Meatloaf

The classic meatloaf is a comfort food favorite that brings warmth and nostalgia to any meal. This easy, tender recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or simply a cozy night at home. The unique sweet and tangy glaze adds a delightful twist, making this meatloaf stand out from the rest. Versatile and satisfying, it can easily be customized with different types of ground meat like beef, chicken, or turkey.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes only 10 minutes to prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Glaze: The sweet and tangy ketchup glaze elevates the dish and keeps the meatloaf moist.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap meats or add your favorite vegetables for a personal touch.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good meatloaf! It’s a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Great Leftovers: This meatloaf stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious meatloaf, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Meatloaf pan
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Meatloaf pan: Helps shape the meat mixture perfectly for even cooking and easy slicing.
• Skillet: Ideal for sautéing onions and garlic to enhance their flavors before mixing them into the meatloaf.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 pounds lean ground beef (you can replace 1/2 of the beef with chicken or turkey if you like)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or dried parsley; plus more for garnishing)

For the Glaze

• 3/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

How to Make Meatloaf

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your meatloaf cooks evenly.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
1. Add the chopped onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the sautéed onion mixture with ground beef, milk, eggs, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and parsley.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 4: Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan:
1. Press it down gently to create an even surface on top.

Step 5: Bake

Place in preheated oven:
1. Bake for about 40 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While it bakes:
1. In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.

Step 7: Glaze and Finish Baking

After baking for 40 minutes:
1. Spoon the glaze over the meatloaf.
2. Return to oven for an additional 20–30 minutes until fully cooked through.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Once done:
1. Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
2. Garnish with extra parsley as desired before serving.

Enjoy this comforting classic with your favorite sides!

How to Serve Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meatloaf experience.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes complement the meatloaf’s rich flavors, making it a classic combination.

On a Sandwich

• Slice the leftover meatloaf and serve it on bread with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a delicious cold or hot sandwich.

Paired with Green Beans

• Fresh or sautéed green beans add a crisp texture and bright color, balancing the meatloaf’s savory taste.

With a Side Salad

• A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing offers freshness that contrasts nicely with the dense meatloaf.

Topped with Gravy

• Pouring homemade or store-bought gravy over your meatloaf adds moisture and richness, making each bite more flavorful.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers provide sweetness and a pop of color that pairs wonderfully with the hearty meatloaf.

How to Perfect Meatloaf

Creating the perfect meatloaf requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for a delicious result every time.

• Use lean meat: Choosing lean ground beef helps prevent excess fat from making the loaf greasy while still keeping it moist.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid a tough texture. Overmixing can lead to dense meatloaf.
• Add moisture: Incorporate ingredients like milk or grated vegetables to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy throughout cooking.
• Let it rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest after baking helps redistribute juices for maximum flavor in each slice.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust seasonings or add new flavors like smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce for added depth.

Best Side Dishes for Meatloaf

Pairing meatloaf with the right side dishes can turn your meal into an unforgettable experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread provides crunch and flavor that complements the soft texture of meatloaf.
2. Coleslaw: This tangy side adds a refreshing crunch that balances out the hearty nature of the dish.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings brightness to your plate; try grilling or boiling it for maximum flavor.
4. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes topped with sour cream or chives create a satisfying contrast alongside meatloaf.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers vibrant color and nutritional benefits while being easy to prepare.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad loaded with veggies adds textures and flavors that enhance your meal’s overall appeal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making meatloaf, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Boldly overmixing: Overmixing the meatloaf mixture can lead to a dense texture. Mix just until combined for a tender outcome.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold ingredients can impact cooking time. Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature for even mixing.
• Neglecting resting time: Skipping the resting time after baking can cause the meatloaf to fall apart. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
• Using too little seasoning: Underseasoning can make your meatloaf bland. Always taste and adjust seasonings to enhance flavor.
• Choosing the wrong pan: Using a shallow pan may cause uneven cooking. Opt for a loaf pan to ensure consistent heat distribution.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the meatloaf to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Meatloaf

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for optimal freezer storage.
• Meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Meatloaf

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Stovetop: Slice and warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about meatloaf that will help enhance your cooking experience.

What is the best type of meat for meatloaf?

Ground beef is commonly used for meatloaf, but you can also mix in ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.

How do I keep my meatloaf from falling apart?

Using breadcrumbs and eggs helps bind the ingredients together. Also, avoid overmixing the mixture, as this can lead to crumbling.

Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.

What are some variations of meatloaf?

You can customize your meatloaf with different herbs, spices, or vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms added into the mix.

Final Thoughts

This classic meatloaf recipe is not only tender and moist but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or changing up the spices. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes or on a sandwich, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table!

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Meatloaf

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in this comforting classic meatloaf that is sure to become a family favorite. This tender and flavorful dish combines ground beef with a delightful sweet and tangy glaze, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or simply cozy nights at home. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can customize this meatloaf by mixing in ground chicken or turkey and your choice of vegetables. Its versatility ensures that everyone will find something to love. Plus, enjoy the satisfying leftovers that taste even better the next day!

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Ingredients

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• 2 pounds lean ground beef (or a mix of chicken/turkey)
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs
• 3/4 cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Sauté chopped onion in butter for 3–4 minutes, add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine sautéed onions, ground beef, milk, eggs, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix until just combined.
4. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a loaf pan.
5. Bake for about 40 minutes.
6. Prepare the glaze by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
7. After 40 minutes of baking, spoon the glaze over the meatloaf and return it to the oven for an additional 20–30 minutes until fully cooked.
8. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 90mg