Classic Meatloaf Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 1 hour
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
🥩 Recipe Category: Meat
🔥 Keywords: High Protein, High In…, < 4 Hours
Description:
This classic meatloaf recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years, always delighting everyone at the table with its savory flavor and moist texture. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner and makes fantastic leftovers for sandwiches the next day. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers
- 2 tablespoons dry parsley flakes
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar to make the glaze for the meatloaf. Set aside.
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Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become tender and fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add salt, pepper, thyme, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and milk. Mix well. Incorporate the ground beef and pork, along with the crushed crackers, parsley, and cooked onion-garlic mixture.
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Mix Thoroughly: Blend the meat mixture until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. If the mixture appears too dry or sticks to the sides of the bowl, add a splash more milk to achieve a moist consistency.
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Shape the Loaf: Line a baking pan with foil. Transfer the meat mixture to the pan and shape it into a loaf approximately 9×5 inches in size.
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Glaze and Bake: Brush the top of the meatloaf with the prepared glaze mixture, ensuring an even coating. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through. To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the center of the loaf; it should register at least 160°F (71°C).
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Let Cool and Serve: Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve slices of meatloaf alongside mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a classic comfort meal.
- For a quick and delicious lunch, fry leftover slices of meatloaf in a little butter until crispy, then serve between slices of toasted bread with your favorite condiments for a tasty sandwich.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 520.2
- Fat: 32.8g
- Saturated Fat: 11.7g
- Cholesterol: 195.9mg
- Sodium: 769.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 16.9g
- Fiber: 0.9g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 37.7g
Notes:
- Feel free to customize this meatloaf recipe by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables to the meat mixture.
- Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Enjoy the comforting flavors of this homemade meatloaf recipe, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends!
