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Satisfy Your Cravings: The Ultimate Meatloaf Recipe

Oh, meatloaf. Just saying the word brings back memories of home-cooked meals, the rich aroma wafting through the air, and that feeling of comfort that only a good loaf can provide. If you ever found yourself in need of a quick solution for dinner or a dish that’s sure to impress your family, I’ve got you covered! Let’s dive into the world of meatloaf, where simplicity meets deliciousness, and create a meal that warms the heart as much as it fills the belly.

Why You’ll Love This Meatloaf

Meatloaf isn’t just a classic; it’s a superhero in the kitchen! Packed with flavor, it boasts a multitude of textures, and the leftovers (if you have any) are just as glorious for sandwiches the next day. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize, so feel free to unleash your inner chef! Trust me; this meatloaf will soon become part of your culinary repertoire, providing both a cozy weeknight dinner and splitting the workload with a great make-ahead option.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get our hands a little messy, let’s gather up these fantastic ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for a flavor explosion)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works wonders!)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (because everything’s better with cheese)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup ketchup (plus more for topping!)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg (the binding superhero!)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (a dash of magic)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for an extra crunch!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat Your Oven: First things first—let’s get that oven warming up to 350°F (175°C). Your future self will thank you!

2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, ketchup, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You can use your hands for this step. Don’t be shy! Just think of it as a culinary workout.

3. Shape Your Loaf: Once everything is combined nicely and you feel like a meatloaf maestro, transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet. Either way, don’t forget to pour a little ketchup on top for that classic glaze!

4. Bake Away: Toss it in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 hour. You want that internal temperature to reach 160°F (70°C) to keep it safe and scrumptiously juicy.

5. Rest and Serve: Once baked, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This is crucial! Letting it rest allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains moist. Serve with mashed potatoes, a side of green beans, or on its own, because who am I to judge what’s on your plate?

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf

• Don’t Overmix: While it’s tempting to mix vigorously, overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. Just combine until everything is nicely incorporated—think gentle, not aggressive!
• Add a Little Zing: Experiment with different flavor add-ins like chili flakes for some heat or even barbecue sauce to the meat mixture for a fun twist.
• Storage: Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven, making meal prep a breeze!

A Dash of Personal Touch

This meatloaf recipe has been around in my family for years, and I remember my kids clamoring for their second helpings at dinner. It became our go-to for family gatherings after my little ones fell in love with it. I suppose there’s something magnetic about meatloaf that makes everyone crave it, don’t you think?

FAQs About Meatloaf

• Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken? Absolutely! Just remember, you may need to tweak the cooking time.
• What should I serve with meatloaf? Enjoy it with mashed potatoes, gravy, and a side salad—or go adventurous with a meatloaf sandwich!
• How can I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well.

Remember, creating amazing meals doesn’t have to be complicated, and this meatloaf recipe is proof of that! With each bite, you’re not just enjoying a hearty dish; you’re also making memories, whether it’s sitting at the dinner table with your family or wrapping a slice for tomorrow’s lunch.

So embrace your inner chef and give this meatloaf a try. It might just become your new comfort food star!

Craving more comfort food? Check out my Family-Friendly Meals for easy dishes that everyone will love!

Meatloaf is the perfect recipe for a quick, heartwarming dinner. Quick, easy, and delicious, this dish will become your go-to meal. Try it today!

Learn more about cooking tips and techniques from Food Network to elevate your culinary skills!

Ultimate Meatloaf

A classic meatloaf recipe that combines ground beef, breadcrumbs, and savory ingredients, perfect for family dinners and easy meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor
• 1 cup breadcrumbs panko works wonders!
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, but enhances flavor
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup ketchup plus more for topping
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg the binding ingredient
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• optional chopped vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added crunch

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, ketchup, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet. Pour a little ketchup on top for glaze.

Cooking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
2. Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.

Serving

1. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or enjoy it as a meatloaf sandwich.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meatloaf mixture to avoid a dense texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.