Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. This easy meatloaf recipe, inspired by timeless family traditions and given a modern twist, is perfect for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful meals but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients, a quick prep time, and a juicy, tender result, this recipe is a must-try for cooking enthusiasts and home cooks alike who want to enjoy delicious recipes without fuss. Let's dive into how to make this classic meatloaf that’s bound to become a family favorite!
Prepping the Base: Onions and Garlic
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready when your meatloaf goes in. The first step is a little prep work with fresh ingredients. Grab one medium onion and finely chop about one cup. This adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that’s essential for a great meatloaf.
Next, prepare three cloves of garlic. You can mince them by hand, but using a garlic press is a quick and easy alternative that speeds up the process without sacrificing flavor. If you’re short on time or prefer minimal chopping, a teaspoon of onion powder and garlic powder can substitute just fine.
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onions with half a teaspoon of salt and cook gently. If the onions start to brown too quickly, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan. This trick not only prevents burning but also helps steam the onions, softening them faster. Once the onions are softened and lightly colored, add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Mixing the Meatloaf: Ingredients That Make It Moist and Flavorful
Once the onions and garlic have cooled to just warm, transfer them to a large bowl and add two pounds of 90/10 ground beef. This lean-to-fat ratio strikes a perfect balance for juicy meatloaf. To bind everything together, add two large eggs.
For extra moisture, pour in one-third of a cup of milk. This step is crucial—no one wants a dry meatloaf! Next, add three-quarters of a cup of panko breadcrumbs to give the loaf a light texture. For those who need a gluten-free option, gluten-free panko works just as well.
Season the mixture with one teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Feel free to swap in your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary or use fresh chopped herbs for an aromatic boost.
Don’t forget a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and two tablespoons of ketchup for that classic tangy flavor. These ingredients give the meatloaf a savory, slightly sweet lift that makes it irresistible.
Shaping and Baking: Sheet Pan or Loaf Pan
Mix all the ingredients gently but thoroughly. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and tender rather than dense. Break up any clumps and distribute the onions, garlic, eggs, and breadcrumbs evenly throughout the meat.
Prepare a sheet pan lined with foil and lightly coated with oil to prevent sticking. Transfer the meat mixture to the pan and shape it into a loaf roughly 8 by 4 inches and about 2 inches tall. Wetting your hands slightly makes shaping easier and less sticky.
If you prefer, you can skip the hand shaping and use a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan instead. Bake the meatloaf at 375°F for 40 minutes, then brush with sauce and bake for an additional 20 minutes. For the sheet pan method, bake at 350°F for 30 minutes before applying sauce and returning it to the oven.
The Classic Sauce: Sweet, Tangy, and Simple
While the meatloaf is baking, whip up a quick and delicious sauce that takes this dish to the next level. Combine six tablespoons (or 100 grams) of ketchup, one tablespoon of packed brown sugar, and one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. This classic topping adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
If you prefer, feel free to use your favorite barbecue sauce instead. To have extra sauce for serving, just double the recipe. You can also personalize the sauce by adding a teaspoon of onion powder or garlic powder to suit your taste.
After the first bake, brush half the sauce generously over the meatloaf’s top and sides. This not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the meatloaf moist during the final baking stage. Return it to the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Serving and Storing: Ready to Enjoy and Save for Later
Once baked, transfer the meatloaf to a serving dish, garnish as you like, and drizzle the remaining sauce on top. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing—this helps the juices redistribute for maximum flavor and moistness.
This meatloaf keeps well in the fridge for 4 to 5 days when tightly wrapped in plastic. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal that still tastes fresh and delicious when reheated.
Light in texture yet hearty and satisfying, this meatloaf is a wonderful vehicle for your favorite sauce and sides. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual meals.
If you’re looking to add more easy and delicious recipes to your cooking repertoire, this meatloaf is a fantastic place to start. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknight dinners or weekend comfort food cravings. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!
This article was created from the video Easy Meatloaf Recipe with the help of AI.
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