Meatloaf Recipe
Presentation:
Hey there, friend! Are you craving that warm, comforting feeling that only a hearty meal can provide? Sometimes, there’s nothing more satisfying than a classic meatloaf recipe, a dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals and cozy nights in. It’s the kind of food that wraps you in warmth and contentment, perfect for any occasion when you need something familiar and filling.
The great thing about this meatloaf recipe is that it’s not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this dish is simple to follow, with straightforward ingredients you probably already have on hand. Plus, it’s alcohol-free, making it a great choice for all ages and any dietary preferences.
So, if you’re ready for a delicious, no-fuss meal that will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, grab your apron and let’s get cooking! This meatloaf recipe is bound to become a go-to dish in your repertoire, satisfying your hunger and bringing that sense of homemade goodness straight to your table.
Table of Contents
A Timeless Classic:
Meatloaf Recipe has been a beloved family dinner staple for generations. Its origins can be traced back centuries, with different cultures adding their own unique twists. This particular recipe focuses on simplicity and pure flavor, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen newbies.
Ingredients for Meatloaf Recipe:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (80/20 blend) | 1 ½ pounds |
| Small onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup (plain or seasoned) |
| Large egg, beaten | 1 |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Ketchup (for the glaze) | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar (for the glaze) | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional information for meatloaf recipe:
This classic meatloaf recipe is not only delicious but also offers a well-rounded meal that’s packed with protein and essential nutrients. Each serving is designed to be satisfying while providing a good balance of macronutrients. The ingredients are simple, ensuring you get the wholesome goodness without unnecessary additives.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Total Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin A | 6% of daily value |
| Iron | 12% of daily value |
This nutritional breakdown shows that this meatloaf is a great source of protein, providing a filling and hearty meal without being overly heavy. It’s balanced in fats and carbs, with a modest amount of fiber to keep you feeling satisfied. The sodium content is something to keep in mind if you’re monitoring salt intake, but it’s perfectly manageable when enjoyed in moderation.
Overall, this meatloaf is a wholesome and comforting option, offering a good amount of nutrition without compromising on taste. It’s ideal for a family meal or a cozy dinner, and you can easily pair it with healthy sides like vegetables or a light salad for a more complete meal.
Necessary Tools:
Large Bowl
A large bowl is essential for mixing the meatloaf ingredients, as it provides ample space to combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. The size ensures you can mix everything thoroughly without any spillage. It’s important to choose a bowl that’s deep enough to accommodate all the ingredients and gives you enough room to knead or stir, especially if you’re using your hands to blend the meat mixture.
9×5 Inch Loaf Pan
The 9×5 inch loaf pan is the ideal size for this meatloaf recipe. This shape helps the meatloaf cook evenly, with the sides crisping up nicely while keeping the center moist. The rectangular shape also makes it easier to slice into perfect portions once baked. If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can use a baking dish or even shape the meatloaf by hand, but a loaf pan ensures it holds its shape and cooks uniformly.
Small Bowl (for Mixing the Glaze)
A small bowl is needed for mixing the glaze, which is typically made from ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. This bowl should be just large enough to combine the glaze ingredients without splashing. A small bowl ensures you can easily stir everything together, allowing you to create a smooth, flavorful glaze to top your meatloaf before baking. It’s an easy, convenient way to prepare the glaze without dirtying a larger bowl.
These tools are all designed to make the process of preparing and cooking your meatloaf as simple and efficient as possible, ensuring that each step goes smoothly!
Preparation Time:
15 Minutes
Cooking Time:
1 Hour
Let’s Make Meatloaf Recipe:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when the meatloaf goes in. While the oven is heating, lightly grease your loaf pan with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This will prevent the meatloaf from sticking to the pan, making it easier to remove after baking.
Step 2: Combine the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the ingredients, as overworking the meat can make the meatloaf dense and tough. The goal is to have a uniform mixture without overcompacting the meat.
Step 3: Shape and Glaze
Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the greased loaf pan. Use your hands or a spatula to shape it into a loaf form, making sure it’s even on all sides. For even cooking, create a small indentation down the center of the loaf. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and brown sugar to create the glaze. Once mixed, spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This glaze will give the meatloaf a sweet and tangy finish once baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. To ensure it’s fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meatloaf. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). This is the ideal temperature for both food safety and optimal flavor.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
After baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meatloaf more moist and flavorful. Once rested, slice and serve your delicious, homemade meatloaf with your favorite sides.
By carefully following these steps, you’ll create a meatloaf that is both perfectly cooked and full of flavor. Each stage, from mixing the ingredients to baking and resting, is crucial for achieving the ideal texture and taste. The combination of moist breadcrumbs, tender meat, and a sweet glaze ensures a delicious result. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion, this meatloaf will impress everyone and become a favorite in your home.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
One common mistake when making a meatloaf recipe is overmixing the ingredients. While it’s tempting to mix everything thoroughly, overworking the meat can result in a dense and tough loaf. Instead, mix the ingredients until just combined. You want the mixture to be cohesive, but not so much that the protein fibers become too compacted. This will ensure your meatloaf recipe stays tender and juicy.
Another mistake is not properly greasing the loaf pan when preparing your meatloaf recipe. If the pan isn’t greased well enough, the meatloaf may stick, making it difficult to remove or slice. Use a generous amount of cooking spray, oil, or even line the pan with parchment paper to ensure that the meatloaf recipe can be easily lifted out once cooked. This small step can save you a lot of frustration at the end of the cooking process.
