Deliciously Simple Meatloaf Recipe: Easy, Juicy, and Satisfying

Welcome to the heartwarming world of comfort food where we explore the joys of a classic homemade meatloaf. There's something truly magical about the simplicity of this dish that brings families together, offering a savory, juicy bite that captures the essence of home cooking. Today, we delve into a Deliciously Simple Meatloaf Recipe that is not only easy to prepare but also promises a depth of flavor that will make this meal a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start mixing, gathering your ingredients is key. Here’s what you’ll need for a meatloaf that serves 6-8 people:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80% lean is ideal for moisture and flavor)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk
• ¹⁄₄ cup ketchup, plus extra for topping
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan for added richness

Preparing Your Meatloaf

Follow these steps to create the perfect meatloaf:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure even cooking.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a fork to combine without overworking the meat.
3. Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture to a 9x5 inch loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for an even bake.
4. Add Topping: Brush the top of the meatloaf with extra ketchup for that classic glaze. If you choose, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the ketchup for an additional layer of flavor.
5. Bake: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Meatloaf is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve it:

• With Mash Potatoes: The richness of meatloaf pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of mashed potatoes.
• Vegetable Medley: A mix of steamed or roasted vegetables like carrots, peas, and green beans complements the savory flavors.
• Gravy: For an extra touch, consider making a simple gravy from the meatloaf drippings or a quick pan sauce with flour, butter, and beef broth.
• Sandwich: Leftover meatloaf makes an excellent sandwich filling when layered between slices of toasted bread.

Storage and Leftovers

Meatloaf is not only comforting fresh out of the oven but also excels as a leftover:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: If you need to keep it longer, meatloaf freezes well. Slice it into portions, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot. For oven reheating, use a low temperature (300°F) to maintain juiciness.

🍽 Note: Meatloaf makes an excellent base for a variety of dishes. Consider turning it into meatloaf muffins for individual servings or even crumbling it over a salad for a unique twist.

Our journey through this Deliciously Simple Meatloaf Recipe has shown us how a few humble ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Meatloaf, with its easy preparation and irresistible flavors, is not just a dish; it's a celebration of the simplicity and satisfaction that comes with home cooking. Whether you're serving it hot from the oven or enjoying the leftovers, this meatloaf promises to be a juicy, flavorful, and comforting treat that will bring warmth to your table, time and time again.

Can I make meatloaf in advance?

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Absolutely! You can assemble the meatloaf the day before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to serve. If baking from cold, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

What type of meat works best for meatloaf?

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While ground beef is traditional, you can mix it with pork or veal for different textures and flavors. A mix of 80% lean beef with 20% pork gives excellent results due to the fat content which ensures a moist meatloaf.

How can I make my meatloaf less dense?

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To keep your meatloaf from being too dense, be gentle when mixing the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf. Also, using breadcrumbs or soaked bread instead of just dry breadcrumbs helps with a lighter texture.