Picture a meatloaf that emerges from the oven, its savory aroma filling the kitchen and promising a slice of comfort.
There’s something so satisfying about this classic dish; it’s a simple yet indulgent favorite.
As the ingredients meld together—juicy ground meats, spices, and a sweet ketchup glaze—magic happens, transforming everyday elements into a moist, flavorful masterpiece.
Let’s bring this heartwarming dish to life and savor every bite.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 loaf pan
- 1 skillet
- 1 oven
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup milk
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 0.25 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 0.5 cup ketchup (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Moist Meatloaf, follow this timeline:
Timeline for Moist Meatloaf Preparation and Cooking
- Reading and Initial Prep (5 minutes)
- Read the entire recipe and instructions thoroughly.
- Gather all ingredients and equipment needed.
- Prep Time (15 minutes)
- 0:00 – 2:00: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2:00 – 5:00: Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- 5:00 – 8:00: Sauté onion and garlic in a skillet until softened.
- 8:00 – 10:00: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, and milk.
- 10:00 – 12:00: Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the meat mixture.
- 12:00 – 15:00: Whisk together egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
- Mix and Shape (5 minutes)
- 15:00 – 17:00: Pour the whisked mixture into the meat mixture and mix thoroughly (avoid over-mixing).
- 17:00 – 20:00: Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
- Prepare Topping (5 minutes)
- 20:00 – 22:00: In a small bowl, mix ketchup with brown sugar for the topping.
- 22:00 – 25:00: Spread the ketchup topping evenly over the meatloaf.
- Cook Time (1 hour)
- 25:00 – 1:25:00: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Resting Time (10 minutes)
- 1:25:00 – 1:35:00: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Serving
- After resting, slice the meatloaf and serve.
Adjust any steps as needed based on your personal cooking speed and preferences.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, and milk.
Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the bowl.
Whisk together the egg, 0.25 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
Pour the whisked mixture into the meat mixture and mix thoroughly.
Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
In a small bowl, mix 0.5 cup ketchup with brown sugar for the topping.
Spread the ketchup topping evenly over the meatloaf.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serving Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that complements the savory flavors of the meatloaf.
- Steamed Vegetables: Adds a healthy and colorful contrast to the meal, balancing the richness of the meatloaf.
- Roasted Garlic Green Beans: Enhance the meal with a touch of garlicky goodness that pairs well with the hearty loaf.
- Buttered Corn: A sweet and buttery side that provides a delightful texture alongside the meatloaf.
- Crispy Potato Wedges: Offers a crunchy accompaniment that makes the meal more filling and satisfying.
Storage
To store meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze slices in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze meatloaf, allow it to cool completely.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Store it in an airtight container.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat meatloaf, wrap slices in foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Alternatively, microwave on medium power with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve followed the recipe, you should have a delicious, tender meatloaf ready to serve.
For further personalization, feel free to experiment with additional spices or herbs.
Remember, the key to a moist meatloaf isn’t over-mixing the ingredients.
Enjoy your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Turkey Instead of Beef and Pork?
You can substitute turkey for beef and pork. Use lean ground turkey and monitor moisture levels. Incorporate a binder like eggs or breadcrumbs. Adjust seasoning for flavor balance. Verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
How Can I Make the Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for regular ones. Confirm all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free. Mix ground meats, sautéed vegetables, and remaining ingredients as instructed. Shape and bake the loaf, monitoring internal temperature for doneness. Let rest before serving.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Meatloaf?
Pair meatloaf with mashed potatoes by boiling peeled potatoes, mashing them with butter, cream, and seasoning. For green beans, blanch them, then sauté in olive oil with garlic. Serve with a crisp garden salad dressed in vinaigrette.
Can I Make Meatloaf in an Air Fryer?
You can definitely make meatloaf in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Shape meat mixture into a loaf, place it in the basket, and air fry for 25-30 minutes or until it reaches 160°F.
How Do I Prevent My Meatloaf From Falling Apart?
Make certain your meatloaf holds together by not over-mixing the ingredients. Incorporate a binding agent like breadcrumbs and egg. Allow it to rest after cooking for 10 minutes, which helps the loaf firm up before slicing.
Moist Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Loaf pan
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Oven
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup for topping
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, and milk.
- Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the bowl.
- Whisk together the egg, 0.25 cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
- Pour the whisked mixture into the meat mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan and shape it into a loaf.
- In a small bowl, mix 0.5 cup ketchup with brown sugar for the topping.
- Spread the ketchup topping evenly over the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
