Easy Meatloaf

Introduction

Meatloaf is a timeless classic that has become a family favorite across many homes. This simple, hearty dish can be a centerpiece of a comforting dinner, combining savory ground beef with rich flavors of ketchup and brown sugar sauce. Perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings, meatloaf is not only easy to make, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a fresh salad. Follow this guide to create a flavorful meatloaf that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

Meatloaf Ingredients (Detailed Breakdown)

This easy meatloaf recipe requires just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you need for both the loaf and the sauce:

• For the loaf:
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef: Ground beef is the base of this dish. Opt for an 80/20 blend for the best texture and flavor.
  • 1 large egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients together.
  • 1 onion, chopped: This adds flavor and moisture to the meatloaf.
  • 1 cup milk: The milk softens the bread crumbs and adds richness to the mixture.
  • 1 cup dried bread crumbs: These help absorb the moisture and keep the meatloaf from becoming too dense.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust these seasonings based on your preference.
• For the sauce:
  • ⅓ cup ketchup: This is the base of the sauce, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness and caramelizes nicely while baking.
  • 2 tablespoons prepared mustard: Mustard brings a slight tang that balances out the sweetness of the sauce.

How to Make Meatloaf at Home

Making meatloaf from scratch is a simple process that requires minimal prep. Follow these steps for a perfect meatloaf every time:

1. Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan lightly with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Loaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, milk, bread crumbs, and egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the mixture is thoroughly combined, transfer it into your prepared loaf pan. Gently press the mixture down to form an even layer.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until well combined. Pour this sauce over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
4. Bake the Meatloaf: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 1 hour. The meatloaf is done when it’s no longer pink in the center, and a thermometer inserted into the middle reads 160°F (71°C).
5. Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

• Choosing the Right Ground Beef: For the best results, opt for a ground beef blend that’s about 80% lean and 20% fat. This ratio gives the meatloaf a good balance of flavor and moisture.
• Avoid Overmixing: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is evenly distributed. Overmixing can lead to a tough meatloaf.
• Enhance the Flavor: For added flavor, try mixing in some minced garlic, chopped herbs like parsley, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
• Moisture Control: If your meatloaf turns out too dry, consider adding an extra egg or more milk next time. Conversely, if it’s too wet, try adding more bread crumbs.
• Checking Doneness: A meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check if your meatloaf is done. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption.
• Slicing: To keep the meatloaf slices from falling apart, use a sharp knife and let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before cutting.

Pairing Meatloaf with Delicious Sides

Here are a few fantastic side dishes that pair beautifully with homemade meatloaf:

1. Classic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes are a comforting side that complements the richness of the meatloaf.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli add a healthy and colorful contrast to the dish.
3. Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the flavors and offers a refreshing bite.

How to Store and Freeze Meatloaf

• Storing: Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain moisture, consider wrapping the slices individually in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freezing: To freeze, tightly wrap the entire cooked meatloaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. When ready to reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.

Notes and Troubleshooting

• Crumbly Meatloaf? This could be due to not enough binding agents (egg or bread crumbs). Ensure you have enough of both in your mixture.
• Dry Meatloaf? If your meatloaf is coming out dry, it might be overcooked. Ensure you’re checking the internal temperature and avoid overbaking.
• Grease Management: If using fattier beef, you may want to consider draining excess grease halfway through cooking.

Easy Meatloaf

Recipe by admin

0.0 from 0 votes

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

This easy meatloaf recipe is a hearty and delicious meal made with ground beef and topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup-based sauce. It’s a comfort food favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef

• 1 large egg

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup dried bread crumbs

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ⅓ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons prepared mustard

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  
• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, milk, bread crumbs, and egg. Season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer the mixture into the loaf pan and smooth out the top.
  
• In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread the sauce over the meatloaf.
  
• Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• You can use crushed crackers in place of bread crumbs if you prefer.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 8g
• Calories: 372kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 98mg
• Sodium: 335mg
• Potassium: 343mg
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 9g
• Protein: 18g
• Vitamin C: 3mg
• Calcium: 81mg
• Iron: 2mg