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How to Make Meatloaf Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

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.

How to Make Meatloaf Recipe

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

Make Meatloaf Recipe

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

  1. Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can make your meatloaf tough. Stop as soon as everything is combined.
  2. Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid undercooking or overcooking, make sure the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  3. 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.
  4. 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!

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Jessica Thompson

Jessica Thompson is a seasoned writer and reviewer specializing in sharing authentic experiences of restaurants and hotels across the United States. With a passion for culinary exploration and travel, Jessica has cultivated a reputation for providing insightful and detailed reviews that help readers make informed decisions about where to dine and stay.Growing up in a family that cherished the joy of food and hospitality, Jessica's interest in writing about dining and lodging experiences was sparked at an early age. She pursued her passion by obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Columbia University, where she honed her writing skills and developed a keen eye for detail.After graduating, Jessica embarked on a journey across the country, immersing herself in diverse culinary cultures and staying at various hotels to gain firsthand experiences. She began documenting her adventures through articles and blog posts, which quickly gained recognition for their authenticity and depth.Jessica's commitment to providing honest and unbiased reviews has earned her a loyal following of readers who trust her recommendations. Her writing style is characterized by its clarity, sincerity, and ability to capture the essence of each dining and lodging experience.To enhance her visibility and reputation, Jessica leverages the power of Google by optimizing her content for search engines. She stays updated on SEO best practices and utilizes keywords effectively to ensure her reviews rank prominently in Google search results. By maintaining a strong online presence and engaging with her audience through social media platforms, Jessica has established herself as a reputable authority in the realm of restaurant and hotel reviews.Whether she's sampling street food in New York City or indulging in luxury accommodations in California, Jessica's passion for discovering hidden gems and sharing them with her audience shines through in every piece of writing. With her dedication to authenticity and her ability to connect with readers on a personal level, Jessica Thompson continues to inspire and guide travelers in their quest for memorable dining and lodging experiences across the United States.I also refer to user reviews on reputable websites such as yelp.com, tripadvisor.com, Google Maps...

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