Why make this recipe
This meatloaf recipe stands out for its perfect mix of flavors and textures. It offers a comforting, hearty meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. Plus, it uses common ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen, making it easy to whip up any day of the week. When served hot, this meatloaf will not only satisfy your hunger but also warm your heart, making it a dish you’ll crave again and again.
How to make The Best Meatloaf Recipe You’ll Crave Again and Again
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (opt for an 80/20 blend for a juicy experience)
- 1 medium onion (sautéed in butter for a sweeter flavor)
- 1 tbsp butter (for sautéing onions)
- 2 large eggs (essential for binding ingredients)
- ½ cup milk (hydrates the breadcrumbs)
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs (can swap for seasoned breadcrumbs if necessary)
- ⅓ cup ketchup or chili sauce (substitute with BBQ sauce for a smokier flavor)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (enhances the herbaceous flavor)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (dried parsley works too)
- To taste kosher salt & black pepper (crucial for seasoning)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (optional) (adds a hint of sweetness to the topping)
- ¼ cup ketchup or chili sauce (provides a zesty glaze)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional) (balances the acidity of the sauce)
- To taste Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard (optional) (elevates flavor profile)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until it is soft and golden.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onions, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, ketchup or chili sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients well until everything is combined but do not overmix.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the ketchup or chili sauce with the brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce to create the glaze.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
How to serve The Best Meatloaf Recipe You’ll Crave Again and Again
Slice the meatloaf and serve it warm with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. A drizzle of extra ketchup on top adds a nice touch. This dish goes wonderfully with a side of creamy coleslaw or savory gravy for added flavor.
How to store The Best Meatloaf Recipe You’ll Crave Again and Again
Once your meatloaf has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Alternatively, you can place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to three months.
Tips to make The Best Meatloaf Recipe You’ll Crave Again and Again
- Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- You may add your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or carrots, for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes into the meat mixture.
Variation
Feel free to switch up the meat! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lower-fat option. You can also turn this meatloaf into mini meatloaves by shaping them into muffin-sized portions for quicker baking.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of meats for a different taste.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) for it to be fully cooked. A meat thermometer is a handy tool for this.
Can I prepare the meatloaf in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat mixture and place it in the pan, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. Just pop it in the oven the next day.
Best Meatloaf
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef Opt for an 80/20 blend for a juicy experience.
- 1 medium onion Sautéed in butter for a sweeter flavor.
- 1 tbsp butter For sautéing onions.
- 2 large eggs Essential for binding ingredients.
- ½ cup milk Hydrates the breadcrumbs.
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs Can swap for seasoned breadcrumbs if necessary.
- ⅓ cup ketchup or chili sauce Substitute with BBQ sauce for a smokier flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning Enhances the herbaceous flavor.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley Dried parsley works too.
- to taste kosher salt & black pepper Crucial for seasoning.
- ¼ cup brown sugar (optional) Adds a hint of sweetness to the topping.
- ¼ cup ketchup or chili sauce Provides a zesty glaze.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional) Balances the acidity of the sauce.
- to taste Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard (optional) Elevates flavor profile.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until it is soft and golden.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onions, eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, ketchup or chili sauce, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix the ingredients well until everything is combined but do not overmix.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the ketchup or chili sauce with the brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce to create the glaze.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
