Envision this: a savory, aromatic onion soup meatloaf baking in your oven, filling your kitchen with the comforting scent of home-cooked goodness.
This simple yet indulgent dish is a breeze to prepare, making it a favorite for cozy family dinners.
As the ground beef melds with the flavorful onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, and a touch of ketchup, a delightful transformation occurs.
Let’s bring this delightful dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 loaf pan
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 measuring cup set
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Onion Soup Meatloaf, here’s a suggested timeline:
1. Reading the Recipe: Allocate approximately 5 minutes to thoroughly read through the recipe and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Prep Work:
– Step 1: Preheat the Oven (5 minutes)
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, you can begin preparing the meatloaf mixture.
– Step 2: Prepare Meatloaf Mixture (10 minutes)
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, water, black pepper, and salt.
Mix all ingredients well until fully combined, making sure not to over-mix, as this can affect the texture.
3. Cooking:
– Step 3: Transfer and Shape (5 minutes)
Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan and shape it evenly.
– Step 4: Place and Bake (1 hour)
Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
4. Resting and Serving:
– Step 5: Resting Time (10 minutes)
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
– Step 6: Serve
Serve warm and enjoy.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, water, black pepper, and salt.
Mix all ingredients well until fully combined.
Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan and shape it evenly.
Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
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.
Serve warm and enjoy.
Serving Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the savory flavors of the meatloaf perfectly.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of seasonal steamed vegetables adds freshness and balance to the meal.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a revitalizing contrast to the hearty meatloaf.
- Buttered Corn: Sweet and buttery corn can add a delightful texture and flavor to your plate.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a satisfying crunch and pairs well with the meatloaf’s rich taste.
Storage
To store leftover onion soup meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze slices individually.
Freezing
To freeze onion soup meatloaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
Then, wrap it in aluminum foil.
Label with the date.
Store it in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat onion soup meatloaf, slice it and microwave or oven-bake at 300°F until warmed through.
Cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
The Onion Soup Meatloaf is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. With minimal preparation and simple ingredients, it’s an ideal option for a hearty family meal.
The key to a perfect meatloaf is in the balance of flavors and textures. By using onion soup mix, you infuse the meatloaf with a robust, savory taste without needing a long list of spices.
Make sure not to over-mix the ingredients to maintain a tender texture. For those who enjoy a bit of extra moisture, consider incorporating a small amount of milk or beef broth.
As a finishing touch, a glaze of ketchup or barbecue sauce can enhance the overall flavor profile. Remember to let the meatloaf rest before slicing to retain its juiciness.
Enjoy this comforting dish as the centerpiece of your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in your recipe. It’ll lighten the dish and reduce fat. Just make sure you don’t overcook it, as turkey can dry out quickly. Consider adding a bit more moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, oats, or panko for a slightly different texture. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or crushed cornflakes. These alternatives will keep your dish cohesive and flavorful.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Meatloaf?
You can craft a vegetarian version by swapping ground beef with lentils or chickpeas. Use a vegetarian onion soup mix and replace the egg with a flaxseed mixture. Add mushrooms for depth, and bake as usual. Enjoy!
How Do I Prevent the Meatloaf From Falling Apart?
To prevent your meatloaf from falling apart, make certain you use enough binding agents like eggs and breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly without overdoing it. Let it rest after baking, allowing it to firm up before slicing.
Can I Make Mini Meatloaves With This Recipe?
Yes, you can make mini meatloaves! Divide the mixture into smaller portions, shaping each into a mini loaf. Reduce baking time to about 25-30 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Enjoy your personalized servings!
Onion Soup Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Loaf pan
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Mixing spoon
- 1 measuring cup set
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, water, black pepper, and salt.
- Mix all ingredients well until fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan and shape it evenly.
- Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
- 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.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
