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Ultimate Meatloaf Recipe

Ultimate Meatloaf Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

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

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C), ensuring optimal cooking environment for the meatloaf.
  2. 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.
  3. Gently form the meat mixture into a cohesive loaf shape, transferring it to a lightly greased loaf pan or parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Delicately brush a thin, even layer of ketchup across the surface of the formed meatloaf, creating a flavorful glaze.
  5. Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches a safe 160F (71C), which ensures thorough cooking.
  6. Allow the meatloaf to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture.
  7. 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