Meatloaf has always been the ultimate comfort food in my house, and this classic meatloaf recipe is the one I come back to again and again. I remember my mom making it every Sunday, the savory aroma filling our kitchen, promising a delicious meal. The best part is how incredibly juicy and tender it turns out, thanks to a few simple tricks. It’s a dish that truly feels like home. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf
You’re going to adore this recipe for so many reasons. It’s a truly satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table.
- It’s the definition of comfort food meatloaf, perfect for any night of the week.
- This is an incredibly easy meatloaf recipe that even beginners can master.
- You get that wonderful homestyle meatloaf flavor that reminds you of grandma’s cooking.
- The texture is wonderfully tender and juicy, never dry or crumbly.
- It’s incredibly forgiving, allowing you to customize it with your favorite spices.
- The simple glaze adds a delicious sweet and tangy finish.
- It’s a budget-friendly meal that feeds the whole family.
- The aroma while it bakes is simply irresistible.
Ingredients for Classic Meatloaf
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making a fantastic ground beef meatloaf. This recipe calls for simple pantry staples that come together for a truly delicious outcome.
- 1 pound Ground Beef – I like to use 80/20 for the best flavor and moisture.
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs give a nice texture, but any kind will work.
- 2 large Eggs – These act as a binder to hold everything together perfectly.
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped – This adds a lovely savory base flavor.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced – Fresh garlic really elevates the taste.
- 1/2 cup Ketchup – This forms the base of our flavorful glaze.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce – It adds a deep, umami richness.
- 1 teaspoon Salt – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper – Freshly ground is always best!
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano – A classic herb that pairs beautifully with beef.
How to Make Meatloaf
Making a delicious, homestyle meatloaf is easier than you might think! This easy meatloaf recipe will guide you through every step to achieve that perfect, savory flavor and tender texture. Get ready for a truly satisfying meal!
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your baking pan. I like to grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan, but lining it with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze.
- Step 2: Get your aromatics ready. Finely chop the medium onion and mince the garlic cloves. The smaller you chop them, the better they’ll meld into the meat mixture.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine all your ingredients: the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
- Step 4: Gently mix everything together with your hands until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough. You want to see all the ingredients incorporated, but the mixture should still be loose.
- Step 5: Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared loaf pan or shape it into a freeform loaf on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently press down to create an even surface. This helps ensure uniform cooking for a truly juicy meatloaf recipe.
- Step 6: Bake for 45-55 minutes. The best way to tell if it’s done is by using a meat thermometer – it should read 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part. You’ll notice a wonderful savory aroma filling your kitchen!
- Step 7: For an extra flavor boost and a beautiful presentation, brush some extra ketchup or your favorite BBQ sauce on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. This creates a delicious glaze that complements the savory meat perfectly.
- Step 8: Once baked, let the meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful.
Pro Tips for the Best Meatloaf
Want to elevate your meatloaf game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference for a truly spectacular result. Follow these tips and you’ll be serving up the best meatloaf your family has ever tasted!
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture. Gently combining is key to a tender texture.
- Letting the meat mixture rest in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before shaping can make it easier to handle.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to the perfect internal temperature.
- Always let your meatloaf rest after baking; this is crucial for juiciness.
What’s the secret to perfect Meatloaf?
The real secret to a perfect, juicy meatloaf recipe lies in the binder and not overworking the meat. Using milk-soaked breadcrumbs or finely chopped vegetables helps keep it moist. Gentle mixing is also vital! For more on cooking techniques, you can explore resources on how to cook meatloaf.
Can I make Meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! This simple meatloaf recipe is great for meal prep. You can mix the ingredients and store the unbaked loaf, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Meatloaf?
A common pitfall for a meatloaf recipe for beginners is overmixing, which leads to a tough loaf. Another is not letting it rest after baking, causing it to fall apart. Be sure to cook it to the correct internal temperature, not just until it looks done. Understanding proper cooking temperatures is key to many recipes, including delicious homemade ice cream.
