Why Make This Recipe
Meatloaf is a beloved comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any dinner table. This recipe for Best Moist Meatloaf is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Plus, its moist texture makes it a delightful dish that everyone will love.
How to Make Best Moist Meatloaf
Making the Best Moist Meatloaf is straightforward. You will mix the ingredients, shape the loaf, and bake it until it’s golden brown and delicious. Follow these simple steps to create your meatloaf masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Ground Beef (85% Lean) (Substitution: Use ground turkey for a lighter version.)
- 1 cup Onion (Finely Chopped) (Substitution: Can use shallots for a milder taste.)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (Use as needed to avoid sticking.)
- 2 large Eggs (Essential for maintaining texture.)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced) (Substitution: Garlic powder can be used for a milder flavor.)
- 1 cup Ketchup (Ensure use of high-quality ketchup for best flavor.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Chopped) (Substitution: Dried parsley (1 Tbsp) can be used if fresh isn’t available.)
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Substitution: Gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats for a gluten-free option.)
- 1/2 cup Milk (Essential for a soft texture.)
- 1 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste.)
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning (Adjust to taste.)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (Adjust to taste.)
- 1/2 cup Ketchup
- 1 tbsp White Vinegar (Substitution: Apple cider vinegar works well.)
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, add the ground beef, chopped onion, olive oil, eggs, minced garlic, ketchup, parsley, panko breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
- Shape the Loaf: Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf, making sure to pack it slightly but not too tightly.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Blend until smooth.
- Top the Loaf: Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Cool and Serve: Let the meatloaf cool for a few minutes before slicing it. This helps keep it moist.
How to Serve Best Moist Meatloaf
Serve your Best Moist Meatloaf with classic sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or even a simple salad. You can garnish it with extra parsley for a pop of color. It also pairs well with homemade gravy and bread.
How to Store Best Moist Meatloaf
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the meatloaf for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Best Moist Meatloaf
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be gentle to avoid a dense meatloaf.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tailor the seasonings to fit your taste. Adding herbs like thyme or basil can enhance the flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatloaf cooks evenly, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Variations
For a different twist, try adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or cheese to the mixture. These will add extra flavor and texture to your meatloaf. You can also experiment with different types of ground meat for unique tastes.
FAQs
Q: Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
Q: Can I substitute the breadcrumbs?
A: Absolutely! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats as a substitute.
Q: How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
A: The meatloaf is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). A meat thermometer is a good tool for checking this.
Enjoy making your Best Moist Meatloaf, and savor every bite of this comforting dish!
Best Moist Meatloaf
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (85% Lean) Substitution: Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- 1 cup Onion (Finely Chopped) Substitution: Can use shallots for a milder taste.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil Use as needed to avoid sticking.
- 2 large Eggs Essential for maintaining texture.
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced) Substitution: Garlic powder can be used for a milder flavor.
- 1 cup Ketchup Ensure use of high-quality ketchup for best flavor.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Chopped) Substitution: Dried parsley (1 Tbsp) can be used if fresh isn't available.
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Substitution: Gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats for a gluten-free option.
- 1/2 cup Milk Essential for a soft texture.
- 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 cup Ketchup
- 1 tbsp White Vinegar Substitution: Apple cider vinegar works well.
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, add the ground beef, chopped onion, olive oil, eggs, minced garlic, ketchup, parsley, panko breadcrumbs, milk, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix everything until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf, making sure to pack it slightly but not too tightly.
Glazing
- In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Blend until smooth.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Baking
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf cool for a few minutes before slicing it.
