The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe.

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Gather your family around the table for a comforting and delicious home-cooked meal with this easy meatloaf recipe. This classic homemade meatloaf is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering. With its juicy texture and rich flavors, this classic meatloaf is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this simple family dinner recipe is effortless to prepare and yields consistently impressive results. Get ready to savor the aroma of this classic dish as it bakes to perfection in your oven.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80-85% lean)¹¹
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced¹²
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten¹³
• ½ cup milk (or milk substitute)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

How to Make Easy Meatloaf

Creating a delectable meatloaf at home is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to prepare a perfectly cooked, flavorful meatloaf that’s ready to enjoy in no time.

1. Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 diced onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 2 lightly beaten eggs, ½ cup milk, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well-incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense texture.
2. Form the Loaf: Grease a loaf pan (or meatloaf pan) with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the prepared pan, gently pressing it down to form a compact loaf.
3. Apply Glaze (Optional but Recommended): For added flavor and a beautiful caramelized crust, cover the top of the meatloaf with a layer of your favorite tomato sauce or glaze during the last 20-30 minutes of baking. A classic ketchup-based glaze (ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce) is a popular choice.¹
4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).² Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for approximately 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through.
5. Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more juicy meatloaf.

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Meatloaf

• Meat Blend: For the juiciest meatloaf, opt for a blend of ground beef and ground pork. An 80-85% lean ground beef blend is ideal for good texture and juiciness.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the ingredients until they are just incorporated. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough texture.
• Right Filler Ratio: The ideal ratio is typically around ¼ cup of breadcrumbs (or oats) for every pound of ground meat. Too much filler can lead to a dry meatloaf.³
• Aromatics & Seasonings: Don’t skimp on fresh aromatics like sautéed onions and garlic, and season generously with salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, or Worcestershire sauce for enhanced flavor enhancers.
• Bake in a Loaf Pan: Baking in a meatloaf pan helps retain moisture and allows excess fat to drain, contributing to a more moist meatloaf.

Essential Tools

• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all your ingredients thoroughly.
• Meatloaf Pan: A specialized loaf-shaped pan, often with perforated sides to drain fat.⁴
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for ensuring your meatloaf is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula or Meat Loaf Lifter: For easily transferring the cooked meatloaf to a serving platter.

Variations & Customization

• Healthier Meatloaf:
  • Low-Carb Options: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or ground pork rinds.
  • Lean Meat Alternatives: Use lean ground turkey or chicken in combination with ground beef for a healthy meatloaf.
  • Vegetable-Packed Meatloaf: Add finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the mix for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Glaze Variations:
  • Barbecue Glaze: Use your favorite BBQ sauce as a base.
  • Honey-Mustard Glaze: A mix of honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of vinegar for a sweet and tangy option.
• Meat Blends: Experiment with ground veal or lamb in addition to beef and pork for different flavor profiles.
• Herb & Spice Mixes: Customize with different herbs like rosemary or sage, or spices like smoked paprika or cumin.

Benefits of Homemade Meatloaf

• Cost-Effective: A great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank, as ground meat is generally affordable.
• Versatile Dish: Easily customizable to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.
• Delicious Leftovers: Meatloaf often tastes even better as leftovers, as flavors meld and intensify, making it ideal for meal prepping.⁵
• Comforting Meal: A classic family dinner recipe that provides warmth and satisfaction.⁶
• Batch Cooking Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking and creating freezer-friendly meals to save time on busy weeknights.⁷

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why is my meatloaf dry?

A: Common reasons include overmixing the ingredients, using too lean a ground meat without enough fat, or using too much filler (like breadcrumbs) in proportion to the meat.8

Q: What is the ideal internal temperature for meatloaf?

A: The ideal internal temperature for meatloaf is 160°F (71°C).9 Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked safely and thoroughly.

Q: Can I prepare meatloaf ahead of time?

A: Yes, meatloaf is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the loaf and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze the unbaked loaf for up to 3 months.

Q: How do I store leftover meatloaf?

A: Place leftover meatloaf in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: What are good side dishes for meatloaf?

A: Classic pairings include creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or roasted asparagus.10 For lighter options, consider a quinoa salad or a crisp mixed green salad.

Easy Meatloaf: Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 60-70 minutes

Rest Time: 5-10 minutes

Total Time: Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 35 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Category: Main Course, Dinner

Method: Baking

Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80-85% lean)¹¹
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced¹²
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten¹³
• ½ cup milk (or milk substitute)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Loaf pan (9×5 inches recommended)
• Meat thermometer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).¹⁴
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Form Loaf: Grease your loaf pan. Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the prepared pan, gently pressing it down to form a compact loaf.
4. Prepare Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
5. Bake: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for approximately 40-50 minutes.
6. Apply Glaze (if using): After the initial baking time, remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the prepared glaze evenly over the top.
7. Continue Baking: Return the meatloaf to the oven and continue baking for another 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loaf.
8. Rest & Serve: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes before carefully slicing and serving.¹⁵ This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy texture.

Notes:

• Meat Blend: For extra juiciness, use a blend of ground beef and ground pork.
• Prevent Dryness: Ensure you don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture. Gentle handling is key to a tender meatloaf texture.
• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the meatloaf (without baking) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freezing Leftovers: Cooked and cooled meatloaf slices can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.¹⁶ Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

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