how to make a meatloaf recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
how to make a meatloaf recipe
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The Best how to make a meatloaf recipe

Meatloaf has been a staple in our household for as long as I can remember. It’s one of those comfort foods that never fails to put a smile on my kids’ faces.

My family loves it because it’s easy to make and always tastes delicious. I’ve tried various meatloaf recipes over the years, but this one remains our favorite.

It’s a classic recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and I’m excited to share it with you today. The best part about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or even as a special occasion meal.

Plus, it’s relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods, making it a great option for families looking for wholesome meals.

Classic Meatloaf

Classic Meatloaf

4.6 from 1157 votes

A comforting classic, this meatloaf is made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a savory glaze. It’s perfect for a family dinner and pairs well with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time1 hr 10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

1.5 lbs ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 egg
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Glaze

1/2 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp yellow mustard

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Grease a loaf pan and set it aside.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
4Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5Avoid overmixing to prevent a tough meatloaf.
6Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan.
7Press down gently to create an even surface.
8Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet.
9Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
10Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to prepare the glaze.
11After 40 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush the glaze evenly over the top.
12Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
13The meatloaf should be firm to the touch and the glaze should be slightly caramelized.
14Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes.
15This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf.
16After resting, slice the meatloaf and serve with your favorite side dishes.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Loaf pan
Baking sheet
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 750mg🌾Total Carbs: 17g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 27g

📝Notes

Tips: For a juicier meatloaf, soak the breadcrumbs in milk before adding them to the mixture. You can also add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.

Watch Video Of How Classic Meatloaf Works

This classic meatloaf recipe is always a hit with my family – we love serving it at family gatherings or just enjoying it on a weeknight dinner.

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to store leftovers – simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.

When reheating leftovers, I recommend using low heat to prevent drying out and serving with your favorite sides – whether that’s mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or roasted root vegetables.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meatloaf

Q: What is the secret to making a moist meatloaf?

A: The key to a moist meatloaf is using a combination of ground meats, such as beef and pork, and adding some extra moisture with ingredients like eggs and milk. This helps keep the loaf from drying out during cooking. Additionally, using a gentle mixing technique when combining the ingredients will help prevent over-mixing and ensure the meatloaf stays tender.

Q: Can I use leaner ground meat in this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use leaner ground meat if you prefer. However, keep in mind that leaner meat may result in a slightly drier final product. To combat this, you can add some extra moisture with ingredients like grated carrots or zucchini.

Q: How do I prevent the meatloaf from cracking?

A: To prevent the meatloaf from cracking, make sure to not overmix the ingredients and handle the loaf gently when placing it in the baking dish.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe in advance by preparing the meat mixture and refrigerating it overnight before baking. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make cooking easier in the morning.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets?

A: No, this recipe is not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets as it contains ground meat. However, you can easily modify the recipe to use plant-based alternatives like tempeh or seitan.

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