The Ultimate Classic Meatloaf Recipe That’ll Make Your Family Beg for Seconds.
Introduction.
There is nothing better than the smell of meatloaf when you come home from a long day at work. That warm smell of meat fills the whole house and makes everyone in the family hungry. This smell reminds me of my grandmother. For me, the best meatloaf is the one my grandmother used to make. She would cut the meatloaf into thick slices and serve it with ketchup. I still remember the taste. Every time she would make this meatloaf recipe for me, she would say something like, “Meatloaf is like a good friend—it’s there when you need it, it always satisfies you, it never lets you down.”
Meatloaf, a humble yet beloved dish, is not about fancy ingredients or complex techniques. It’s a simple recipe made with ground meat, breadcrumbs, and spices that has been a family favourite for generations. This recipe, with its straightforward instructions, will keep you satisfied without costing you much. I am confident that if you follow these steps, you will create a delicious meatloaf that will exceed your expectations.
Today, I am excited to share with you the meatloaf recipe that I have perfected over time. It was a journey of trial and error, but now, I can confidently say that I make a meatloaf that my family craves. My experience inspires you to embark on your own meatloaf-making journey.
Ingredients.
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comfort food masterpiece:
- 2 pounds ground beef.(80/20 blend works best)
- 1 pound ground pork.
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs.
- 1 large onion, finely diced.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced.
- 2 large eggs, beaten.
- ¾ cup whole milk.
- ¼ cup ketchup. (plus extra for glazing)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
- 2 teaspoons salt.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- 3 strips of bacon. (optional, but highly recommended)
For the glaze:
- ½ cup ketchup.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard.
(Image generated using Whisk AI)
Kitchen Tools Required.
You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe – just these bare kitchen essentials:
- Large mixing bowl.
- Medium skillet.
- 9x13 inch baking dish or loaf pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Sharp knife for chopping.
- Wooden spoon or large spatula.
- Meat thermometer. (trust me on this one)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Meatloaf.
Step 1: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating the oven first is not a problem, and we will have the amount we need ready by the time you finish mixing your ingredients.
Step 2: Now, pour some olive oil into a pan and heat it on medium heat. Then add the onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until it is soft and translucent. Now add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until you can smell it. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool a little. This step is essential because if you are using raw garlic, it will moisten your meatloaf and impart a strong, pungent flavour.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the beaten eggs, milk, ¼ cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Use a whisk to mix well. This mixture will keep your meatloaf moist and add flavour to it.
Step 4: Now you need to mix everything. For this, take a large bowl and add the ground beef, ground pork, cooked onions, garlic mixture, bread crumbs and all your spices. Then pour the sauce you made in the previous step on top. Now use your clean hands and mix everything well. Don’t mix too much or your meatloaf will turn out to be tough instead of soft.
(Image generated using Whisk AI)
Step 5: Make a loaf of the mixture you made in this step and place it in your baking dish. If you are using a large rectangular pan, make a loaf shape in the middle. If you have a loaf pan, pour the mixture into it. Be careful not to pack it too tightly.
Step 6: If you are using bacon, draw strips on the top of the meatloaf. The bacon will crisp up when it bakes, giving it a different flavour.
Step 7: Place the meatloaf in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Do not open the oven door during this time because heat escapes every time you open the door. This can cause it to take longer to cook.
Step 8: While your meatloaf is baking, take a small bowl and add all the glaze ingredients. This sweet and sour mixture will change the flavour of your meatloaf beyond belief.
Step 9: After 45 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven and brush the glaze over the top. Then place the meatloaf back in the oven for another 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Step 10: Take your meatloaf out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will allow all the delicious juices to re-enter the meatloaf. This final step will ensure you get perfect slices instead of a crumbly mess.
Cooking Tips.
Tip 1: If you want the best meatloaf, use ground beef that is 80% meat and 20% fat (this is often labelled as 80/20). This fat adds great flavour and keeps the meatloaf from drying out. If you can, add some ground pork to keep the meatloaf tender. If you only have lean beef, add an extra egg to keep it moist.
Tip 2: Before you fully shape your meatloaf, take a little of the mixture and cook it in a pan. After it is cooked, taste it and add salt or pepper if needed, because it is difficult to change the taste once the meatloaf is fully cooked.
