Classic Comfort Meatloaf
Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered how to cook meatloaf that's actually moist and delicious? Honestly, I used to think meatloaf was just something my nan made dry and kinda bland.
But I'm here to tell you, it doesn't have to be! This classic meatloaf recipe will change your mind, promise.
Meatloaf: A Slice of History
Meatloaf is comfort food personified. This dish has roots stretching back centuries, with different versions popping up all over Europe before making its way to America.
It became super popular during the Great Depression as an affordable way to feed a family. Our easy meatloaf recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep, an hour to cook, and makes enough for 6-8 hungry folks.
Why You'll Love This Meatloaf
Forget dry, boring meatloaf. This ground beef meatloaf is seriously juicy and full of flavour. We're talking perfectly seasoned meat, a tangy sweet glaze, and a texture that melts in your mouth.
Think Sunday roast levels of satisfaction. Plus, it's packed with protein, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. This is the best meatloaf recipe because it's simple, delicious, and brings back those nostalgic family dinner vibes.
Honestly, this homemade meatloaf tastes like your childhood, but better.
Ready to get started? Let's dive into what you'll need...
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Meatloaf Party Started!
So, you wanna know how to cook meatloaf that's actually moist and delicious? Alright, let's break down exactly what you'll need.
This easy meatloaf recipe is all about simple ingredients and a little bit of love. Honestly, you probably have most of this stuff already.
Main Ingredients for Our Classic Meatloaf Recipe
- Ground Beef: 2 lbs (900g) . Listen, 80/20 blend is where it's at, trust me. You need that fat for flavour and a moist meatloaf recipe .
- Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup / 150g ). Yellow onion works best.
- Eggs: 2 large , beaten. They're like the glue that holds it all together.
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (120g) . Plain or Italian seasoned.
- Milk: ½ cup (120ml) . Any kind. Don't overthink it!
- Ketchup: ¼ cup (60ml) in the mix, plus ½ cup (120ml) for the glaze.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons in the meatloaf, 1 teaspoon in the glaze. Sounds fancy, but it just adds depth.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon - for that herby goodness.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon . Because everything's better with garlic, innit?
- Salt & Pepper: ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper. To taste, obvs.
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons , packed, for the glaze.
- Yellow Mustard: 1 tablespoon for the glaze. Gives it a nice tang.
Seasoning Notes: Secret Flavor Bombs
For the best homemade meatloaf , don’t skimp on the seasonings! The Italian seasoning is essential. It’s a blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.
Can't find it? You can mix equal parts of the dried herbs. Worcestershire sauce adds a savoury kick. No worries, you can use soy sauce in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You really don't need a ton of fancy gear to get this job done, you know?
- A big mixing bowl.
- A 9x5 inch loaf pan. This is pretty standard.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A chopping board and a knife.
- An instant read thermometer. This is a must to check the meatloaf internal temperature and make sure it's cooked to 160° F ( 71° C) . Safety first!
Right, now that we have all the bits and bobs ready, we can crack on with this ground beef meatloaf and make this best meatloaf recipe !.
And don’t be afraid to experiment with meatloaf variations - get creative!
Cooking Method
Let's Talk Meatloaf, Mate!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good meatloaf? It's total comfort food, isn't it? It reminds me of Sunday dinners at my nan's.
This easy meatloaf recipe is so simple. Even a complete beginner can nail it. We're going to explore how to cook meatloaf to total perfection.
It will be a moist meatloaf recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let's get cracking!
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Essential mise en place is key. Chop your onion. Get the other ingredients measured out. This makes things much smoother.
Time saving organization tips ? I like to prep the glaze first. Then, it's ready to go when you need it. You know?
Safety reminders ? Just don't lick the raw meat. Common sense, really.
step-by-step to Meatloaf Magic
- Preheat oven to 350° F ( 175° C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf tin.
- Gently sauté the chopped onion in a little butter. Then, let it cool. About 5 minutes .
- Combine all meatloaf ingredients in a big bowl. Don't overmix , yeah?
- Form the mixture into a loaf. Put it in the tin.
- Whisk the glaze ingredients. Then, spread it on top.
- Bake for 60 minutes . Or until it hits an internal temperature of 160° F ( 71° C).
- Let it rest for 10- 15 minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy.
Pro Meatloaf Tips from Yours Truly
Want the best meatloaf recipe ever? Sautéing the onion first is a game changer. Trust me.
Don't use too much breadcrumb. It makes it dry. I’ve made that mistake before. Honestly, it’s awful. We will make a homemade meatloaf that tastes awesome.
You can prep the meatloaf mixture the night before. Just cover it and chill it in the fridge. Then, bake it the next day.
This ground beef meatloaf is a super time saver and great family treat.
Meatloaf: A Classic Done Right
So there you have it, my friend! A fantastic guide on how to cook meatloaf ! This classic meatloaf recipe is sure to impress.
