium, especially if it's seasoned with salt or if salted ingredients like soy sauce are used. The USDA estimates that a 100-gram serving of meatloaf contains about 690 milligrams of sodium. This means that a half cup serving would contain around 345 milligrams of sodium.

High sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues. Therefore, it's important to monitor your sodium intake, especially if you're at risk for these conditions.

In the end, while meatloaf can be a delicious and nutritious dish, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes and the ingredients used in the recipe. A half cup serving can fit well into a balanced diet, providing a good amount of protein, iron, and vitamin B12. However, it's also important to consider the fat and sodium content, especially if you're watching your weight or have certain health conditions. So, go ahead and enjoy your meatloaf, but remember, moderation is key!