Lastly, not letting the meatloaf recipe rest after baking is a mistake many people make. It’s important to allow the meatloaf to sit for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meatloaf recipe, making it easier to slice and preventing it from falling apart. Cutting too soon can cause the meatloaf to lose its shape and result in dry slices.
Tips for a Winning Meatloaf:
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
Feel free to make the recipe your own by adding your favorite spices, herbs, or even finely chopped vegetables. For example, try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh thyme to elevate the flavor. If you want extra moisture, finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms can blend seamlessly into the mixture, providing both flavor and texture. Experimenting with ingredients allows you to customize the meatloaf to your taste and discover new flavor combinations that suit your preferences.
Keep it Moist
One of the keys to a tender, juicy meatloaf is keeping it moist. Adding milk and breadcrumbs to the mixture creates a binding effect that helps retain moisture during baking. The milk softens the breadcrumbs, allowing them to absorb and hold onto the meat’s juices. This results in a meatloaf that stays flavorful and doesn’t dry out. For extra moisture, you can also add a little grated cheese or even some sautéed vegetables to the mix.
Use a Thermometer
A meat thermometer is an essential tool for ensuring your meatloaf is cooked to perfection. The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure that the meat is fully cooked through. Using a thermometer eliminates the guesswork and helps you avoid overcooking or undercooking the meatloaf. Insert the thermometer into the center of the loaf to get an accurate reading and ensure that the meatloaf is safe to eat and deliciously tender.
These tips will help you make the best meatloaf every time by focusing on moisture, creativity, and perfect cooking.
Accompaniments for Meatloaf Recipe:
Pairing your homemade meatloaf with the right sides can elevate the entire meal. Classic mashed potatoes are always a great choice, their creamy texture soaks up the savory juices from the meatloaf, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. You can also add a hint of garlic or fresh herbs to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or parsnips, add a beautiful balance to the rich meatloaf. The natural sweetness of the roasted veggies complements the savory depth of the meat, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. These vegetables can be easily seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.
For something lighter, consider serving the meatloaf with a crisp green salad. A mix of fresh greens like arugula, spinach, or lettuce, dressed with a simple vinaigrette, can cut through the richness of the meatloaf, offering a refreshing contrast. This combination provides both texture and balance, making your meal feel complete.
Conclusion:
Here’s a simple, delicious meatloaf recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With easy-to-follow steps and ingredients you probably already have on hand, this dish makes comfort food both approachable and flavorful. It’s the perfect option for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Not only is this meatloaf recipe quick to make, it also offers a great opportunity to customize it with your favorite spices, herbs, and even vegetables. Whether you stick to the classic flavors or add your own twist, it’s always delicious. This is a dish that offers endless possibilities for customization.
Serve this meatloaf recipe with your favorite sides, whether it’s creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crunchy salad. The hearty texture and rich flavors of meatloaf pair perfectly with a variety of sides, making it a versatile option for any occasion. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together.
So gather your loved ones, savor the warmth of this comforting classic, and create lasting memories around the table. This meatloaf recipe is more than just a meal, it’s an invitation to share moments of joy and satisfaction with those who matter most to you.
Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1,5 lbs ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- ½ cup ketchup (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard for the glaze. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the meat is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Serve your Meatloaf with mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish. Enjoy!
FAQ:
1. What is the secret to a great meatloaf?
The key to a good meatloaf recipe is the balance of ingredients and cooking technique. Using a blend of meats (like beef and Chicken) can add richness. Keeping the mixture moist with milk and breadcrumbs, and avoiding overmixing ensures tenderness. Additionally, allowing it to rest before slicing helps retain its juices.
2. What is the basic meatloaf formula with ketchup?
The basic meatloaf recipe typically consists of ground meat, breadcrumbs, an egg, and seasonings. Ketchup is often used in the mixture for moisture and flavor, and it is also commonly used as a glaze on top, which caramelizes during cooking for added sweetness.
3. What not to put in meatloaf?
Avoid overly wet ingredients, such as too much ketchup or milk, as this can lead to a mushy texture. Also, steer clear of strong-tasting vegetables (like raw cabbage) that can overpower the meatloaf’s flavor. Additionally, avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf tough.
4. What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?
Eggs and breadcrumbs are essential in keeping meatloaf together. The egg acts as a binder, while the breadcrumbs absorb moisture and provide structure. If you find your meatloaf is still falling apart, consider adding a bit more egg or breadcrumbs to the mixture.
5. What gives meatloaf the best flavor?
A combination of spices and seasonings, such as garlic, onion, and herbs like oregano, elevates the flavor. Incorporating a flavorful glaze made with ketchup and brown sugar adds an extra layer of sweetness and tang. Additionally, allowing the meatloaf to rest after cooking enhances the overall flavor.
6. Why do you put milk in meatloaf?
Milk is added to meatloaf to moisten the breadcrumbs and help keep the meatloaf tender. It absorbs into the bread, creating a soft texture and preventing the loaf from becoming dry. It also helps bind the ingredients together for a smoother consistency.
7. Should you cook onions before putting them in meatloaf?
You don’t have to cook the onions before adding them to the meatloaf, but sautéing them can enhance their sweetness and flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, consider cooking them briefly until soft before mixing them into the meatloaf. This step can also help reduce the raw onion flavor in the final dish.