Tip 3: Make sure to let your sit for about 10 minutes after you take it out of the oven. I know you want to cut it right away, but if you wait those 10 minutes, you’ll end up with slices that stick together nicely instead of falling apart.
Reasons to Try This Recipe.
This recipe is really great. It’s delicious, a little sweet and perfect with a tasty glaze. Try using both beef and pork if you can. You’ll get more flavour from using both meats than if you just used beef.
Making isn’t that hard, although there are a few steps; it’s mostly just mixing the ingredients and letting the oven do the work. You can have everything ready in the morning. Then all you have to do is put it in the oven and wait for dinner on a busy day.
The best thing about this is that you can eat it in so many different ways. It goes well with mashed potatoes and green beans. Of course, little kids love this meatloaf recipe. If you let the kids try this meatloaf recipe, they will definitely love it.
Healthier Swaps.
Swap 1: If you want to make this meatloaf recipe healthier, you can swap half of the ground beef for ground turkey. This will reduce the fat and calories in this recipe, but still give you the same great flavour. If you use ground turkey, make sure to use ground turkey that is not too lean.
Swap 2: If you want to spice up this meatloaf recipe even more, add some finely chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers while you cook the onions. This extra step adds more nutrients and fibre to your meatloaf.
Swap 3: If you want to make this meatloaf recipe even more delicious, you can use whole wheat breadcrumbs or rolled oats instead of the panko breadcrumbs. This change will provide you with extra fibre and a distinct flavour.
✅ Advantages of Meatloaf.
The advantage of this recipe is that it is very inexpensive, using ground beef and pork. It is available for less than steaks or pork chops, and this recipe feeds six people from leftovers. You can feed your entire family for less than $15.
Meatloaf is a meal that everyone loves. Most people remember eating meatloaf as a child, and it has a comforting, familiar taste that makes everyone feel at home. This meatloaf recipe is a very popular dish that brings people together around the dinner table.
And the best part is that you can make it in advance. Put the whole meatloaf together in the morning, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. When it’s time for your dinner, pop it in the oven and follow the steps from there.
❌ Disadvantages of Meatloaf.
This is not a healthy meal. With ground beef and a cheese glaze, this dish is packed with calories. If you’re trying to lose weight, save this meatloaf for a special occasion rather than making it every week.
Another downside is that it takes a while to make. You’ll need about an hour and a half from start to finish, including prep time. This recipe isn’t perfect for a busy day.
Also, not everyone likes meatloaf. Or doesn’t believe in what’s in it. If you’re cooking this for picky eaters, you might have to make something else.
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Conclusion.
There you have it - a comforting meatloaf that you can eat whenever you want a warm, satisfying meal that brings back memories of home. This recipe is a long-time favourite of my family, and I think you will too.
Whether you are feeding a hungry family on a budget, preparing meals for the week, or need some good old-fashioned comfort food, this meatloaf works well for every occasion. So fire up your stove. Get your hands dirty and make something delicious for your family to remember.
- Here's a simpler version: Want to make sure your meatloaf turns out moist and fully cooked? The Kitchn has a useful guide that shows you the right temperatures for different types of meatloaf - whether you're using beef, pork, or turkey. They've put together an easy-to-read chart and some practical tips to help you cook your meatloaf perfectly every time.
FAQs
1. Question: Why are there cracks on the top of my meatloaf?
- Answer: There are two reasons why your meatloaf may be cracking. The first reason is that your oven is too hot. Try baking it at 350°F. The second reason is that there is not enough moisture in your meat mixture. Don’t skip the milk and eggs when you mix everything. They will prevent your meatloaf from cracking.
2. Question: Can you make without eggs?
- Answer: Yes, you can make meatloaf without eggs. But you will need to use something else to hold the ingredients together. A good substitute for eggs is a mixture of 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed and six tablespoons of water. Alternatively, you can use ¼ cup of applesauce. The texture of the result will be slightly different, but it will still taste good.
3. Question: How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
- Answer: The best and most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. If it reads 160°F, it is done.
4.Question: Can I add vegetables to the mixture?
- Answer: Yes, you can add vegetables to the . First, cook the vegetables in a pan to remove any excess water. Raw vegetables will keep your meatloaf moist. Good vegetable choices include chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, and carrots. Adding too many vegetables can make it difficult for the meatloaf to hold its shape. So, add only the amount of vegetables you need.
Tags:
Dinner