This recipe for Mom’s Meatloaf is a comforting classic, perfect for a hearty family meal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into the details and explore how to make this savory meatloaf step by step.
Mom’s Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup tomato juice
- 3 slices bacon
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your oven is hot and ready to bake your meatloaf to perfection.
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Prepare Bacon: Take the bacon slices and partially cook them in the microwave for about one minute on high. This step helps to render some of the fat from the bacon and gives it a head start on cooking.
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Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, tomato paste, egg, salt, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and finely chopped green onions. Mix everything together until well combined. This mixture forms the base of your flavorful meatloaf.
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Prepare Loaf Pan: Spray a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the meatloaf from sticking to the pan during baking. This ensures easy removal and serving later on.
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Shape Meat Mixture: Transfer the mixed meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly to fill the pan. Use your hands or a spatula to shape the mixture into a loaf shape, ensuring it’s compacted together.
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Add Tomato Juice: Pour the tomato juice evenly over the top of the meatloaf mixture. The tomato juice adds moisture and flavor to the meatloaf as it bakes, keeping it juicy and delicious.
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Layer Bacon: Now, take the partially cooked bacon slices and lay them on top of the meatloaf mixture in the loaf pan. The bacon will crisp up as it bakes, adding a savory and smoky flavor to the meatloaf.
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Bake: Place the prepared meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the bacon is crispy on top. You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the loaf – it should register at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Serve: Once the meatloaf is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful meatloaf. Serve slices of Mom’s Meatloaf alongside your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad.
This Mom’s Meatloaf recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, packed with flavor and nostalgia. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this classic dish is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the comforting aromas and delicious taste of homemade meatloaf with this easy-to-follow recipe from Love with Recipes!
