Welcome to our culinary adventure where we'll explore a simple yet delicious meatloaf recipe that's perfect for a cozy family dinner or for when you're looking to impress with minimal effort. Today, we're not just cooking; we're creating a dish that resonates with warmth and comfort. Let's dive into this quick and simple meatloaf recipe that you and your loved ones will undoubtedly cherish.
Ingredients
Before we start, gather the following ingredients for our delightful meatloaf:
- Ground Meat: 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef, pork, or a combination for a richer flavor
- Bread Crumbs: 1 cup, fresh or dried
- Milk: 1/4 cup to soften the bread crumbs
- Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten
- Onion: 1/2 finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ketchup: 1/4 cup for the meatloaf mix and more for glaze
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons, optional for glaze
These simple ingredients are key to crafting a flavorful meatloaf that's moist and tender. Now, let's look at how to combine them to form the perfect meatloaf.
Preparation Steps
Making a quick and simple meatloaf is about achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here's how to do it:
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Pan: Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix Bread Crumbs and Milk: In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs with milk, let it sit until the bread soaks up the milk.
- Add Ground Meat: Add the ground meat to the soaked bread crumbs.
- Incorporate Other Ingredients: Stir in the eggs, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix gently but thoroughly to avoid overworking the meat.
- Shape the Loaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared pan and shape it into a loaf, smoothing out the top.
- Glaze Preparation: Mix extra ketchup with brown sugar for a sweet glaze.
- Apply Glaze: Spread a generous amount of the glaze on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Rest: Once done, remove from oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
Now that you've successfully baked your meatloaf, let's consider some important notes to enhance your culinary experience:
🔔 Note: Remember, letting the meatloaf rest helps redistribute the juices, making it more moist when you slice it.
🔔 Note: You can add a variety of seasonings or vegetables for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
We hope this quick and simple meatloaf recipe finds its way into your heart and onto your dining table, becoming a beloved dish in your home.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this meatloaf recipe?
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Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef or pork. However, keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so you might want to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil or an egg to keep the meatloaf moist.
How can I prevent my meatloaf from crumbling when I slice it?
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Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 15 minutes after baking. This rest period helps the loaf to set, reducing the chances of it falling apart. Also, using bread crumbs or a binding agent like eggs is essential for structure.
What vegetables can I add to the meatloaf?
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You can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or celery for extra flavor and nutrition. Ensure they’re finely diced so they cook evenly with the meat.