Best Ways to Serve Meatloaf
When it comes to serving this incredible meatloaf, I always think about what complements its savory, homestyle goodness best. It’s the ultimate comfort food meatloaf, so pairing it with classic sides just makes sense.
My absolute favorite way to enjoy it is with a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. The potatoes soak up any extra savory juices from the meatloaf, creating a perfect bite. Another fantastic option is roasted vegetables, like carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, tossed with a little olive oil and herbs. For a truly classic American meal, a simple side of green beans or corn on the cob is also wonderful. Don’t forget a little extra glaze on the side! For a similar hearty side, try our cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe.
Nutrition Facts for Meatloaf
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for one slice of this delicious meatloaf. It’s a hearty meal that provides a good balance of macronutrients.
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on general nutrition, you can consult resources like the National Library of Medicine’s nutrition information.
How to Store and Reheat Meatloaf
This homestyle meatloaf is fantastic for leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep. Once your delicious meatloaf has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices securely in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, the best method for this simple meatloaf is to place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meatloaf
Got questions about this classic dish? I’ve got you covered with answers to some of the most common queries about making and enjoying this beloved meal.
What is meatloaf?
At its heart, meatloaf is a dish made from ground meat, usually beef, mixed with seasonings, binders like breadcrumbs or eggs, and often vegetables like onions. It’s formed into a loaf shape and baked. It’s a true American classic, known for being a hearty and satisfying meal.
How do I make meatloaf?
To make meatloaf, you’ll typically combine your ground meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, finely chopped onion, garlic, and your favorite seasonings. Mix everything gently until just combined, then shape it into a loaf and bake it in a preheated oven until it’s cooked through. The key is not to overmix!
Can I add vegetables to my meatloaf?
Absolutely! Adding finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or celery is a fantastic way to boost flavor and nutrition. They also contribute to a moister texture. Just make sure they are chopped very finely so they cook through evenly with the meat.
What’s the best glaze for meatloaf?
While ketchup is a classic, there are so many delicious glaze options! A simple mix of ketchup and brown sugar, or ketchup with a dash of Worcestershire sauce and mustard, works wonderfully. BBQ sauce is also a popular choice for a tangy kick. It really depends on your preference!
Variations of Meatloaf You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered this basic recipe, it’s fun to explore different ways to prepare this versatile dish. Whether you’re looking for dietary swaps or exciting flavor twists, there’s a meatloaf variation for everyone. Consider an old fashioned meatloaf by swapping the ketchup glaze for a simple tomato sauce simmered with herbs. For a different approach, try a “bunless burger” style meatloaf, baked in individual portions for quick cooking and serving. If you love that sweet and tangy topping, a spicy BBQ glaze makes for an irresistible meatloaf with glaze that’s always a crowd-pleaser. You could also experiment with different ground meats like a mix of beef and pork, or even try a turkey or chicken meatloaf for a lighter option. For another great dinner option, check out our beef and cheese chimichangas.
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Meatloaf: 1 Amazing Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic meatloaf recipe creates a juicy and tender loaf with a flavorful glaze, perfect for a comforting family meal. It’s easy to prepare and highly customizable with various meat and vegetable additions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Stir until just mixed.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared pan or shape it into a loaf on a lined baking sheet. Press it down evenly.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes until a meat thermometer reads 160°F (71°C).
- For extra flavor, brush ketchup or BBQ sauce on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a comforting meal.
- Feel free to experiment with spices and herbs for added flavor.
- For a lighter option, use ground turkey.
- Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or oats for a gluten-free twist.
- Consider flaxseed meal mixed with water as a vegan alternative for eggs.
- Shallots or green onions can be used for a milder onion taste.
- Garlic powder can substitute fresh garlic.
- BBQ sauce or homemade tomato glaze can replace ketchup.
- Soy sauce can be a vegan substitute for Worcestershire sauce.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg