There's nothing quite like a hearty, home-cooked meal to bring the family together, and what's more comforting than a classic meatloaf? Today, we're diving into an easy, delicious meatloaf recipe that promises to be a hit at your family dinners. Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, this recipe is both straightforward and scrumptious, delivering a moist meatloaf with the perfect balance of flavors. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
To make this tasty meatloaf, gather these ingredients:
- Ground Beef: 2 lbs of 85% lean ground beef for the best texture.
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup of plain breadcrumbs to help bind the meat.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten to act as a binder.
- Milk: 1⁄2 cup of milk to keep the meatloaf moist.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
- Carrot: 1 small carrot, grated or finely chopped.
- Green Pepper: 1⁄4 green bell pepper, finely diced.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 can (15 oz) for both in the mixture and the glaze.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon for deep flavor.
- Ketchup: 2 tablespoons plus more for the glaze.
- Mustard: 1 tablespoon for tangy zest.
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
- Parsley: 1⁄4 cup fresh parsley, chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, approximately 1⁄2 tsp each.
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create your family’s new favorite dinner:
1. Prepping the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- The ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Beaten eggs
- Milk
- Chopped onion
- Grated carrot
- Diced green pepper
- 1⁄2 can of tomato sauce (save the rest for the glaze)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Minced garlic
- Salt and pepper
Mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, which can make it tough.
3. Shaping the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape it into a loaf approximately 9x5 inches, ensuring a uniform thickness for even cooking.
4. Creating the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix:
- The remaining tomato sauce
- Additional ketchup (about 2 tablespoons)
- A little bit of mustard (about 1 teaspoon)
Whisk these together and brush half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the rest for brushing on later.
5. Baking the Meatloaf
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for:
- 50 minutes to 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
After about 40 minutes of baking, brush the remaining glaze over the meatloaf to create a rich, caramelized finish.
6. Resting and Serving
Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist.
🍽️ Note: Letting the meatloaf rest is key. It makes slicing easier and ensures that each slice is as flavorful and juicy as possible.
Why This Recipe Works:
This meatloaf recipe is designed to be:
- Easy: With straightforward ingredients and a simple preparation method.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices, herbs, and vegetables creates a complex flavor profile.
- Moist: Thanks to the milk and eggs, along with the careful resting time.
- Family-friendly: It’s a comforting dish loved by kids and adults alike, perfect for a family dinner night.
Serving this meatloaf with mashed potatoes, gravy, and perhaps some green beans or a salad will complete your meal. Remember, this recipe is versatile; feel free to add or substitute ingredients to suit your family's tastes or to incorporate what you have on hand. Enjoy making memories around the dinner table with this easy, delicious meatloaf recipe.
Can I prepare the meatloaf in advance?
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Yes, you can prepare this meatloaf in advance. Mix the ingredients, shape the loaf, and refrigerate covered until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze it; just wrap it well and increase the baking time by about 15-20 minutes if baking from frozen.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
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The best way to ensure your meatloaf is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. It should read 160°F (71°C) in the center of the loaf.
What are some good side dishes to serve with meatloaf?
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Traditional sides include mashed potatoes, gravy, roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, and a fresh salad. For something different, try garlic bread or a creamy coleslaw.
