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Meatloaf Recipe
Baking a comforting meatloaf evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners. The warm aroma wafting through the home instantly brings a sense of nostalgia. Meatloaf stands as a timeless dish, easily adaptable and perfect for satisfying hunger. Itโs a classic recipe that deserves a spot in everyoneโs kitchen repertoire.
With every bite, you find a hearty blend of flavors that fills you up and warms your heart. This meatloaf recipe brings together ground beef, spices, and a medley of ingredients that make every mouthful a delight.
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Creating meatloaf offers a chance to experiment and make the dish your own. You can adjust the spices, switch up the cheese, or even play around with the glaze to personalize the flavors. Cooking should be a joyful experience, and meatloaf embodies that spirit beautifully. Get ready to dive into this satisfying dish that combines creativity and comfort.
Making the Best Meatloaf
Fundamentals
When it comes to meatloaf, itโs all about balance. Combining the right ingredients gives you a tender, moist result that everyone will love. Ground beef serves as the foundation, and using a lean mix helps keep it juicy without being greasy. Each ingredient contributes to the overall flavor, making this not just a meal but a heartfelt experience.
Incorporating seasonings like dried parsley, Italian seasoning, and a hint of paprika adds depth. When you assemble the ingredients, remember that each one plays its part in creating the symphony of flavors that makes meatloaf so delicious. Prepare for an adventure in your kitchen, as this dish evolves with each tweak and taste.
Preparation/setup
Preparation starts with setting the perfect stage for your meatloaf. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This temperature provides that ideal environment for a well-cooked loaf. While the oven warms up, cover a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and give it a light spray of oil. This step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
This setup creates the perfect canvas for your meatloaf creation. Preparing your workspace efficiently ensures a smooth cooking process. Gather your ingredients, measure them out, and savor the anticipation of putting together something delightful.
Ingredients
To create a delicious meatloaf, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Each ingredient enhances the meatloaf, ensuring it is packed with flavor and texture.
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, Kosher salt, diced onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, milk, and beaten eggs. Mix thoroughly until everything is combined evenly.
- Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the glaze by combining the ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sweet chili sauce, and mustard. Mix until smooth.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing, making it easier to cut and serve.
Techniques for Success
Technique
Achieving the perfect meatloaf takes some finesse, but with the right techniques, you can master this dish. Mixing the ingredients by hand ensures that they incorporate without becoming overworked. This preserves tenderness and prevents a dense loaf. Prioritize gentle folding, especially when adding cheese.
Baking the meatloaf at a higher temperature helps create that beautiful crust while keeping the insides moist and flavorful. Using a meat thermometer guarantees your meatloaf reaches an appropriate temperature for both safety and taste.
Tips/tricks
One key tip is to let your meatloaf mixture sit for a few minutes after combining. This resting period allows the bread crumbs to absorb the milk, which ultimately leads to a juicier end product. Additionally, donโt hesitate to experiment with the spices and seasonings.
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You can easily adjust according to your taste preferences. For an added kick, ramp up the red pepper flakes or introduce some diced bell peppers or mushrooms into the mixture. Each small tweak adds a new layer of flavor to your classic meatloaf.
Perfecting Results
Perfecting results
To achieve a meatloaf that impresses, several factors come into play. The first is cooking time. Keep a close eye on the meatloaf during baking. Factors like oven calibration can affect cooking times. For perfectly cooked meatloaf, a thermometer is your best friend. Aim for an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. This ensures safety and optimal juiciness.
Another way to enhance results is to let the meatloaf rest after baking. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making for a tender slice instead of a dry mess. When you cut into that delicious loaf, youโll enjoy moist, flavorful portions.
Troubleshooting/variations
Some common pitfalls can affect your meatloaf experience. If you find your meatloaf turns out too dry, it may indicate an overbaked product or insufficient liquid. Adjusting the milk quantity can help retain moisture. If the loaf feels crumbly, consider adding more eggs or bread crumbs to firm it up.
For those who enjoy versatility, meatloaf offers endless variations. Swap cheese for something bolder like pepper jack, or mix in different herbs for a unique twist. You might even incorporate cooked bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor without veering too far from tradition.
Serving and Presentation
Serving/presentation
Presentation elevates the meatloaf experience. Slice your loaf into equal pieces for serving. Arrange the slices on a vibrant platter or a rustic wooden board to highlight the appetizing glaze. Even simple garnishes like fresh parsley or sprigs of thyme can brighten the plate and make it visually appealing.
Serve the meatloaf alongside your favorite sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes or a colorful salad, to create a well-rounded meal.
Pairings/storage
Consider serving meatloaf with a side of roasted vegetables or buttery corn. These complement the dish while providing nutritious balance. Storing leftovers is easy as well. Place any remaining meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days.
For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for future meals. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Creating a delicious meatloaf brings together elements of nostalgia and creativity. With straightforward ingredients and easy methods, anyone can whip up this comforting dish. Mastering the basics sets the stage for countless variations, allowing you to adapt the recipe to your personal taste.
Whether sharing with family or enjoying a cozy dinner alone, meatloaf remains a perfect option to satisfy those cravings. Embrace the journey of creating this classic dish, and let it bring joy to your kitchen for years to come.
Print
Classic Meatloaf
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A timeless and comforting meatloaf recipe, perfect for family gatherings and cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, Kosher salt, diced onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs, milk, and beaten eggs. Mix until combined.
- Gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place on a prepared baking sheet.
- In a separate bowl, mix ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sweet chili sauce, and mustard for the glaze.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160ยฐF (70ยฐC).
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Let the meatloaf mixture sit for a few minutes after combining for a juicier result. Experiment with spices and add ingredients like bell peppers or mushrooms for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: meatloaf, comfort food, family recipe, baking, dinner
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