The aroma of a classic meatloaf wafting through the kitchen can transport you back to your childhood, can’t it? The sight of that glistening loaf, with its perfectly browned edges, makes your mouth water in anticipation. layered zucchini ricotta melts Each slice reveals a tender interior infused with savory flavors that dance on your taste buds, leaving you yearning for just one more bite.
Growing up, I remember my mom’s classic meatloaf as the heart of our family dinners—an unassuming dish that somehow always stole the show. Whether it was a rainy Sunday or a festive holiday gathering, this comforting dish never failed to bring us together around the table. quick and easy English muffin pizzas If you’re ready to embrace nostalgia and create something delicious, let’s dive into making this classic meatloaf that promises an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This classic meatloaf is easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients
- Its rich flavor profile will impress even the pickiest eaters at your table
- The visual appeal of a beautifully glazed loaf makes it a star attraction for any meal
- Versatile enough for leftover sandwiches or as a meal prep hero, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners
Sharing this meatloaf recipe with friends led to smiles and compliments all around—it truly became the star of our potluck! For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: A combination of 80% lean and 20% fat works best for flavor and moisture. For more inspiration, check out this ground beef casserole recipe recipe.
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Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs to help bind the meatloaf while keeping it tender.
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Eggs: Two large eggs act as a binder and enrich the loaf’s texture.
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Onion: Chopped finely; it adds sweetness and moisture when cooked.
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Ketchup: This adds both flavor and moisture; it’s an essential ingredient, trust me!
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Worcestershire Sauce: A splash enhances umami flavors—don’t skip this!
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
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Garlic Powder: For an extra punch of flavor; you can also use minced garlic if preferred.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures even cooking from the moment you pop in your meatloaf.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté finely chopped onions until they turn translucent and fragrant—about five minutes should do the trick.
Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined; avoid overmixing to keep your loaf tender.
Shape Your Meatloaf: Transfer the mixture onto a lined baking sheet or into a loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf form about 2 inches high; you want it to cook evenly throughout.
Add Toppings for Extra Flavor: Spread additional ketchup on top for that classic glaze effect—a little sweetness goes a long way here!
Bake It Up!: Place your formed meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when its internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
Enjoy the heavenly aroma filling your kitchen as you await this comforting classic! Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing; this helps keep it juicy.
With each slice of this classic meatloaf recipe bursting with rich flavors and memories attached to every bite, you’ll be glad you took the time to make it. savory tomato mozzarella potato gratin Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed veggies for that ultimate comfort food experience!
You Must Know
- Classic meatloaf is a comfort food that brings back memories of family dinners
- Moist, savory, and topped with a tangy glaze, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser
- Don’t forget to let it rest before slicing; it keeps the flavors intact and makes serving easier
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix your ingredients in a large bowl, then form into a loaf. Bake for about an hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment by adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers or swapping breadcrumbs for crushed crackers. You can also use different seasonings to make your meatloaf truly unique.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use lean ground beef for a lighter meatloaf while maintaining flavor
- Always let your meatloaf rest before slicing to lock in moisture
- Experiment with toppings; BBQ sauce or ketchup adds a delicious glaze!
Creating my classic meatloaf recipe took years of tweaking and taste-testing, but now my family can’t get enough of it! loaded vegetarian Greek pita nachos.
FAQ
How do I know when my classic meatloaf is done?
Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F using a meat thermometer.
Can I freeze classic meatloaf?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months for later enjoyment.
What can I serve with classic meatloaf?
Pair it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Classic Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Classic meatloaf is a nostalgic dish that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table. This easy-to-make recipe combines savory ground beef with simple ingredients, resulting in a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for family meals or gatherings. The rich aroma of baking meatloaf will fill your kitchen, transporting you back to cherished childhood memories. With a tangy glaze on top and versatile serving options, this classic meatloaf is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a lined baking sheet or loaf pan and shape into a loaf approximately 2 inches high.
- Spread additional ketchup on top for glazing.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
