Envision this: a warm, savory scent wafting through your kitchen as a perfectly seasoned meatloaf bakes to a golden-brown finish.
There’s something incredibly comforting about this classic dish, and it’s so easy to make.
With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll transform ground beef, onions, and spices into a family favorite that’s delightfully rich and satisfying.
Ready to savor the flavors of a homemade classic? Let’s bring this dish to life.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 loaf pan
- 1 baking tray
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while making the classic meatloaf recipe, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Setup (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (15 minutes)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, and eggs.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to the mixture.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until well combined.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, pressing it down evenly.
- Prepare Topping (5 minutes)
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
- Spread the ketchup mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Cooking (1 hour)
- Place the loaf pan on a baking tray to catch any drippings.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Resting Time (10 minutes)
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, and eggs.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to the mixture.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until well combined.
Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, pressing it down evenly.
In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
Spread the ketchup mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Place the loaf pan on a baking tray to catch any drippings.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serving Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with meatloaf, providing a comforting and classic side.
- Steamed Green Beans: Light and nutritious, steamed green beans offer a fresh contrast to the hearty meatloaf.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers adds color and flavor to the meal.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with its tangy dressing complements the richness of the meatloaf.
- Buttered Corn: Sweet and buttery corn is a simple yet delicious side that enhances the meatloaf’s savory flavors.
Storage
To store meatloaf, cool it completely.
Wrap in plastic or foil, and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze slices in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze meatloaf, let it cool completely.
Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Store in an airtight container.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat meatloaf, slice it and use a microwave or oven.
Cover with a damp paper towel in the microwave.
Use foil in the oven to retain moisture and prevent drying.
Final Thoughts
Making a classic meatloaf is a straightforward and rewarding process.
With this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious American staple that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Remember to not overmix the ingredients to avoid a dense texture.
Allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing guarantees that it remains juicy and moist.
Customize the seasoning to your liking, and consider adding herbs for an extra layer of flavor.
Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal. Enjoy your homemade meatloaf!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Ground Beef With Another Type of Meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or pork. Adjust cooking time since poultry cooks faster. Make certain the meat mix remains moist by adding extra milk or breadcrumbs if using leaner meats like turkey or chicken.
How Do I Prevent My Meatloaf From Falling Apart?
Make certain you don’t overmix your ingredients, which can ruin texture. Use breadcrumbs and eggs as binders. Let the meatloaf rest after baking, allowing juices to redistribute, which helps it hold together when sliced.
What Can I Use Instead of Breadcrumbs for a Gluten-Free Option?
Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats or crushed rice crackers to maintain the texture. Guarantee even mixing for a cohesive loaf. You might also try almond flour for a nutty flavor. Adjust seasoning to complement these substitutes.
How Can I Make My Meatloaf More Flavorful?
Add finely chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for freshness. Use smoked paprika or cayenne for heat. Substitute ketchup with barbecue sauce for depth. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before baking for ideal flavor.
Can I Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the meatloaf mixture ahead. Combine all ingredients, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This enhances flavor integration. Make certain it’s at room temperature before baking for even cooking.
Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Loaf pan
- 1 Baking Tray
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, and eggs.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to the mixture.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until well combined.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, pressing it down evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
- Spread the ketchup mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Place the loaf pan on a baking tray to catch any drippings.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
