Here’s a classic recipe for Homemade Meatloaf that’s juicy, flavorful, and comforting! It’s simple to make, and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (you can also use a mix of ground beef and ground pork or turkey for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a bit of tang)
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for a sweet glaze)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the meatloaf mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Dijon mustard (if using). Mix everything together until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
3. Shape the meatloaf:
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and press it down gently to form an even loaf shape. If you prefer, you can shape the mixture into a loaf on a baking sheet instead of using a loaf pan for a crispier crust all around.
4. Prepare the topping (optional):
- In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard (if using). Brush this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf for a sweet and tangy glaze.
5. Bake the meatloaf:
- Bake the meatloaf for 45-60 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the loaf.
6. Rest and serve:
- Once done, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing easier.
Tips:
- For a moist meatloaf, don’t skip the milk and breadcrumbs, which help retain moisture in the meat.
- You can add extra vegetables like grated carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can bake the meatloaf on a lined baking sheet to create a free-form loaf.
- Feel free to experiment with different toppings, such as BBQ sauce or a combination of ketchup and honey for a different glaze.
Enjoy this Homemade Meatloaf with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a comforting and satisfying meal!