Meatloaf Recipe

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🍽️ Meatloaf Recipe

📖 Description

This classic meatloaf is juicy, flavorful, and topped with a tangy-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s the ultimate comfort food, made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings that come together for a hearty, satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or when you’re craving something homestyle and filling.

📝 Ingredients for Meatloaf Recipe

  •  2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 2 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)

  • ½ cup ketchup (for topping)

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (for topping)

  • 1 tbsp mustard (optional, for topping)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix gently until just combined (don’t overmix).

  3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a lined baking dish or loaf pan.

  4. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

  5. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

  6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or salad.

📝 Notes

  • Use a mix of ground beef and pork for richer flavor.

  • Oats can replace breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.

  • Sauté the onions and garlic before adding for a sweeter, mellower flavor.

  • If using lean beef, add 2–3 tbsp olive oil or milk-soaked bread for extra moisture.

💡 Tips

  • Don’t pack the meat too tightly; it can make the loaf dense.

  • Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.

  • Leftovers make great sandwiches the next day.

  • To prevent sogginess, bake on a baking sheet lined with foil rather than in a deep loaf pan.

🍴 Servings

  • Serves: 6–8 people

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 1 hour

  • Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

🌟 Benefits

  • High in protein for muscle repair and satiety.

  • Comfort food that brings family together.

  • Versatile — can be customized with vegetables, cheese, or different sauces.

  • Easy to prepare ahead and meal prep friendly.

 Q/A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I freeze meatloaf?
A: Absolutely. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven.

Q: What can I use instead of beef?
A: Ground turkey, chicken, or a beef-pork blend all work well. Adjust seasoning for leaner meats.

Q: How do I keep my meatloaf from falling apart?
A: Make sure to use enough binders (eggs + breadcrumbs) and let it rest after baking before slicing.

Q: Can I make it healthier?
A: Yes! Use lean ground turkey, oats instead of breadcrumbs, and a lower-sugar glaze.

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