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Meatloaf
This meatloaf recipe is made of lean ground beef mixed with a savory combination of seasonings and topped off with a delicious homemade meatloaf sauce.
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We love a really moist and yummy meatloaf recipe! This version is a comfort food dish that’s super simple to make. It uses everyday ingredients you’ll probably find in your fridge and cupboard and is a crowd-pleaser your whole family will love. Perfect for cool nights, you’ll want to keep this easy recipe on hand.
Best Meatloaf Ingredients
You’ll need:
For the meatloaf:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 lbs lean hamburger meat
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Substitutions and Additions
BEEF: When you’re making this meatloaf recipe, you can substitute the hamburger meat with any other ground meat you prefer, such as ground turkey, pork, or chicken. We prefer a combination of pork and beef and it makes the meatloaf really moist.
ONIONS: Onions are not for everyone, so you can leave these out.
SPICES: Spice things ups and call it a TACO meatloaf – add in some salsa or taco seasoning.
How to Make The Best Meatloaf Recipe
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a large loaf pan with nonstick spray.
STEP TWO: Place all of the meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl.
PRO TIP: To add more flavor, try sauteeing your onions before adding them to the meatloaf mixture.
STEP THREE: Mix the ingredients with spoons or hands.
PRO TIP: Although it’s not for everyone, mixing the meatloaf up with your hands ensures all the ingredients get incorporated thoroughly. Use a clean pair of gloves if you want.
STEP FOUR: Shape into a loaf and place into a well-greased loaf pan.
STEP FIVE: Combine the ingredients for the sauce in a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
STEP SIX: Pour half of the sauce over the meatloaf.
STEP SEVEN: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
STEP EIGHT: Remove from the oven and add the rest of the sauce. Then return to the oven and bake for another 45 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 160 degrees.
STEP NINE: Remove from the oven and let it rest a bit before slicing.
How To Serve
This amazingly flavorful meatloaf is the perfect comfort food, especially in the cooler months of the year. Some of our favorite sides for this meatloaf dish are mashed potatoes or a big scoop of tasty roasted vegetables.
Storage
IN THE FRIDGE:
Put your leftover meatloaf in an airtight container or wrap it up in tin foil and pop it in the fridge. The leftovers will keep for 3-4 days.
IN THE FREEZER:
If you want to freeze your meatloaf to use at a later date, wrap it up in plastic wrap and tin foil, put it in a freezer bag, and place it in the freezer. Make sure to use it within 3 months.
REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS:
If your meatloaf was frozen, defrost the meatloaf in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, you can place it in a baking dish and put it in a 350 degree preheated oven. Alternatively, you can slice off the desired amounts and heat them up on individual plates in the microwave.
This traditional, tasty meatloaf recipe is easy for even the most novice home cook, and it will definitely hit the spot when you need some comfort food. Filled with savory seasonings and topped with the yummiest brown sugar sauce, you can’t go wrong.
This traditional meatloaf recipe is so easy to make! It’s a flavorful main dish with a savory brown sugar sauce the whole family will love.
FAQ:
Question: Why should I use milk in the recipe?
Answer: The milk mixes with the breadcrumbs and helps the meatloaf to stay moist.
Question: Is it best to cook the meatloaf covered or uncovered?
Answer: Cover with tin foil during cooking, but you can uncover it for the last 15 minutes, so the sauce caramelizes and gets sticky. When you cover the meatloaf, it also helps to retain moisture.
Question: I don’t have breadcrumbs. What else can I use?
Answer: Crushed-up soda crackers are a great substitute if you don’t have breadcrumbs available.
Meatloaf
This meatloaf recipe is made of lean ground beef mixed with a savory combination of seasonings and topped off with a delicious homemade meatloaf sauce.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 pounds lean hamburger
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a large loaf pan with nonstick spray.
- Place all of the meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl
- Mix with spoons or hands until fully combined.
- Shape into a loaf and place into a well-greased loaf pan
- Combine the ingredients for the sauce in a small saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Pour half of the sauce over the meatloaf.
- Place pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and add the rest of the sauce. Then return to the oven and bake for another 45 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 160°F.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest a bit before slicing.
Notes
Sauté the onion before mixing it into the beef mixture. Sautéing will release the onion’s flavors, making your meatloaf even more flavorful.
While messy, mixing the raw meatloaf mixture with your hands is the best way to make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
Do not overmix the meatloaf mixture. Overmixing will make the meatloaf dry and dense.
Letting the meatloaf rest is an important step in this delicious recipe. It makes the meatloaf easier to slice but also allows time to lock in the juices.
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