Description
Hearty meatloaf promises comfort and nostalgia with its rich blend of ground beef, herbs, and classic seasonings. Midwestern home cooks perfected this crowd-pleasing dish you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
- 2 large eggs
Binding and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C), ensuring optimal cooking environment for the meatloaf.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings until ingredients are just incorporated.
- Gently form the meat mixture into a cohesive loaf shape, transferring it to a lightly greased loaf pan or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Delicately brush a thin, even layer of ketchup across the surface of the formed meatloaf, creating a flavorful glaze.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160F (71C), which ensures thorough cooking.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture.
- Slice carefully and serve hot, presenting a classic comfort food dish perfect for family meals.
Notes
- Experiment with ground meat blends like beef, pork, and veal for a more complex flavor profile and tender texture.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought for a lighter, more delicate meatloaf that absorbs moisture better.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to maintain the binding consistency.
- Add finely grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini to boost nutrition and keep the meatloaf extra moist without changing the fundamental taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg