Meatloaf is a beloved comfort food, and there are numerous variations on how to make it just right. In this guide, we’ll combine insights from top recipes and provide you with a detailed, easy-to-follow meatloaf recipe. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, this recipe will help you make a delicious meatloaf that’s tender, flavorful, and satisfying.
Ingredients for a Classic Meatloaf
Meatloaf Base
- Ground beef (80/20 blend): 2 pounds
- Breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned): ¾ cup
- Onion (finely diced): ½ cup
- Eggs (beaten): 2 large
- Milk: ¾ cup
- Garlic (minced): 1-2 cloves
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Kosher salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Ketchup: 1 tablespoon (optional)
Meatloaf Sauce
- Ketchup: ½ cup
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Chili sauce (or BBQ sauce): ½ cup
Optional Add-ins
- Parsley (chopped): 2 tablespoons
- Mustard (for tang): 1 tablespoon
- Crushed crackers (substitute for breadcrumbs): ½ cup
Equipment
- Baking sheet or loaf pan
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing bowls
- Meat thermometer
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Dice the onion and mince the garlic. In a small pan, sauté the onions in butter until they become soft and translucent. Let them cool completely before mixing them with the meat mixture. This step enhances the onion’s flavor without adding raw bits to the meatloaf.
2. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Separately, mix the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine and Shape the Meatloaf
Add the ground beef, sautéed onions, garlic, and the breadcrumb mixture to the egg mixture. Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense and tough.
Shape the mixture into a loaf, approximately 4 inches wide by 8 inches long, on a prepared baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. This shape helps ensure even cooking.
4. Make the Meatloaf Sauce
While the meatloaf is baking, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and chili sauce in a small bowl. This glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the meatloaf. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the loaf before baking.
5. Bake the Meatloaf
Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. You want the internal temperature of the meatloaf to reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check.
6. Add the Glaze and Finish Baking
After 40 minutes, spread the remaining sauce over the top of the meatloaf. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches the recommended level. For extra caramelization, you can broil the loaf for 1-2 minutes at the end.
7. Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the slices more tender. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Tips for the Best Meatloaf
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can make your meatloaf tough. Stop as soon as everything is combined.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid undercooking or overcooking, make sure the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Customize Your Glaze: If you prefer, you can use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky flavor, or even add a bit of mustard for extra tang.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest after baking to keep it moist and make slicing easier.
Variations
- Italian-Style Meatloaf: Swap the ketchup for marinara sauce and add a bit of mozzarella cheese in the center of the loaf for a cheesy surprise.
- Spicy Meatloaf: Add chipotle peppers or sriracha to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable-Loaded Meatloaf: For a healthier option, add finely grated carrots or zucchini to the meat mixture.
Conclusion
This classic meatloaf recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to make a flavorful, tender meatloaf that’s sure to impress. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or try one of the variations, this meatloaf will quickly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!
Sources:
- Spend with Pennies(Spend With Pennies)
- Budget Bytes(Budget Bytes)
- AllRecipes(Allrecipes)
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