Don't forget that a good meatloaf glaze recipe can really make the whole dish sing. This meatloaf internal temperature is critical, so do not forget to use a meat thermometer to make sure it is perfect.
Consider some meatloaf sides like mashed potatoes. Now, go on and make some magic!
Recipe Notes: Let's Talk Meatloaf Wisdom
Right, so you're about to learn how to cook meatloaf ! Before you dive in, let’s chat about some tricks and tips.
These are the things I’ve learned over the years making this classic meatloaf recipe . Honestly, these little things can make a huge difference!
Serving it Up: Ace Plating and Perfect Pairings
Presentation matters, innit? For plating, I love a thick slice of moist meatloaf recipe placed on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
A drizzle of that extra meatloaf glaze recipe on top? Oh my gosh, pure heaven!
And what to serve on the side? My go-to is green beans with a bit of lemon. Simple, but it cuts through the richness of the meatloaf perfectly.
And don't forget drinks! A nice glass of red wine goes beautifully with this easy meatloaf recipe .
Storage Sorted: Keeping Your Meatloaf Fresh
So, you've got leftovers? Lucky you! To refrigerate, wrap the homemade meatloaf tightly in cling film or put it in an airtight container. It'll keep for 3-4 days, easy peasy.
Freezing is also a good option. Slice the meatloaf before freezing, so you can easily grab a portion when you need it.
Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven or microwave. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 300° F ( 150° C) until it's heated through.
Meatloaf Magic: Playing With Flavors
Fancy a change? Let's talk meatloaf variations . If you're trying to be healthier, use ground turkey instead of ground beef meatloaf . It's a bit leaner, but still delicious.
And for a seasonal twist, try adding some chopped, roasted butternut squash in the autumn. It adds a lovely sweetness and texture.
You can also adjust the herbs depending on what's in season or what you fancy.
Nutrition Nuggets: Keeping it Real
Okay, let's get real about nutrition. Meatloaf isn't exactly a health food, but it can be part of a balanced diet.
It's a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
The key is to watch your portion sizes and load up on those meatloaf sides like veggies. I also think ground beef meatloaf is awesome to increase iron intake.
So there you have it! A few extra tips to make your best meatloaf recipe even better. Remember the most important thing is to enjoy the process.
Experiment, have fun, and don't be afraid to get a little messy. And most importantly, use a thermometer to ensure your meatloaf internal temperature reaches a safe 160° F ( 71° C).
Happy cooking, my friend!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my meatloaf from being dry? Nobody wants a meatloaf that tastes like sawdust!
A dry meatloaf is a classic culinary tragedy, a bit like a soggy bottom on a Great British Bake Off cake! The key is moisture. Make sure you're using a ground beef blend with some fat (80/20 is great), and don't skip the milk and ketchup in the recipe.
Also, avoid overbaking; use an instant read thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F (71°C) and pull it out of the oven immediately.
Can I freeze meatloaf, and if so, what's the best way to do it? I'm all about meal prepping like a boss!
Absolutely! Meatloaf freezes brilliantly. You can freeze it cooked or uncooked. For cooked meatloaf, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. For uncooked, wrap it the same way. It'll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking or reheating, and you'll be back in business faster than you can say "Bob's your uncle!".
How to cook meatloaf without it falling apart when I slice it? It's a real bummer when it crumbles!
A meatloaf that crumbles is a common woe, but easily avoided. First, don't overmix the meatloaf mixture that develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs too much and makes it tough, ironically leading to crumbling. Second, ensure there are enough "binding" ingredients like eggs and breadcrumbs.
Most importantly, let the meatloaf REST for at least 10-15 minutes after baking before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meatloaf to firm up, preventing a crumbly catastrophe.
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs in meatloaf? I'm trying to go gluten-free, innit?
Going gluten-free doesn't mean sacrificing your meatloaf dreams! There are several great substitutes for breadcrumbs. gluten-free breadcrumbs are the most obvious choice, but you could also use crushed gluten-free crackers, almond flour, or even cooked quinoa.
Just be sure to adjust the amount of liquid slightly if using almond flour or quinoa, as they absorb moisture differently.
Can I use different types of ground meat when thinking about how to cook meatloaf? Ground beef is getting a bit boring!
Definitely! Variety is the spice of life, even when it comes to meatloaf. You can use ground turkey, ground pork, ground lamb, or even a combination. Turkey is leaner, so consider adding a tablespoon or two of olive oil for moisture. A blend of ground beef and pork is also a classic combination that adds great flavour.
Experiment and find your perfect blend, mate!
Is meatloaf healthy? I'm trying to eat better, but I love a good meatloaf!
Meatloaf can be part of a healthy diet with a few tweaks. Using leaner ground meat like turkey or a leaner ground beef blend significantly reduces the fat content. You can also add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost the nutritional value.
Serve it with plenty of vegetables and a smaller portion of meatloaf for a balanced meal. Remember, everything in moderation, including meatloaf!
Classic Comfort Meatloaf
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
