basic meat loaf recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best basic meat loaf recipe

I’ve been making meatloaf for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. My kids love it because it’s a fun dish to eat, and my husband appreciates that it’s a hearty and satisfying meal. As for me, I love meatloaf because it’s so easy to make and can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes.

I’ve tried many different variations over the years, but this basic recipe remains a staple in our household. Meatloaf has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The dish is believed to have originated in medieval Europe, where it was made with a mixture of ground meat and breadcrumbs.

The first written recipes for meatloaf appeared in the 14th century, and they were often quite elaborate, featuring ingredients like spices, herbs, and even fruit. Despite its long history, meatloaf remained a humble dish until the mid-20th century, when it became a staple of American home cooking. During World War II, with meat rationing in place, housewives turned to creative solutions like using ground meat loaf as a substitute for more expensive cuts of beef.

This helped popularize the dish across the United States. One of the key techniques involved in making good meatloaf is mixing the ingredients just right. If you overmix the meat, it becomes tough and dense.

To avoid this, I like to use my hands to mix the ingredients just until they come together in a cohesive mass. Then I shape the loaf into its characteristic form and bake it until it’s cooked through. The result is a deliciously savory dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or want something special for dinner guests, this basic meatloaf recipe never fails.

Classic Meatloaf

Classic Meatloaf

4.5 from 906 votes

A comforting and hearty classic meatloaf recipe. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a savory glaze.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hr 15 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 egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Glaze

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

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F.
2Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
4Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan.
6Use your hands to press the mixture firmly into the pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
7In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to make the glaze.
8Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
9Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes.
10The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
11Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
12This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Loaf pan
Baking sheet
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add diced vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the meatloaf mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.

Watch Video Of How Classic Meatloaf Works

This basic meatloaf recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It is a classic dish that is sure to please.

It is a great dish for a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a comforting dish that reminds me of home.

It is a perfect dish for a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a comforting dish that reminds me of home.

It is a perfect dish for a family dinner or a holiday gathering. It is a comforting dish that reminds me of home.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meatloaf

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

No, using leaner ground meat will result in a drier loaf. Meatloaf needs some fat to stay moist.

Q: What if I don’t have ketchup on hand?

You can substitute ketchup with another sweet ingredient like tomato sauce or even honey.

Q: Can I make individual servings of this recipe?

Yes, simply shape the mixture into smaller loaves or patties and bake them in separate ramekins or on a baking sheet.

Q: How do I store leftover meatloaf?

Cool the loaf completely before refrigerating or freezing it. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with an equal amount of finely chopped mushrooms or eggplant.

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